This year was no different than any (for us)..... a poor bite and no pattern figured out. We were trolling out some freshly spooled lines and sipping on coffee at 11:45 Friday night waiting for the clock to strike 12:00:01 am. When the time came, the lines were in and we waited. Our favourite shoal was a waste of time with the low water levels. We were fishing new (er) water around 1:00 am when my rod doubled in half. A couple cranks into the battle I was sure I'd make the leader board, or I had a big slimer on. This was one of the stronger eyes I have ever battled. When he made his way into the net, we assumed it to be around 6lbs. Kinda large for my frying pan, but perfect for the smoker. Into the well. All variables were recorded and we tried to figure out a pattern, no go.
Trolled through the night with not so much as a sniff. As the sun peaked we got out the cranks and jigs and again nothing to show. Around 10:30 am or so I had a slight tap on the jig as it fell, and I set the hook into another 4-5 lb male. Into the well again, and all variables recorded and we went on this pattern for about an hour, with nothing else to show. Finished our 12 hour shift at noon, Graembo snapped a couple quick shots for me and we were on our way home for some much needed shut eye.
As we slept the phone rang twice in a row. The calls were handled by Graembo's old man. The first one was from Kiwanis Walleye World stating fatluke had won a draw prize. Details were recorded, phone was hung up. Seconds later it rang again, Kiwanis Walleye World stating Graembo had won a draw prize. Our tickets were 1 number apart, and both our names were drawn..... sweet. My prize was a fillet knife and Graembo claimed a digital scale, and a spool of line. Nothing special, but better than a kick in the arse....
What will we do for next years opener? I dunno, but somethings gotta give. I miss the (g)"olden days"........lol
Can't wait for walleye to open here on the Ottawa.
