Fished Bitter Lake from 08:00 to 13:00. Most of the time, I was the only angler in a boat. There we a few bank anglers. Glorious sunny, low wind morning to be out. Water temp went from 64 to 67.

Started out trolling for trout. A couple of the bank anglers were catching them, so I was hopeful. Used the pop gear and green wedding ring and got nothing on it for about an hour. So, I decided to switch target to bass, cruise the sides, and pitch a floating perch pattern rapala at any reeds, brush, docks, etc.. I don't do much of this, so figured I could use the practice.

After not too long, I throw I pretty good cast really shallow, next to the shore, by some reeds. I twitch it a couple times, on the surface, then start a slow retrieve. Then line goes tight, hookup! Was not a big splash and not a big fight at first. But he realizes what's going on, starts fightin hard. I loosen my drag a little, he pulls some line out, then I see him under water from a distance, looked like a least 18 inches. Well, at that point I get a little too excited, go to check my drag by tuggin a bit of line from reel, which resulted in a bit of slack, and you guessed it, fish off! Big bummer lesson in keeping composed. :) About a minute of excitement and it was over. Sound familiar?

After that I kept at it and ended up releasing 5 small fish, 3 LMB and 2 rock bass (picture). Had a good time, I will be back!

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