First, hello, fellow anglers. It has been many moons since I have posted.

After my annual Wapato lake trip fell through, had to come up with something else for the trout opener. Did not really plan anything at all. But, when I woke up at 4, and the weather seemed not too bad, my mind took over. Went to the stocking reports and ended up selecting Pine.

It was first time floating my portabote this year. Was out of practice... almost left home without my transom bolts. Then started to leave again, before going back into the house to pack my electric tolling motor. But, after those two close calls, everything else went quite well.

The little launch at the park was pretty busy, and the fishing pier looked packed. Took me a while, and I worked up a sweat, but I got my bote launched. Trolled a best west spinner with a little weight ahead of the 4lb leader. No flashers, no bait or scent. Got pretty consistent action using that one setup from about 08:00 to 15:00. Caught about 25 fish, kept 4, and missed many other strikes. Got plenty of practice simultaneously setting the hook with one hand, and shutting off the motor with the other, if I felt a positive hookup. Arm actually got a bit tired from all of the hook setting attempts! :P

Weather was decent, if a little breezy at times, and a few sprinkles came down around noon or a bit after. It was fun to see about 5 other portabotes out at one point. A great day on the water!

---