First Boat Outing Of The Year
Last Saturday was a perfect spring day weather-wise. The sun was shining, the temperature was warm, and the winds were calm. Since we were already going to be in Burlington to volunteer with Trout Unlimited Canada, it seemed like a no-brainer to take the boat, drive the remaining distance to Lake Ontario, and have our first open water day of fishing this year.
Ah, I love seeing Luma ready to go for a day on the water.
Luma, as I call our boat, got some upgrades this winter, including a new electric motor, a custom battery box, and a new seat for the driver (usually Darrell). I refused to put a seat up front because it would interfere with my ability to lay down and have a nap.
We launched out of Bronte Harbour in the early afternoon, wearing our floater suits and Baffin Titan boots to keep warm. The motor started up without a problem and I can’t describe how good it felt to let the boat run and get some wind on my face.
Darrell was pretty excited to be in the boat.
It was so warm to start that I ditched the hat and had to open my floater suit.
Getting setup.
I have missed this sight!
We setup up after a short run and put lines out on planer boards, as well as one on a downrigger. We ran several different lures in a variety of colours, changed depths, and changed the spread, but nothing wanted to bite. We didn’t even mark much. That was okay though, for the first day out. Our main goal was to test both of the motors, and just get on the water.
Dodging debris was the name of the game and we kept our eyes peeled for the next log that could cause us some problems. Ducks, cormorants, terns…birds were everywhere out there, and not always eager to move out of the way. At one point a gull came for a closer look at the rod that was standing up tall in a rod holder. He was disappointed when there proved to be no food.
The new Minn Kota Endura Max 50lb thrust motor is a huge upgrade on the old electric motor, and provided plenty of power for our little boat. Even headed into a strong breeze it was able to push us along effortlessly. I can’t wait to use it on the electric-only lakes.
Despite having a short period of time on the water, and despite catching no fish, it was fantastic to be on the open water once again, and left both of us feeling refreshed. I can’t wait to get the boat out again this weekend. It was far too long of a winter.
argosgirl
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