The lake appeared to be full of boats on this Year four of the Frostbite Shootout. The radio was rather quiet as those with plans and those just planning went about their work. I fished with Bill Snell & Peter Young aboard the newly reconstructed Newhaven Bill. A new transom will do wonders for boat integrity. Our plan was to fish the middle of the lake from the Unicorn down past the west of diamond to the Otter Creek Green can and back. Quite a route at trolling speed but we felt promise in the spread we could offer with four riggers and two long lines. It was a very slow start with a Laker first coming on a Wine-O fly out 4 colors on a side planer run clean no dodger.
The day progressed with two 17 inch salmon on Honeybee MP6 white black Bo-bo's .
Lots of lure changes and the VPT television crew of Neil & Jim went from Instigator's boat with Reggie and The Admiral to Done Deal & crew. Jim went from a Thompson's Point pickup I believe Mark FishHuntAdventure to Scott on Serenety 1.
Lot's of radio chatter and teasing as all tried very hard to put the winning Silver in the boat.
We picked up a nice 20 inch brown on the Wine-O
Another laker, two ciscos and a white perch.
We were approaching our 12:15 pull time when we passed by Thompson's and on a rather close approach we picked this, on a Purple Slide diver with purple/black Hi-Tec out 150 at 2.6 mph
We all agreed that it was the first time that we had heard of this taken on that combination.
Off to the barbecue and weigh in.....
We were set up in the lower parking lot this year. As the boats and fishermen started to arrive this hungry crew started to fill tables and start sampling the MANY good dishes brought this year. Not a bashful person in the bunch as friendships and food were exchanged with tales of the day's outing.
The VPT crew mingled filmed and ate recording this event. I believe that this year was bigger than ever. I did not try a count as events seemed to keep me on the run. I wish I could have spoken more to those I greeted and wish I could have spent time with those that I didn't But, We were a family today for sure.
Oh now for the entry's and 2012 Frostbite Shootout winner.....
Rob Thorn, Thorny was our first entry with a 22 1/2 inch 3.13 lb silver as Weighed and measured this year by Bill Lowell "Popster"
The next and only other entry was a 24 1/4 inch 5lb 4 oz Silver Landlock caught by Steve Moreau "FishDawg" of Milton, Vt.
Steve's name will be added to the trophy and returned to him to keep until next Year!
Congratulations STEVE!
I am sorry that I did not get any pictures today. Please anyone that took pictures add them here for those not attending to see. We missed those not attending and enjoyed seeing many new folks
Thanks to Ray, Adam and Todd of Point Bay for hosting us again this year. Look next spring to the New Outdoor Journal Schedule and the chronicle of the 2012 Shootout. As Neil Hilt said Lawrence Welk and the Frostbite are running neck and neck for repeat shows!! Ha!
Our FishFarmer had a encounter that involved a ladder and the ground that prevented his participation this year. He is recovering well and look to see him in the lake antics later this year
I truly look forward seeing you all on the lake and to the progression of this season and the rewards that await us all.
Fish On, Randy
That's good stuff right there Dean-o