A Needed Farewell To Summer
Summer flew by faster than ever this year. Last week I finally realized that the leaves were changing, the temperature was dropping, and I hadn’t spent a relaxing evening on the water in far too long. I needed to take my own advice and make some time for fishing, especially before the summer ended. Fortunately for me, my live-in fishing buddy is more than willing to find time for fishing, and when I suggested we plan to get out on Friday night, Darrell had everything ready to go.
Hello, Guelph Lake!
At least a month had passed since I last fished out of Luma, and being back in our tinny was an absolute pleasure. The electric motor quietly pushed us across the lake and I breathed in that indescribable lake smell. It felt like coming home.
The rowing club was a hive of activity with Friday night practice sessions getting underway. Teams of two, teams of four, and several singles, all leaning forward and lifting their blades out of the water, followed by powerful strokes to propel their boats along. Different experience levels were obvious, but they all shared the thrill of being on the water. Coach boats, the only motorboats allowed on the lake, followed the rowers, their occupants shouting out instruction and encouragement.
Picking up my favorite heavy-action baitcaster, I cast the spinnerbait towards shore and automatically started reeling it in. It’s amazing how the very act of casting and reeling has become second nature.
We worked weed edges on a drop-off, and I was pleased to see green weed come in with my lure. By this time last year, much of the weed in our favorite lakes was dying off. I like having the vegetation stick around a little longer.
Twenty minutes into our evening I felt my spinnerbait stop. The weight on the end of the line was a welcome feeling, and the fish leaping out of the water made things even better. Smallies splashing on the surface are always a riot. I reeled like crazy to pick up slack line as the fish made a run at the boat. Darrell grabbed the net and after a few more runs, the feisty smallie was in the net. After a quick picture and a ‘thank you’, she was off to rejoin her friends.
I needed this fish so badly. It felt great to catch her.
While the pike smashfest was not quite at full power, we did find a few cooperative toothy critters. My first pike of the night had a decent pair of shoulders and managed to halt my retrieve more than once. Combined with some good head shakes, the fish put up a nice fight and was rewarded with a quick release. At a sandy bay a few more pike decided to join the party and Darrell and I appreciated their efforts.
Taking advantage of a nearly empty lake, we ventured around to other spots and tried our luck. Jackets were need to combat the wind and dropping temperature. It was soon too dark to wear my polarized glasses.
This was our last fishing trip of the summer. With the beginning of fall right around the corner, it was a time to reflect on where the summer had gone. From fishing derbies, to a fishing trip up north, and buying a new boat, our summer was packed with activities of the fishy kind. I continued to cast and felt grateful for all we had managed to experience over the last few months. I have no shortage of wonderful memories from time spent with Darrell out on the water this summer.
Time to welcome the changing of the seasons.
The sun began retreating behind the trees and we trolled our way back to the launch. The last fishing trip of the summer was complete, with a few nice fish to show for it. Fortunately for us, there is never a hiatus in our fishing. Fall will bring us some more bass fishing and the craziness that is the fall pike bite. Then winter will be here and it will be time to get the ice fishing gear out. But I’ll miss the summer.
We loaded the boat, stowed the gear, and headed home as the dark was settling in. It was a perfect way to say farewell to another wonderful summer.
argosgirl
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Great looking Smallmouth! What a way to wrap up the Summer season. I would assume that the Fall season will be terrific for you and Darrell. Kudos to you both and happy hook ups!
Fall is such a great season around here. I appreciate the cooler temperatures and the big fish that seem to come with them 🙂
Your last summer trip was much better than mine, good job! I will miss summer when it’s gone. it’s by far my favorite and most productive season to fish!
At least there’s always next summer to look forward to! 🙂