Loch Lomond Striper Report

Decided to run the boat today, since it had been sitting for about 18 mos.  Launched out of Loch Lomond (ouch, $20) with Fred and my daughter Sydney.  

Found Chuck, Steve and Elric and trolled in the general area they were fishing, but they were consistently hooking up, while our boat was SALTY!!!  Maybe it was the bananas my daughter brought???  Next time, it will be apples instead.  

After trolling for a few hours (and fred released one tiny striper), we landed at the "secret beach" and BS'd a while with Chuck, Elric and another guy(sorry forgot your name).  Was thinking about quitting, but decided to give it one last try when Fred caught a 22" then a 20" all within the first 15 minutes.  Trolled for another half hr then called it a day.

  My daughter and I didn't get a hit the whole day.

Talked to 2 boats while we were trolling and they had nada.  At the ramp, two boats there both got skunked, though one of them had a sturgeon spool him at the pumphouse.  Said they couldn't get the anchor up in time.  Also said a 25lb stiper was landed there too.

Those with kayak's did really well today, those in boats did not.  I'm thinking that while trolling in 4 ft of water, the motor may be spooking the fish.  Either that or those yakker's sure know how to fish the bay.  Probably a little of both, more of the latter.

Here's some picts, this one I dedicate to Chris (cpkayak):



Me and Syd pulling a "joel"  (holding some one else's fish, Fred's)
NOTE:  I'm an idiot.  I took off Syd's Life jacket on shore during our break and forgot to put it back on until a short while later!!



One more of syd:



Capt Fred:



We all had a great time, especially my daughter after netting the second fish.  The weather was fantastic.

Stuart

So nice to see you and Fred OTW.  It's been a long time.  I'm glad Sydney had fun.  Although it looks like she drank one too many beers.  You better hide that picture from mama

Great pics Stuart.  I spent many days passed out in the bottom of my Dad's aluminum.  My daughter Paige never lasted more than 5 minutes in our boat.  Glad to see your getting out and creating the next generation of anglers.

Those with kayak's did really well today, those in boats did not. I'm thinking that while trolling in 4 ft of water, the motor may be spooking the fish.

I see this a lot at Mendo too.  I think the stealth presentation of a yak is key.  Back when I used to troll Mildred Island in my dad's boat, we caught WAY more fish after we switched to an electric motor.  We decided to switch after my buddy with an electric used to kick our a$$ every time we went out together.  After we switched it was always a close match.