Go Big and Go Home!

My recent conclusion that successful local, summer-time muskie fishing is only a marginally viable proposition did nothing to scratch my current muskie itch.  I could choose to apply a temporary balm incorporating bass or salmon as ingredients, or I could seek a cure.  I knew that cure should be available about four hours away, in the Canadian waters of Lake St. Clair.

As I crossed the border at about 7 AM, the Canadian Customs Agent asked the usual questions; Where did I live?  Why was I here?  How long was I staying?  Based on his reaction, I guess not too many folks cross the border from afar for a day trip.  But I had a desk to be at the next morning, there was no other choice.  He simply wished me well, and Numenon was launched and clearing the protective arms of the Belle River harbor by 8 AM.

I was greeted by a sustained east wind and a bit of chop.  Neither was a surprise and the waves were within the “half-meter” forecast; but there was a choppy nastiness to the seas that made moving around much more difficult than expected.  My radius of fishable waters instantly shrank, and so I chose to focus on the Belle River Hump.  This is the only significant “structure” in southern Lake St. Clair, and it proved to be a busy spot (by Canadian standards) for the rest of the day.  Trollers, casters, walleye drifters and bass fisherman were all working this area.

I started near the Hump’s northern tip in 20 feet or so of clear, green water.  Scruffy weeds and bait were both clearly evident.  What else could a muskie want or need?  I started my day of casting Big Rubber (Pounders, Dawgs, and Medusas) with some confidence.   That confidence easily sustained itself for several hours as I made repeated drifts over different sections of the hump.  Conditions looked fishy, and clearly the bass guys were catching fish.  (Mental note filed.)  And, I knew each cast could be intercepted by the fish of a lifetime; that’s always enough to keep me throwing!

I’ve only fished for muskies on Lake St. Clair once before, and the guide on that trip seemed to focus on water clarity as much as anything.   He was seeking a certain “look” to the water, and the water I’d been fishing was perhaps too clear for his liking.  I took a short troll into shallower water, and when I shut down where the easterly wind hit the southern base of the hump, I noticed the water’s green soupiness.  Visibility was greatly reduced, but plankton means shad and shad means…muskies? 

At about this time (12:15 PM and half way through my allotted fishing time), I noticed that I wasn’t feeling so well.  I slowly realized that I was sea-sick!  This possibility had not even entered my mind in preparing for the trip, and it’s tough to maintain a positive attitude while sea-sick.  But cutting the trip short was not acceptable, so I continued to fish.   Once the inevitable kneeling and heaving took place, I felt a bit better, and I finished out the day, casting Big Rubber* all the while.  My confidence was diminished, but I also believe in occasional Good Luck when fishing, so I simply made the best of it.  Plus, Lake St. Clair (and muskie fishing in general) has that “every cast could be intercepted by a fish of a lifetime” thing going for it.

I was back in the harbor by 4 PM, and as I slid Numenon onto the trailer, the ramp attendant noted that very few muskies had been entered in the current derby; local catch rates were way down.  I was perhaps in the Right Place, but at the Wrong Time(?)

I was home, safe and sound, with Numenon garaged by 8 PM.  It was a long day with minor pitfalls and with no really interesting stories.  But, it was still a day full of interesting pursuits.  In the end, it was a good day!

Of course I am disappointed in the lack of fish action for the day.  I’d much rather have seen, hooked, or caught fish during the trip, than not.  Reverse for the sea-sickness; I’d rather have not been sick.    It clearly was by no means a perfect trip, but at least I tried.

In recent leadership/work/blog explorations, I’ve came across the following notions:

·       If one is truly happy, motivation to take action is low.  Why risk upsetting the cart?

·       Seeking happiness provides the necessary motivation to act.

·       Action is necessary for results.

·       This action might be uncomfortable and not provide the desired outcome.  But it might be fulfilling. 

·       This action is necessary to grow, to improve, to achieve; to be our full selves; to be alive; to be “happy.”

 I’d not have wanted to subject anybody else to this trip, but it probably laid a foundation for future trips, and I don’t think I used up all of my available Good Luck on this one.  Perhaps there are better outcomes in my future… if I keep trying.  And I think I’ll have to!

*Not quite true.  I trolled twice while moving up or down the Hump, and I ended the day in soupy green water with a dozen or so casts ripping a giant Sebile rattle bait.  All to no effect.