I can't describe to you what a wonderful day it was, but in order to try I have to be a little long winded on this. 2007 was a pretty tough year, I lost my father in law who was also my fishing partner, best friend, and co-boat owner,in May. In August, the motor on the boat blew a cylinder, (right on time for a 97 Ficht Evinrude with 300 hours)! Knowing that it was not worth the cost of rebuilding I put the boat in storage and tried not to think about it.

Somehow it became a priority for the family to repower the boat and it happened, a new engine for Christmas! And then with the gift certificates....the new 08 Navionics chip! So today was the maiden voyage on EM to try it all out.

I spent most of the time running the new motor and checking my saved spots against the new info on the GPS, but did manage to catch a few good sandies. The wind was ripping pretty good but I did manage to find scattered fish south of the midlake humps. In 32 feet of water, all fish were caught on pearl 1/2 oz slabs, deadsticked at 25'. I marked a lot more fish at the dam but did not have the time to fish them, sounds like a project for tomorrow.

It was just a great day to be back in the boat and back on the water....new fishing partners needed....I like fishing solo when I want to, but not because I have to,,,,happy new year!

Glad you made it out. I went last Sunday and was skunked for the first time in nearly a year. I found plenty of bait and what I thought were fish below on several spots, but never could get bit. I tried every method known to man, even downsized to dead sticking jigs instead of slabs. Nothing. If your out and see a DeepV Lowe stop and say hi.

Lance

I hope you guys are marking cats! because Stinkbait Stevens and I are going Monday morning in search of old whisker face!
I cant believe he has crossed over to the dark side...
Glad you had a great day on the water and welcome back to the fishing family!