So here we go!! I have been looking forward to this weekend for awhile but not so much as to learn a new fishery but to actually meet up with so many WA lake folks that have had the pleasure of sharing with the past few years and I was not disappointed. Yes the conditions for fishing could have been better, but we are all fisher people and know we have no control over weather and just try to make the best of it.

At the last minute by buddy Craig had to cancel due to work issues so headed over by myself on Friday and there about 6pm and found RSEAS camp at Lakeshore park to see where he wanted the salmon spread I make for the potluck. Right away, met Alan (downriggeral) who has shared some comments with and we talked about some strategy for the morning.

Saturday morning woke up at my motel and heard the wind blowing before even opening the door and knew this was going to be a tough day on the water. Got to the launch at 5:15 and RSEAS was there and debating whether to try and launch by himself either so basically the 2 of us greeted people and helped some get their boats safely on the water and out to fish.

About 6:00 MAV showed up to take out Danny and Alycia (Schu7498) and was gracious enough to invite me along with them and since I was not that excited to launch the Tin Cup by myself and deal with the weather jumped at the invite to go aboard.

Steve decided to try around the west side of Wapato point and work our way in and around that area but did not have any takers. We stacked 2 rods on one downrigger and I ran a long line with 2 1/2 ounces of weight so we covered about every depth possible.

The only fish we got was when we were taking lines up to go back to the launch for a bathroom break and for me to check on my boat as I was in such a hurry to fish, left my downriggers and fish finder on the boat and thought I had heard rumors that Manson was that safe an area to leave stuff in the open ( later to be corrected by my Grant CO sheriff brother-in-law I had the wrong town in mind)

We went back out and tried fishing East down by Rocky point but the wind really started to howl with white caps and waves coming at us so called it a day around noonish. Thanks to Mav's awesome boat had a smooth ride back to the launch despite the rough conditions so as was to be expected, the bite was off and conditions made it a tough day of fishing but we had a great time getting to know each other a little better and had some good laughs.

The picnic was a huge success and it was great finally meeting a lot of you in person and putting faces to names and I know there were some I didn't get a chance to say hi to. Thanks again to Mike and Aaron for putting this together and look forward to many more of these in the future in other places as well!

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