Previous Next

American Lake 3-17-14
The weather said no rain and up to 11mph wind. I thought I would try it. This is the first time this year that I have taken out little Ol’ Girl. I came with a rod and reel with leaded line to try and then my usual 2 rods that I could use for long line or downriggers.

Launched and parked just before 10am. Good. Boat didn’t sink so I remembered to put the plug in. But I couldn’t get the electric motor started at first. I had to wiggle some wires and I was off toward Russells landing but the wind was blowing pretty good so I let it take me toward the north and Silcox. I put in the leaded line 2 and 3 colors out another rod at 30-40 foot on the downrigger. I saw Trent’s Clifford out between the island and the hospital. He hadn’t caught any yet.
I kept changing the depth on the downrigger. Up then down again. It helped smooth out the clutch. I brought in the leaded line and put out one for long lining. I was on the northeast side of the island trying to put gear away and downrigger was at 19 foot because I was in the area that kinda has a hill and goes up to 36 feet from 60. I looked over and the rod was dancing. I got in a nice football of a koke on a Dick Nite 50/50 dodger and a Wannafish A Lure Green Agitator. This was about 11am.
The wind was getting pretty steady and it was really hard to keep it straight! I tried to stack on the downrigger but I could not get it out, the boat was almost turning around if I didn’t keep my had on the tiller. So I gave up the 2nd rod and got one more bite.
It was just too windy. I was going to have to go in. Said bye to WidgeonmanGH texted Trent I was going and headed toward the launch.
I was trying to troll but was not doing well so I brought it in and tried to make it in the wind.
At the southwest end of the island I texted Trent to see if he would tow me to the launch. Then he took a bit of time and I tried to get Mike@ Bills but he didn’t answer and my phone battery was 5%. Then Trent couldn’t see me. I had to wave like a mad woman as I was being blown down towards Bills. Trent came and saved me redeeming him from the Merwin incident.
It was funny cause he was barbequing on the back of the boat and he got up to turn the brats and Clifford would turn towards me.
I made it in safe and the neighbor had fish dinner. I tested my battery and it was just down 50% so I think 20 mph winds are too much for a 46 pound thrust electric motor.

PS I took the temp in 60 foot of water at 19 feet and it was 46 degrees.


We are in a battle! Angler against fish! We need an arsenal of weapons and at my site you will find some of those different weapons. For all those who wannafish a lure come in and take a look at WannafishALure.com.
Official WashingtonLakes.com Sponsor

jd39

3/18/2014 1:16:00 PM

Glad you made it back in safely Toni! Was out there one day last year with 15-20mph winds, without my gas motor I would have been hosed and knocking on a strangers door for help once it blew me to shore. Or explaining to a MP what I was doing in Ft. Lewis, that would have been interesting. Be careful out there!

kokapaw

3/18/2014 5:37:00 PM

What happened to your motor Toni, are you without? I have an extra if you are in need, 97 Merc 2 stk 20" long shaft, stars easy trolls real nice.
Kokapaw

salmonbarry

3/18/2014 6:44:00 PM

Boy that can get scary as I have had my days on the water when the motor doesn't start and the weather turns nasty~ seemed like it was running good in your video so hope you get it running soon. Those kokanees are shaking in their scales knowing your out to bloody up your Ol' Girl!!

Toni

3/18/2014 7:04:00 PM

What video. I haven't taken a video of the electric.

The Quadfather

3/18/2014 7:25:00 PM

There aren't many other people who's reports I take as a true barometer as to how the fishing is, but a Kokanee report from you Toni is like a moment of truth! ??

The Quadfather

3/18/2014 7:27:00 PM

Not sure how those question marks got on there...

Toni

3/18/2014 7:35:00 PM

Quad I needed one in my last comment

MotoBoat

3/18/2014 8:21:00 PM

Toni, not certain but SalmonB could be talking about the red tri-hull video? If so, that boat and motor are looooong gone.

salmonbarry

3/18/2014 8:53:00 PM

ok sorry! must have seen an old video with Toni trying out a new boat motor. Anyway, glad you made it back safely!

obryan214

3/18/2014 11:56:00 PM

i thought we would have a nice day today so I hit MA11 to find fog and drizzly rain but little wind. we need new forecasters.

Hunter757

3/19/2014 8:05:00 AM

Glad your safe, so are you getting a main motor for the new boat and just running the electric motor for now just to get out fishing? Well you got some blood on the deck great job!!

Toni

3/19/2014 8:40:00 AM

To all: The situation is my big boat Ol' Girl is being fixed up. See forum thread http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=16786. So in order to get out on the lake I may need to take little ol' girl out. She is a 12 foot 1970's fiberglass Sears Gamefisher fish killing boat. Since I have neck and shoulder issues (pain, as well as back issues) I can't use my outboard because I may have to pull too many times to start it. Or sit in my little boat for more than 3 hours. I have a 46 thrust electric that most of the time will work just fine. We all know that the weather predictors have a tendency to be inaccurate but they do what they can and we watch it. The peak wind was suppose to be 11 mph. I thought we might be able to handle that. But what happened is it got up to 15mph and then 20mph. My little motor and battery were incapable of handling it. So we were blown northward away from the launch. After I caught that fish I had problems trying to troll and should have left then but I continued to try to catch more. I hope I have learned my lesson. After a few white caps go to many white caps get off the lake!

Rippasher06

3/19/2014 11:58:00 AM

I love that Spin--Glow rig. An older guy showed me that setup for trolling in the early 2000's. I have been using it every time I troll since. Love that 50/50 dodger as well.

Leave a Comment:

Login

Flag

×

Why is this comment inappropriate?

Close Submit

Delete this comment? Provide reason.

No Yes

Edit

×

Cancel Save