Winter Sunset

The ice pile up made it too risky for kayak launching, but it was a smoldering 41 degrees so I strapped on my waders and did some fishing at the point. The unusual NE wind switched back over to the typical SW wind and trying out my buddy's homemade streamers made fishing off the fly a joke. But it was nice to dust off the reel. The Rocky (river) has opened up, but I shy away from it this time of year because it is usually shoulder-to-shoulder for any decent opening. Only hooked one, lost on the intake, but the new reel works flawlessly.

Insanuary

Some of the largest waves I have ever seen on Lake Erie yesterday. But one wouldn't know it without the use of a decent pair of binoculars, because the waves were way out past the ice pile up being forced in by the strong NE wind. Very cold, guessing with windchill - 9 or 10. Could only take a couple snapshots with my waterproof point & shoot before my fingers froze up.

But today was warmer, just about the 30 mark and I checked out my 'fishing hole' a hot spot at the power plant outtake where the water is slightly warmer and rarely freezes over. The trout like this inlet and is a sweet spot when the rivers are iced over. I have not been fishing in forever and am about to go insane. The question is whether I risk taking the yak over unsure ice to get it in the water or do I just get the waders on and toss a couple of these flies my buddy made and try out the new spinning reel? 

After several Coronas I have come to the decision to leave the kayak behind. I'm still modifying a new car roof rack anyhow. But, if conditions seem to become favorable as the day progresses, I might have to yak it....

Daydreaming

Daydreaming of warmer days and traversing the Vermillion during the springtime thaw, when the water level is actually high enough for kayaking with the Olde Town, Sea Otter. A good run is from Otto Schoefle's http://metroparks.cc/schoepfle_garden.php 'Schoefle's Garden (I still call it Otto's because he was still alive at the one of three times I worked there) to Mill Hollow. Takes about 4 hours give or take (I like to pull off and take my time, so it is more like five +). I don't use an apron, a cover to block the water from splashing into the yak, so water proof clothing is a suggestion. During the summer months the water level is just too low for any real trekking, but after a good rain it is do-able. Just be wary of overhanging trees. I had to go under a few, and a small, unavoidable waterfall. This route will allow the viewing of very beautiful and isolated treasures along the river; amazing shale cliffs, ancient sycamores, bald eagles, wild turkey, and playful mink. The largest bald eagle nest on record was found on the Vermillion River and is displayed at Carlisle Reservation in Oberlin http://metroparks.cc/carlisle_reservation.php. I have had my work displayed in their gallery from time to time.

Poking Around Vermillion

The Vermillion River was too iced over for trout fishing. Checked out Mill Hollow and an isolated pond I enjoy carp fishing. Have to work around the large mouth and blue gill (sunfish) but some of the carp have reached over 28 inches and great sport. I was bummed to discover an ice fishing tent and sled on the frozen pond. Someone is milking some of the largest sunfish I've ever landed/seen. Rather depressing, but also I understand the necessity of harvesting for a new wave of spring fish to take hold. I know that whoever was out there was not after carp. No one eats carp. All sport. So they will just continue to grow.

Lectra Heated Sock Test

Thought I would give these battery heated socks a go and see if they really put out enough heat, sufficient enough for January lake kayak fishing. But finding rechargeable D size batteries in any of the surrounding stores around here is impossible for some reason. I had a set of 4 a few years ago using them in my Wildview motion wildlife camera, but someone needed it more than I did and literally cut off the locking mechanism. All I was left with was a padlock wrapped around a tree. The rechargeable batteries I had in the camera were the most valuable to me. Each battery when broken down is nearly $6 each. Eventually, I suppose I will get online and order some more, but I saw at Wal-monster a cheap twin pack for $.97. And since I planned on fishing the following day (weather permitting) just bought the batteries if only for a test. I wore 3 layers; heated socks, a Pro Line creek wader I use as a wetsuit, and a pair of old worn out Timberland Goretex boots with the cushion sole removed. I didn't feel any definite 'heat' but my feet were cozy for about two hours. Maybe that was the usual lifespan of the cheap batteries? I don't know. So I guess this test might prove inconclusive of the Lectra battery heated socks. Or it could be nothing but a lemon in my book, since in my case, wearing the 'wet suit' makes it impossible for me to reach down inside next to my my leg, my calf, and change out the battery when drained. The waders are practically skin tight and getting out of them can be hell. But I will give Nordic Gear some credit when choosing the positioning of the heating core itself. The socks are comfortable and after a few minutes of walking around you forget the padded wire. This particular pair cost about $30 at Gander Mountain. Test to be continued.....

Living 3 1/2 blocks from lakeside it is a short jaunt to do a daily check of lake conditions. And these conditions could not be more perfect. 

Mastering the Bait Caster

During my last outing my old Shimano Symetre reel finally let me know that it was time to retire. I lost 4 fish and had to beach the yak twice to re-rig my line. Had to break down and buy a newer, more beefy reel. I stuck with the Symetre line since it was tried, trusted, and true. But I have noticed, using the newly added fish finder that an opened faced reel forced me to cast instead of just dropping onto a target. So I decided to go a route I never thought I would (this is all a learning experience and a major reason for starting this blog) and I find myself ready to test a bait caster. I picked up a Pflueger Purist model, but I lack a bait casting rod, since my generous nature I find myself giving away many things where I find people in a need, and also, partially to eliminate 'stuff'. As I returned my iffy anchor purchase to Gander Mountain my attention locked onto a rack of 'cheap' graphite rods ($20) that I will eventually succumb to buying for this particular reel. But having a 20 in my pocket I chose to get a good six pack to warm myself from the inside out on this brisk January evening.

Detachable rod holder I built for canoe side. (clamp $.97) Designed it to lock into place so a big hit won't yank the rod into the depths. PVC pipe painted black.

new reel setup

the last and final bird nest of the 2500 RI (discontinued model)

the new Pflueger Purist bait cast reel

Anchored Inside Today

The lake is finally showing from freeze. Amazing how in such a short period of time the climate and water can change so drastically. On Thursday I was out in the water on the yak fishing for steelhead. The SW wind was only 19 MPS, but it was reeking havoc. With a sandy bottom my anchoring system was as if I had nothing at all on the end of the dog leash. Yeah, dog leash, better than rolling up all that rope every time. And 16 feet is a decent length for the depths I was in.

I have invested in a new heavier anchor, which will arrive on Monday. Today I built a trolly system on the kayak. I fish a lot in dangerous areas and having the anchor deployed straight over the side at the midsection is a recipe for disaster. So I picked up some military grade 550 nylon paracord, two small pullies, a circle ring, and a patented aluminum rope tightening carabiner and using factory installed loop attachments I put it all together. Wanted to refrain from drilling anymore holes in my rig.

Obviously I did not get to test it out on the water. It was 6 degrees this morning. Managed to snap a few pics with my yellow underwater Fuji camera. 

The boat launch on Thursday. Unfortunately I was iced in and did not bring a dolly. Had to carry the kayak and gear down the ice covered pier to the beach below.

This was the launch today.

She is Calling and I Must Go

Have spent the past couple of weeks slacking off a bit on the house projects and turned my attention towards tweaking/pimping out my yaks and canoe. Each has their own name. The Olde Town, Discovery canoe is The Sea Chicken. My main fishing kayak, a green Future Beach, Trophy 126 is slow, but steady, not out to win the race and has chosen/earned The Sea Turtle. The secondary (for guests willing to venture along with me) is an orange Trophy 126 named The Sea Horse. And finally another Olde Town kayak, the wife’s, The Sea Otter, built slick and not just for fun - but for the speed freak in all of us. 

What sparked the flame and burned out the remainder of December was the Christmas gift I had received (from the wife), a Lowrance 5 Elite HDI fish finder. Everything else had to be put aside and I pondered nights into days until I figured out how I would put a swing arm of my own design off the side of a 'sit in' style fishing yak. Here are some of the pics of what I came up with in my manic induced insomnia.