Finally was able to take my first trip on to the lake for the year. Was reminded last minute about the single hook / barb-less regs on Sammamish. So I pinched the barb off of one of my football heads and dropshot hooks, packed up the tackle thats been laying around since X-mas, and hit the road.

Headed down to the lake around 10am, and managed to run into Mr. Fishingfool himself in the parking lot. He was gracious enough to offer me the opportunity to put down the paddle for the afternoon, and offered me the backseat in his boat.

Couldn't have asked for a better day. Started out with a bit of cloud cover in the morning, but the sky really opened up in the afternoon. Was nice to get some sun, and even better to get an opportunity to cover some new water with a knowledgeable fisherman. Fishingfool is very organized, sharp, and methodical with his approach, and it was nice to talk shop with another Sammamish "regular".

It was also a very welcome break to fish standing up, and have a entirely different vantage than I would usually have in my kayak. But of course now... I cant stop thinking about upgrading from the kayak to a real boat.

The lake was nice and calm... but so was the bite... No significant evidence of many perch moving up... and no real signs of bait fish to speak of... the bottom still seemed pretty murky and without foliage.

We tossed a few different drop shot rigs in varying length and color with no prevail. Fishing in front of, along docks, and even working the deeper shelves. Then I surprised myself, and found one 2lb fish sitting on the outside weed line, in about 16' of water.

It fought pretty well, but I was really anxious about it coming unbuttoned without a barb. Luckily Fishfool was able to sweep into action and get a net on it before it had a chance to turn back from the boat.

Feels good to have the first fish of the year under my belt, and to have gotten back on the water. Thanks again to Fishingfool for the chance opportunity to fish... while standing up. :)

Tight lines,
-SammamishYak

---