Hadn't fished Ohop since last year. Decided to stop by on my way home from the in-laws. Water temperature was around 70F, overcast and a slight breeze out of the west.

Not a good day fishing at all. Trolled for a while after first getting there, nothing bit. Tried for some panfish along the shoreline under and around overhanging trees with a dry fly. Got no lovin' from the panfish. Caught two Rainbows after trolling the lake all day long. Spent most of my time dodging the skiers and jet skis.

Too many skiers that didn't give a rip about anyone else on the water. If I happened to have a cordless sawzall...I would have followed them...hid out until dark...and commenced to cutting their boats in half. These freaks would intentionally operate their boats as fast and as close as they could. Sometimes well within 20-30 feet. I am confident in my ability to maneuver my pontoon in rough water...however, I am not confident in "their" abilities at all.

Today was my last day fishing until I return from deployment next August. I was actually anticipating a decent day...which didn't even come remotely close to happening.

As far as I am concerned...may the fish gods smite Ohop with a toxic algae bloom, and its residents' pets consume mass quantities of tainted water...and the residents themselves come down with chronic swimmers itch. I doubt I come back....ever.

Rollin with Rolland

7/7/2008 12:11:00 AM

leahcim_dahc........it took me forever....but last week i got it!!! you crack me up, and when you return next august it will be much better....be safe....

Rosann G

7/7/2008 6:48:00 PM

Sorry you had such a horrible day on Ohop. I'm hoping the boating class that is now required of more age groups each year will help with the manners of alot of the boaters, skiers, jet skiers. We'll see.
Stay safe during your deployment and thank you for your service to America.
Rosann

leahcim_dahc

7/7/2008 10:16:00 PM

Rollin with Rolland-
LOL!! What did you get? My user name...or? I really hope it will get better. The boaters here really torque me off something fierce. Not all boaters...just those that blatantly operate their boats too close. My pontoon is quite stable and can handle some large wakes, but that's when I'm not loaded down with all my stuff. What happens if I had my battery, cooler, gear...myself? Some of the wakes getting thrown my way were well over 2', almost 3' from the top to the trough. Makes for an interesting ride...in particular if I don't notice them coming and take one broadside. Usually, I will keep an eye out and turn perpendicular to it and ride it out.

Rosann G-
I really hope more strict boater certification standards keeps some boneheads off the water. I haven't been navigating the water much, plus with time limits I haven't considered taking any classes just yet. Once I return next year I will definitely look at taking a class myself. Somewhere in the forums I read they can be taken online...which might be an option, especially if I have some down time.

Thanks, all! Save some fish for me! Take care and be safe!


Chad

Outlaw7

7/8/2008 3:54:00 AM

I think the "skiers/ jet skis" own the lake from 1100AM to 300PM; before and after that there is supposed to be a 8 mph speed limit. I agree though; I fish a lot and there are some pretty inconsiderate people out there......I put them in the same class as the folks who litter around all of the boat launches.

rubioloco

7/8/2008 9:22:00 PM

leahcim............. I hear you and second the other comments. I like above Ohop and fish it regularly. The people who ski and skidoo are mostly jerks. They could care less about anyone but themselves. Wish the Pierce County Sheriff would put their boat on this lake once in a while or stand on the shore with binoculars and cite the dangerous operators. I NEVER go there in my small boat until late in the evening...too much of a hassle.

Toss in the garbage dump that rings the fishing spots along the lake.... what a trash heap. This lake used to be fun to fish but the ignorants have ruined it for everyone. Sorry you had to ruin your day with such immature behavior from those who think water is just another place to act like a jerk.

Be safe on your tour of duty and if you get back this way look for a small yellow boat working the flat out from the boat launch in the evenings. I'd be glad to run block from the wakes.

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