Memorial Day On The Charles
I really haven't been able to fish as much as I like since we bought the house on the Charles River last May. I've spent too much time dedicated to home renovations and yard work. That's all done now and 2014 is shaping up to be the "Summer of Fishing".
The Mrs. and I received two new kayaks for the wedding in December and I've been looking for a chance to pop my "kayak fishing" cherry. With my wife out of town for a girls weekend I thought Memorial Day would be the perfect opportunity.
I launched the yak behind the house a little later than I normally would have, around 10am. I started upstream towards the South Natick dam pitching a black/blue flake worm. Only about 20 minutes in, I land my first bass. Only about 1lb. I continue to work back down the river with the same set up catching another dink and a pick. Then the rain starts coming down. There was no thunder or lightening so I decided to stay out on the water a little more and was rewarded as such.
20 minutes later I get a big knock on my line. I set the hook and the fish books it upstream. He puts up a good fight but I'm finally able to lip 'em. I didn't have my scale on me but I would guess is around 3.5lbs. I've included a few picks so you all can be the judge.
Now the rain is still coming down as I move to the other side of the river. Only about 10 minutes later I get a huge hit. This one felt even bigger than the previous. I set the hook and it immediately goes for cover. Unfortunately he got stuck on some hidden structure and I'm unable to get the right leverage in the kayak to free him. A few minutes of trying to get the line free and it snaps. I'm pissed because he felt bigger than the guy I landed but I'm happy to have caught my biggest fish in a kayak. It's definitely going to take some time to get used to. It's a lot different than fishing out of my jon boat. Especially trying to take a selfie of you and your catch.
It's starts raining even harder so I decide to head back up river towards home. All and all a pretty positive first experience in the kayak.
Congrats on the marriage, the house, the yaks and the fish! Nice to see you wearing your PFD too.