Took the day off to reconnect with nature...by teasing some fish. Launched at Pine about 10:30. Not crowded at all. The fishing Leif was full, but didn't look packed. Hardly any craft on the water. Overcast morning, but pleasant. Word from guys coming in said the bite was good earlier, but had slowed after 9a. Figured I could find a few willing participants though. Started trolling right from the launch using the first lure I pulled from the tackle box, an F5 flatfish in orange with black dots. Thought I'd dig up some different offerings on my trip across the lake, so started selecting various lures when the rod doubled over in the rod holder. Pulled in a feisty 12" stocker....less than 5 minutes on the water. In the next 5 minutes I had two other hits and boated another. From there the bite was off and on with a lot of hits that didn't hook, but plenty that did. Kept the first four and then C&Red until it was time to call it a day at 2p. About 12:30 I had just released a healthy specimen and immediately hooked another, but when I got it to the boat the knot at the lure failed. Sad to say I watched the fish swim off with my flatfish. Felt bad about that. Should have retied every few fish.
From there my luck had a down turn. I would still get hits, but couldn't deal the deal. Lost five or six before they got to the boat. It was approaching time to head out, but was looking for that 5th. Finally right at 2p I got one to stick and stay stuck on a jointed Rapala. Loaded up and headed home. It never really got nice out like I'd hoped it would and the wind was chilly, but still an enjoyable well needed day on the water.

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