5/9 IS Shakedown

[rockntroll]

Finally my son and I were able to get the boat in the water for the first time this year. Shore launch (no docks) at Apple Tree Bay. Set up at 8:00 and trolled with planers toward Sand Bar. There were 4" - 5" dead Alewives scattered here and there and only one otehr boat out. Water at 48' nothing hit after one pass and headed trolling the west edge at varied depths up to Keelers. Entering the bay there were so many dead Alewives it looked like there had been a ping pong ball drop but with Alewives. None seemed to be still kicking as they were at the Sand Bar. A few other boats running there. Water still at 48' and could only find 50' at the entry to the southwest swamp. Gave it a couple passes with nothing to show but weeds. Packed it in at Noon. No fish but having read other somewhat rocky first out reports, we felt fortunate that the equipment worked and we both agreed it beat being at work. Ran rainbow Pins Minnow, silver black small floating Rapala, silver and blue back small Challenger, and a rainbow Speedy Shiner.

[Fishdawg]

Mitch, Good to hear you got out and had a good maiden voyage! It's been a tough bite around the alewive die offs. It can only get better. Good luck!