If i can add to JimW's comments:
It was a great day fishing in the catch and release "Slam the Lamb" tournament on the BOQ with JimW and Matt, in his new boat 'Eye Candy". Thank you Jim!!
The excitement on the dock waiting for the start was overwhelming. Hovering crowds of impatient competitors in the pre-dawn dark. Gave me the jitters all over. Well wishes and rules were given to all by Landshark. At 7:30 AM a parade of high, and low tech boats made their way out of the harbour then powered off to the various shoals and depths of the big water. The game was on.
We got away well and set up an assortment of rods and baits on a down-wind troll. Eventually we started catching fish. Each was like a Christmas present all wrapped in shiney gold foil, every one was a welcome surprise. The team worked like a well oiled machine. Driver, rod handler and net man all clicking into their place with a common goal. Fish. Not a single taker was lost in this focused persuit.
Comments over the radio let us know others were catching too, just not how big nor how many. What exactly does baaaaa mean on shortwave? We fished hard, with Jim throttling to new distant water in search of more meat. We found some dandies! With good fish in the boat we knew we were at least in the running. No time to BBQ, no time to catch walleye.
The crowds had gathered back on shore for the obligatory 3:00 weigh-in. As the officials marched from boat to boat taking weights of fat fish hoisted from live-wells, knots of anglers both local and from afar spoke whispers and rumours of gigantic fish. We hoped they were false. Our turn came with oooos and aaaahs from those gathered, admiring the mighty catch. Could it be?
As the final tally of points was announced, increasing weights were called out, until it came to third.....then second......and after a pause......the winners!!!
The applause was incredible!! JimW accepted 'The Prize' with due pride and humility before briefly waving to admirers. Back-slaps and congratulations followed from worthy competitors. The Lambs had been Slammed.
A hot meal and refreshments at a local watering hole was a fitting end to the day for a chance to meet friends both new and old and exchange tales. Past outings were recalled and new adventures were planned. No lies needed to be told. It was all true. It was great.
One boat in the tourney caught maybe a half dozen eyes. For us they were harder to catch than the last pickle in the jar. They are starting to come in, just starting.
Get ready.
Maple
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