Boisvert's boat launch was empty at 7 AM when we arrived. A few folks were in dry suits readying themselves for some diving training off the shoreline but nary a one truck and boat-trailer were to be seen. Maybe the promise of blustery weather had spooked off all the fair weather fishermen? No matter, my fishing crew, Brothers Rob, Travis, Troy and myself were anxious to launch and go after some Rainbows. Off hand conversations had been had, overheard that said the rainbows have been biting on the east end of the lake with a vigor all week.
It wasn't long once on the water that the weather-man redeemed himself. High winds, rain and cold were forecast and he was right. Soon the lake was rolling with whitecaps, rain was pelting us and the plastic windows on the boat. It was somewhat miserable, we all pulled on extra layers and gloves. Interestingly, once the lake got rolling and angry, the fish started biting!
The first fish in the boat was a rainbow, east end, not a lunker but good for the filet knife. We were using planer boards 50 yards out on both sides of the boat with silver/black plugs off of monofilament. Eight lines were soon trailing Rob's Lund as we swung around the east bay and headed up the north side back to the west. Fish on! Another line had snapped from the planer board line and was peeling monofilament greedily! I tired this fish for about 3 minutes and landed him. A nice 4 lb laker.
We all took turns at landing lakers and rainbows as the weather went from rainy to angry. When it settled down and rained, the fish stopped biting. When the clouds gave up and the winds rolled the lake into a frenzy, the fish started biting. This went on all day.
It was about 1 o'clock when we swung our big arc in the east bay again, being careful to keep all of the plugs we were dragging behind us true and online. Two bald eagles were circling and eyeing the waters below. Surely they were looking for an easy meal, a rainbow or laker who surfaced for too long. About a mile west, wham! another line off the planer line and headed the other direction! I grabbed the pole and the fight was on! 300 feet of line was out according to the line meter and this fish wasn't headed our way. For awhile I held him steady. He would cut left and right, peel some more line out. I had him at 240 feet when the dinner mates arrived.
Romance was in the air. Our two bald eagle friends had obviously been following the successful fishing boat of the day and had spotted my hooked fish fighting for its life on the surface of the lake! The eagles danced in the airborn ballroom as they waited for their meal. 150 feet out and swoop! One eagle goes in for the snatch, talons out, 10 feet from fins and the water! "HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rob and Travis would yell and the eagle with a somewhat irritated look would abandon his assault and flap hard to regain some altitude. Over and over this happened as Travis rolled digital video of the whole scene.
Soon enough the tired fish was close enough to the boat that the eagles took a stand on top of the trees by the highway and watched their meal reservations for two disappear into the live-well on the Lund fishing boat. Sorry! Your reservation has been cancelled Mr. Baldy! heh heh
Good stuff, 12 fish in all were caught. We had a fish fry at my house Saturday evening. Honestly was the best fish I have tasted! Wow! Pink, juicy with beer batter crispiness. The dinner party finished off the evening with some board games and fun.
Dinner for two? Nope, dinner for fifteen!