Since this was the last day of the fishing season at Badger Lake, we wanted to end it with a flourish. We actually slept in (!!) and didn’t arrive at the lake until 7:00. The lake was flat with no wind, but with lots of rain making the surface translucent. We were wearing our raingear jackets so we had no qualms about fishing this day… It rained the WHOLE TIME we were out fishing--- which gave us pause to reflect on our learnings during this fishing trip and the times before (fancy-talk for shooting-the-breeze while haulin’ ‘em in…)

THE LEARNINGS LIST:
1. Denim Jeans are not the best selection of attire when you are attempting to repel rain. Instead, jeans tend to act like a fashionable sponge to ABSORB rain, not keep it away from the “vitals”… I must’ve wrung 20 gallons of water from mine after this fishing day. Note: If you are married: Do not try to hang them back into the closet after wearing them, no matter how clean they appear. Wives tend to get a little excited about it…
2. Advantage #2,565 for using an electric trolling motor to fish: We heard only the sound of the rain striking the lake surface as we fished. A steady “SSSSSSSSS” that seemed to get louder as the rain came down harder. The whole fishing experience is enhanced by not having to listen to the “BRRRRRR!” of even the best-tuned gas trolling motor (which we happen to have, by-the-way)
3. The water temperature was much cooler than it was a month ago, so we broke-out the monofilament line and used wedding rings to about 12’-16’ deep. We caught most of our fish under the power lines (you Badger Lake fans know where that is!)
4. The correct position in the fishing boat during a heavy rain is known as the “Hunker”. Standing up in a small boat is unwise unless you are George Washington (limited to the Delaware River) or anxious to get wet in a much faster and efficient way…by falling in.
5. Fish tend to strike ONLY when your fishing buddy offers you a potato chip and you accept it, so stock up! Pay attention to eating the chip---they tend to get soggy fast in the rain.

We had such a good time this season, getting to our fishing spots early in the morning and catching trout(and releasing!! Really. We did.) As I have said before, the entire experience--- from the early morning coffee, the sights of the shorelines of our area lakes, the banter between two friends as we try to out-fib each other (I usually win!!), the smells, the sounds, the BEES, the rain (yes, even THAT), and of course, the successful fishing outing make fishing in Washington GRRRREEEAAAATTT!! Thanks, WDFW!

*Editor's Note: I always enjoy Dave's reports - thanks for a great season of reports Dave! Mike

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