Rounding the corner into November Quinte walleye fishing began. On an 18 trip no skunk streak dating back three years, I entered into fishing on The Bay with the intent to simply put fish in the boat. Often my guests aboard the Lund reel in most of the lines as the interest for me is more about their company, their having a good time and us getting into good quality and quantities of what are the biggest and best eyes to be found anywhere.
Six trips in 2010 for 72 fish, six in 2011 for 72 fish, six trips in 2012 for 70 fish, and a hit on a line about every half hour on an averaged-out 5-rod spread. While during recent years some folks were maybe selling off their gear and reporting the fishery isn't what it was, as a newcomer I was certainly impressed with what it still is to this day. Over the seasons the spreads and lures have changed a little, using of course boards, dipsies, snap weights and leadcore to find what works best, but all those things mean Jack if you're not tuned in to how your lures are being managed from their apex. That's where you sit in your boat and ensure you are thinking and doing what you can in order to locate and catch fish. Unfortunately this season I had wanted six days to continue monitoring that personal trend with Quinte's Fall walleyes, but work and gnarly winds cut things short at 3 1/2 days.
Late start with an early finish, October 29th my father and daughter Leah came along. That day I took my first and worst beating to date going 1 for 2 with only sheephead caught, and Leah losing her walleye just a few feet behind the boat. Almost not wanting to return but having marked so many fish, next day Rob & Rob made the tour and we pounded 'em pretty good at 14/20 with the three sheep in the mix; which they were happy to finally photograph. Two weeks passed before getting back but with my friend Luke aboard on November 14th we nailed all eyes but one, going 17/20 with a four rod spread. Two quadruple headers with the first one handed-off entirely to Luke, three double headers and several singles, it was busy action from start to finish. Luke appreciated that initiation while continuing to obliterate personal bests all day long. High fives, fist pumps and big laughs is what a solid outing on Quinte is all about. Finally, November 20th an overdue day with an old buddie Ian proved fun out there as well. 11/11 with Ian and I insisting the other take this one screamer which, after Ian obliged turned out to be his personal best at 12 1/2 pounds.
Big fish this year was 13 pounds, 4 ounces and there were great numbers over 10. Decent numbers of eaters for the table too. Really appreciated the great times with the fellas this season, so cheers to them. Quinte in the Fall is one awesome social ride with those perfectly timed little interruptions when your reel suddenly clicks.
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