What can I say but it was one of those days. Fishing wasn’t red hot like it has been. The sun was shining but the wind was blowing. I had trouble steering. Is there any way we can see ahead as to how the day will go? I started my Explorer and the check oil light came on. I knew it might be low but I was going to get it checked by Friday. Then I got on the lake and once I got to the main part it was very windy with white caps at times. I put out the rig I have been catching fish on for the last 3 outings. I also put out a 50/50 dodger with a new beaded lure that was silver and brass with the usual bait. I trolled for over 20 minutes and nothing. I had one lure on the rigger at 23 feet (pink dodger and Bloody Mary) and the other at 13 feet. I finally got a fish on the 50/50 rig but lost it at the boat. I couldn’t get the net to it because of the wind turning the boat. I was also watching the water level at the bottom of the boat. I have a leak and as I continue to fish the water is, for me, getting up to where I know I can’t stay out until I get my limit at this rate. I finally get a fish in the boat on the Bloody Mary. I decide that I had better just fish one rig because it is too hard to steer and manage 2 rods. I switch out the Bloody Mary which has got a fish but I put on a Squiddy Thang Pink with a hammered brass blade. I get a rainbow on it straight away. I release it and start to put the downrigger down and the handle comes off as the ball is descending. I get it back on after smashing a knuckle stopping the decent. OK I have to admit I am just a little irritable now. Looking at the water in the boat, having difficulties with the handle, I decide that I will troll the north side of the island on my way back to the launch since I am not skunked with one in the box. On my way back I get another. So I put things away and crank the motor up. I had put some Seafoam in the gas so I was reflecting on how well the motor ran. GRRRRRRR the motor says, I look back at it and see the pull cord feeding out of (18 inches) the cowling. What is happening? Outboard is still running fine and I get in to the launch. After consulting my outboard physician Dr. Steve, he says it may be the recoil spring. I get home and take the cowling off and I can wind the cord in and out with my finger.

I was fishing on the lake from about 8:30 to 10-10:30am.

End of day results; cleaned 2 fish. 1-12 inches the other 13 but they are thick! I cleaned the boat in preparation for patching. 2 days of sun in the forecast so I should be able to get it done. Oil in vehicle topped off. Found a washer to put on downrigger handle so it is ready to go. I will have to remember to check that screw more often. Then I go to my first ever South King County Puget Sound Anglers meeting. What a day.

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