Saginaw Bay 06.15.24
Short Version, 3 Man Limit, w/ some catch & Release and upgrades. Mix of Harness & Flicker Shads, and one solo Salmo, whatever that is...... lol
Full Version:
Called some buddies, and said, "Lets Go!"
After some hashing of equipment, we had a departure time, and away we went. After our 3 hours of driving, we finally launched out of Sebewaing.
Oh, I do not have actual times, all times are guestimates, as I had the entire day, and did not keep track of time.
Grabbed some crawlers (Which ended up being a good thing) and away we went on the water, about 9-ish. Not only were we on the water, but the water was on US.
Yup, pretty **** windy, and 3/4 footers, for pretty much of the day.
We ended up over by "The BOOT" and had a Westward troll. Well not actually a troll. Our first pass was 3 fish.
That first pass we had all sorts of issues. With the Fishermans top up we were scooting along like a kite and going pretty fast.
The Fishermans top was up, and back into the wind we went, and I don't know if I have ever said my FT is my favorite accessory, but that day, it was AESOME. For the most part with the 15/19 MPH winds, it kept us dry. Had waves splash over the bow, wash down, auto bilge right out. Was very pleased w/ how the boat reacted and behaved.
Anyway, back up wind to start our second pass. We get up to where we wanted to start, and the top came down, to slow us down, and it still had not enough out came an Amish Drift Bag, and the brakes were on. Now we put it in the starboard corner, but should have put it at the port, so we had a clear netting area. But Sag Bay had a plan.
We picked up 13 that pass, and had doubles, triples, on meat, and cranks.
By this time, the conditions were pure crap, but workable if we took our time. We also noticed we were all alone, no more boats around, or near us. The top went back up, and at a whopping speed of 7.6 MPH, away we went back up PAST the second starting point, and I've no idea how long it took. We get there, and get the top back down, the Amish bag out again, same corner, and my buddy who was the only one to NOT GET WET from the spray, was spouting off, hos it was a nice ride, stayed dry, (Which he had) and we just rolled out eyes, said one day, your time is coming.
Anyway, of you haven't use an Amish bag, it keeps the boat not only slowed, but also, slows the motion as well. AND the only 100% dry guy on the boat, was on the back deck, getting ready to net a fish, and SPLASH, No, he didn't go out the boat, Sag Bay decided to ENTER THE BOAT, not just everywhere, but that specific corner of the boat, and he was also now soaked, from the knees down.........
We finished that pass, and had out limit, and caught and released some, and upgraded some as well.
All I have for a photo is a full live well, taken at about 5:02. Shortly after we had our limit, and before the Catch & release, and upgrades.
Other notable points of the day, I was 100% for netting when the net was in my hands. Why do I say this? Well, my buddies had netting issues. Ironically enough, it was only when I had a fish on. First guy has a miss and blames me for messing with my drag. Second guy grabbed the regular net, and it came off before his short stubby arms could reach that far. We're talking about 1 inch to short. So why they were doing something, I kept quiet and had a fish on, and net it MYSELF, cuz they could not be trusted.
I was on the board, had to do it myself to show them how it's done, but t Hey, whatever it takes. Oddly enough it reminded me of the Detroit River when I was with another guy, and could not get the net to work at all, and was not allowed to net his fish...... lol
In all, a good trip, had some issues at the end, Bent a planer board bracket, and have a scuff in my cowl. I guess that means now the break in time is complete, and the boat is 100% broken in now...... :LOL: We were tired, and its only parts that can be replaced, or fixed.
Then drove home, no idea on time, it was dark, we all grabbed gear, buddies left for home, I cleaned my fish, showered, and to bed by Midnight.
Sunday was cooking some Blackened Walleye w/ scrambled eggs for breakfast, and then maintenance.
Took EVERYTHING out of the boat, to let it dry out. Placed stuff in the garage on the floor, and in the sun, and realized, I got allot of **** in my boat.
Sorted stuff as it was dry, etc, placed back in the boat, and hatch's still open, for circulation.
My favorite boat accessory for the entire trip was the Fishermans Top, I had realized I had been neglecting it, and it was not supple, but very stiff.
That got 3 coats ON THE INSIDE, AND 3 coats on the OUTSIDE, of 303 Protectant. Put the first one on let is set for an hour, then repeat.
It's now nice a supple again. Should be much better.
Thats it in a nutshell
Photo of the fish, and most of the stuff I keep packed in the boat.
OE
