Had a reasonably good time Yesterday morning on the hunt for kokes with a friend. On the water at 0630 with a light misting of rain that didn't last for too long. Started right from the boat launch and headed north along the road. Saw several small fish surface and a few blips on the fish finder. Took our time and changed up gear every ten minutes or so. I have a two pole endorsement and take three poles with me so there's always two in the water and one thats rigged with fresh gear and ready to tap in. We ran different shapes and colors of dodgers, even one or two that were a little larger, and even tried my trusty rainbow gang troll just to make things interesting. The wind was coming from the south so heading north was nice and easy with the electric trolling motor. We found out real quick that it was best to fire up the big engine to head south and then troll north again.

While my buddy was trying his luck on the top of the water, he had a nice big strike, but the fish was off almost as soon as it hit. I had two small strikes on my downrigger gear, but I'm thinking my quick release was biting too much line to let go and get a good set. Then, at about 1030 my downrigger pole shot strait up and before I could get my hands on the rod the fish surfaced with the lure and dodger right on it. It managed to run into the two other lines in the water but never got caught up with anything. It fought harder than any other fish I'd ever caught, and I let it take line as I didn't want to loose this prized first fish. We netted it, got it in the boat and were amazed at the size. I know it doesn't look big and we didn't have much to compare it to but I felt like it was a great catch. It was caught at a depth of 40' on a pink rubber cha cha or hoochie (not sure which is which) with a white corn kernel and power maggot, with a pink and chartreuse teardrop dodger with spots. My two latest purchases from Dave's Sports in Lynden.

All in all a fun trip. Its no record breaker but when you land dinner in the boat you dont complain.
It was delicious by the way.

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