2009 25hp Yamaha Problem

[ithaca10]

Have a problem with my 25 hp Yamaha 2 stroke ran fine all year until last sunday, starts fine electric start and soon as i put it into gear to go forward it hesitates and stalls out. But once i get it past that slow throttle spot it runs just fine. Put new plugs in, checked all fuel lines inside motor and on portable fuel tank no leaks or kinks, going to change fuel filter next but the original one looks fine.

Anybody have any ideas before i go to the mechanic?