Round Valley - First trip of the year

[Super]

Heard that RV was ice free so I headed out on 3/23. Mostly wanted to just make sure the boat was in ship shape after the long winter. My 40 year old Evinrude is stronger than ever.

First stop was on the north side of the lake. Marked a few fish and jigged up a laker on my first drift. Fish was a skinny 19" but looked healthy.

Started trolling the north side after that and hooked up with a 22" rainbow with a tag. This fish put up almost no fight. I was so surprised when I saw the fish I almost dropped the net. Figured it was a little smallmouth.

After 2 hours of fishing I packed it in. Just too cold when the wind is steady.

Kept the trout in the livewell just long enough to charge my phone and get a picture. Then released them both after taking the tag.

I'm happy with the boat, fishing, and the start of the year. It's great to get out again.

[SaltLife1980]

Nice catch!

[The Birdman]

Very nice fish !

[njfisherman1975]

Nice fish!

[AndyS]

NICE ! Was thinking of a shake down this coming Sunday, see how things pan out, you got us all in the mood now thanx !

[fr0sty]

Nice fish! what were you using as bait?

Also, how's the elite-4x? I got an elite-4 this past winter that I need to install into my kayak, but can't wait to use it!

[Moz]

Sweet bow and nice C&R

[Super]

Originally Posted by fr0sty

Nice fish! what were you using as bait?

Also, how's the elite-4x? I got an elite-4 this past winter that I need to install into my kayak, but can't wait to use it!

I jigged the laker with metal. The bow took a crank bait 40 feet down.

I'm happy with the 4x. The only issue I've had is turning it on in deep water over 100'. It gets confused and can't find the right depth. Don't know if I'm the only one this happens to.

[Bassload]

Nice looking fish!

[Polelock]

Nice markings on that laker... Which tag was in the bow?