Union Valley 2-3-07

Got a little later start than I wanted. I was about 1/2 mile from my house when I realized I forgot an ice chest. Contemplated to just keep going but decided to go back for it. Good thig I did. As I was going into the house from the garage I walked right past my paddle..DOH!!!
Half way to my destination I realized I forgot my camera. Had the housing, just not the guts to it.
Thought I might go to Sly Park but decided against it. Tried to hit a lesser known place called Junction. I was fooled by the spring-like conditions as Junction was completely frozen over. The road getting there was an adventure in and of itself with the ice and cliffs.
Headed to Union Valley's West Point Launch. The breeze started picking just as I got there and I almost didn't launch as conditions never improve.
This time I was wrong as it turned to glass the rest of the day.
Marked a TON of schooled fish on the opposite shoreline from the boat launch. They were 17-23 feet down in 55' of water about 40 feet from shore.  Tried everything. Went over them, through them, to the sides of them for nada. Dang fish had lockjaw today. Only saw 1 fish out of 5 PB's. I trolled a total of 4.8 miles in a little over 4 hours.
I got to test out everything in perfect and silent conditions. The downrigger puts out quite a hummmm. Nothing I touched seemed to damper it at all. I also tried toplining with a side planer for the first time. I liked how it put the line at a 45 degree angle from the kayak.
My only regret about today was forgetting my camera. Some of the most incredible scenery was to be had from the lake today.

tote, I keep a paddle in my truck permanently.

also, a checklist is humilating to use, but great to have. laminate it and keep it in your truck.

did you try a nightcrawler?

Tote do you change your downrigger line to Spectra, I was wondering if that would be quieter then the stock line witch I have on mind witch also huuuuums. you don't have to catch fish to have a great day you just haft to be on the water.

Pat R

you don't have to catch fish to have a great day you just haft to be on the water.

You betcha! Yesterday was one of those days for me, too.
Janice

Tote do you change your downrigger line to Spectra, I was wondering if that would be quieter then the stock line witch I have on mind witch also huuuuums. you don't have to catch fish to have a great day you just haft to be on the water.

Pat R

Yea, 65# Spectra. SOOO much better than the cable it came with. A lot easier to work with too.