Went out on solo mission from Tokaanu in Mac 360 Harling. Good forecast 5kts variable, first boat at ramp at 0530 but just before I left ramp 2 more arrived one was a white Mac 360. Headed out to stump bay and tried Harling first time on my own after going out on a charter last Tuesday, harled for 20mins nada, speed critical eventually I figured sit by throttle with rod next to me watch tip - needs to be nodding gently around 4km/hr varies a bit depending on wind and sea - once I got this hookup within minutes and again. 42 & 44 cm. Wind started to come up so I headed in as difficult to get speed right. The challenge is to get lure depth, type (white & green Cobra did the business), and speed right then it happens quickly and just haul fish in. Probably 15 trailers parked at ramp when I got in at 0730.
Just had cooked by missus - very nice, one smaller one a bit skinny and flesh quite pale but lower plumper one nice salmon colour - still both very nice eating as fresh of course and lake trout.
Of interest Mac 360 came in just behind me - he had 2 rainbows and let a big brown go (he is a retired guide) said he lets browns go do you guys? Why?
He said smelt late this year but should be good xmas fly fishing. Another boat charter leaving when I came in said was jigging the other day 11 trout but only 2 keepers as most quite small, thought my 42 & 44 about average size this year. Cheers,
Good fishing trip nothing breaks, great trip catch fish.