Wednesday I went alone. I trolled around south of Little Hall focusing on humps and points. Not much luck. I managed a small Spot (Black Bass) in the morning. On the way back to the ramp I hooked a catfish that wreaked havoc on all of my lines. I ended up cutting 3 of the 4 lines I had out to free it.
Friday I met up with a couple of LAKE members who wanted to go along. We set out at a decent hour in search of Stripers. Unfortunately we only found Spots. Better than nothing though. I did learn a lot and felt better prepared for the tournament.
The morning of the tournament went smoothly. I got up on time and made it to Hammond's just before they opened the doors at 5:30 am. The tournament ticket allowed me 2 dozen free Herring from Sherry's Bait and Tackle but I decided that would be a mess with everyone else showing up for free bait. Also, I have never been there and was not sure what to expect as far was procedure, parking, lines etc.
I think a few others decided the same. When i arrived there was already a two deep line at Hammond's all the way to the road! All went quickly considering. I left out of there with 2 dozen Herring, another dozen from Friday, and 6 Gizzard Shad. I showed up at the Ramp just after 6.
I was surprised that there were not many boats on the ramp and the parking lot wasn't packed either. It helped that you were allowed to launch from any where o the lake provided you checked in at Little Hall end of day (2PM).
My boat launches easily with one person so I was set and on my way by 630. I ran North up to the back of Johnson creek and started throwing a spook for some top water action to no avail. One I was satisfied that wasn't happening I started setting up rods to troll out. I set the trolling motor to stay on heading and ran about .8 mph. I baited up 6 rods and put them at various depths behind the boat. 4 planer boards and 2 floats. All the way out and around Keith's Island I finally got a hit off a hazard marker only to reel in a stick. I unhooked and freed the stick back to the lake. When I dropped my hook with Herring into the water I immediately got a strike! I few seconds later a small Striper was in the boat. At least it was not going to be a skunk!
I continued trolling back towards the ramp. I ran across a pile of fish, or trees the fish finder thought were fish (LOL) so I hit the electronic anchor and pulled in the planers and floats. I set all threads up as downlines and hoped for the best. Nothing.
I wanted be a little early at the ramp so I could avoid a last minute rush of boats since I was loading up alone.
I did not check in my baby Striper since I knew I hand no hopes of winning anything. Top place in the boat division took it with over 80 inches between two fish (limit).
A great experience for my first ever real tournament and all for a great cause. Go Team Maggie!
No comments:
Post a Comment