My Opening Day

[Tony Scime]

Went out today for the first time this season. As been my tradition for the past 30 years started out in the harbor. First the North Gap. Did the usual trolls with nothing happening. Trolled to the South Gap. Sonar showed lots of fish, and big fish. Of course, I don't know what those fish are. Likely a mix of bass, walleye, carp, drum, suckers, catfish and whatever else might swim in the Lake. 

While trolling a big muskie did surface and wallow a few feet from my boat over 28 feet. Likely chasing something to eat. Looked 45 to 50 inches. Looked more 50 than 45 but maybe that's my imagination working. But a big fish. Nice to see. But didn't hook into anything. 

Water temp was 59, very low for this time of year. Only a couple trollers out and one boat casting. Water color was perfect. 

Trolled 4 hours in the harbor (why does is seem like 4 days?) then headed down river. I really need to be more patient. 

But the river's more fun? Did hook into a couple. Had the hard bump, the slack line, set the hook, felt the fish and started cranking. And they both came off. Neither felt very big. Had a third maybe. Maneuvering with my electric and suddenly had weight on my line. This is usually a fish. Although I felt the weight I really couldn't get a good hook set and it came loose. Not positive it was a fish cause didn't feel any fight.

The sand flies in the river are horrendous. Wind calmed down in the afternoon. When I moved to a new spot was fine for a few minutes, then the sand flies would gradually swarm around my boat. They sat everywhere. would keep getting inside my glasses lens. Drove me crazy. Probably would have fished longer but couldn't take it anymore.

Going back out tomorrow. Not too sure if harbor or river. I think there's a chance for a big fish in the harbor, but the river a better spot to hook into a fish or two or three. But the sand flies were terrible in the river but no problem in the harbor. 

I'll sleep on it.