The skunk is gone.

[Michigan Man86]

Everyone might remember me posting about my brother's purchase of a 2009 smokercraft. Well let me tell you, we have been learning the hard way that fishing doesn't mean catching. Carefully, we had been studying fishing reports. Four times we have gone out with good weather and high spirits only to be brought low with few bites and lost fish. We even felt the boat was cursed and the only cure, a fish, any fish. Even a lowly goby. But alas, our efforts amounted to the same result. No Fish.
Until today, our desperation took us onto Houghton lake. A blustery day forecasted with winds reaching 21 miles per hour by noon, waters 55 degrees and overcast. We struck out on the lake using the boat launch near the fall c.c 2014 campground. Our bearing was towards the north, to the canals where reports said the crappie were. Just no luck. So we decided to troll the lake. Always good for producing a hammer handle and that's when our spirits were uplifted. 4 missed fish, two were lost in the excitement juggling rods. Fifth fish hit and I was ready for it. I set the hook and began pulling it to the boat. As it came up my first thought was Walleye. But no, it was a crappie. Not even hooked, my brother with the net skilfully swiped and pulled her aboard. This fish swallowed my small rattletrap but was not hooked. She was brought to the boat by her sheer defiance to spit it out. The wind picking up and the swells becoming larger we called it quits well satisfied with our prize. Finally, we can kick that skunk to the curb.


12.5" good for a first of the year.



Me being a total good

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[Michigan Man86]

*goober
Autocorrect doesn't seem to know that word

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[crp4570]

Congrats. Hope that's the first of many

[jiggypop]

Nice fish! And I like the story that goes with it.

[yankee doodler]

Excellent report and a dandy fish to boot! Don't let the skunk stink on your spirits. Ask my wife how successful we are on average. When you start getting down on yourself about your catching, it's time to remember that it's about fishing and enjoying. I would have given up a long time ago if it were all about the catch.

[Michigan Man86]

Thank you everybody. It does get you down a bit, but you are correct YD. We went fishing to enjoy the company of good friends, good weather and most of all a day away from work.

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[Just Steve]

Thank you everybody. It does get you down a bit, but you are correct YD. We went fishing to enjoy the company of good friends, good weather and most of all a day away from work.

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That's the spirit! As the old saying goes......A bad day of fishing is better than any day at work.

Way to break the curse (skunk), only place to go now is up.

[slabsrus]

"For the true angler, fishing produces a deep, unspoken joy, born in the longing for that which is quiet and peaceful, and fostered by an inbred love of communing with nature."...Thaddeus Norris

Great catch. Keep it up.

[spartannation]

"For the true angler, fishing produces a deep, unspoken joy, born in the longing for that which is quiet and peaceful, and fostered by an inbred love of communing with nature."...Thaddeus Norris

Great catch. Keep it up.

Then the jet skis appear.

[Michigan Man86]

That is too true. Which is why we fish in the morning.

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