Fishing 6/18/14 Day 3 with Kevin, Erich, and Skipper...:)
by Capt Juls on 06/18/14With predicted storms this morning, my crew opted for a 7am pick up, rather than 6am, so as I waited in the parking lot of the condos where they were staying, while they packed their truck with their belongings.
I watched an ominous cloud formation approaching from the west. It was forecast, so I expected it. The lake was calm, and as the cloud got closer, the winds kicked up to what seemed to be 40+ out of the NE...even though the clouds were going the opposite direction.
Instantly, the lake was whipped up into frenzy of white caps and the waves began to build.
I told the guys that it should lay down as soon as it passed, so we should just go gas up the boat and hit the baitshop for more crawlers, and then take a look at it.
As we drove to Hi Way Bait, the tree tops were beginning to settle down again, so at least the forecast was right, and we might still get out this morning.
I decided that since we would be fishing west of the islands, Catawba ramp would be the best starting point, especially with a NE wind. We drove all the way around the point to get to the ramp, so we could take a look at the lake. She was laying down and all was well.
I explained to the guys that it would be their decision, because once the boat hits the water, it's full price, whether we fish for 3 hours or 6 hours. If storms bring us back in I can't prorate it. After a quick affirmative decision by Kevin, we were launching the boat and heading up to the area between Rattlesnake, Green, and Middle Bass.
There was a pack of charter boats to the west and SW of Rattlesnake, but I saw another one of those clouds coming that I watched earlier this morning, and thought that getting in tight to Middle Bass (also one of my favorite spots) would protect us if the NE winds kicked up as they did earlier....and, they did. But, it didn't last nearly quite as long as this mornings winds.
There were fish all over the Humminbird's screen, so we set a trolling pass from the ferry dock to Rattle's rock bar, and started catching fish. We turned around to make another pass through there and they seemed to like that direction a little better. Speed was faster with the current and slower going against it. 1.5-1.6 with the current and 1.3- 1.4 going against it.
They really liked the clear chartreuse and gold bead combo with a gold #5 hammered colorado blade today. That combo took most of the fish, but other colors worked too...the same as in my previous reports all month.
Same leads...39-45 back with a 1oz inline weight, 25-38 back with the 2oz inline weight, and 27-29 back with the #2 Tadpole. The bottom bouncer caught 2 or 3 walleye too. (I think I have to change the reel on that rod...the drag isn't working properly...it's too tight and it won't loosen up, and I think we lost a lot of fish that otherwise might have stayed hooked).
We had a sailboat harassing us for a few hours, but I don't think it was intentional. In fact, it was quit comical in that we came to the conclusion that his sailing skills were on the lower end of the scale and he was just learning....learning with an entire crew of family and friends who also didn't know a dang thing about sailing. lol No mishaps, so no harm no foul. Thanks for the laughs today Mr. Sailboat man! :)
Well, today Kevin, Erich, and Skipper got their limit of nice eater walleye, so they were happy, happy, happy. They said they had more fish than they needed, and asked me if I wanted some of them. Of course I said, "Yes!" to that generous offer. Thanks again guys!
I had a great time these past three days fishing with them, and it really makes my job the best one on the planet when everyone goes home happy, and telling me they had a good time and that they learned a lot. I can't ask for more than that. Life is good. :)
I have the next two days off, so I'll be walking the dogs, cleaning the boat, cutting the grass, and doing a little grocery shopping...oh, and cleaning the house......again (sigh).
The next scheduled trip is Saturday Karl Scherer and his crew. So, I won't be blogging until Saturday. I need the break...thank for reading it!
Stay tuned...
Capt Juls
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