I woke up at 3:30 am Sun morning.
Washed up & got dressed.
I stepped outside and it was pouring
I got 2 blocks from my house and started talking to myself
I said Art yes or no
I turned around and went back home.
I called Steve at 4:05 am and said Steve it's pouring.Steve said so what.I said ok let me stop at Dunkin Donuts and pick up coffee for us and I will be right over.
I arrived at Steve's house in Riverdale at 4:20 am and Steve headed towards route 80 west and the 1st stop was Boat & Bait in Stanhope.
Purchased 5 Doz 3" Herring and off we went.
We arrived at Merrill Creek and waited for 3 Bass boats to launch.
At 5:45 am we were on our way to the 1st spot.
The rain stopped but it was cool & damp.
Steve took us across the Reservoir and things were slow at first.A few stockies were boated.
I look to the north & now the fog is getting thick.
Steve took us abit north and we put out 6 lines.2 slip bobbers and 4 lines in different depths.
I look at 1 of my rods and the rod was dancing.All of a sudden my line peels out of the strike guard and I reel in the slack & set the hook.I knew once the hook was set I had a big fish on.The drag was peeling on my ultra light set up and the battle began.Steve knew I had a beauty on.Steve got the net ready and I landed the 1st Laker.The Laker was 25" 5 3/4 lbs.Man was I glowing.Steve took us on another drift again and I hooked up with another peeler.This Laker measured 24 " & it was 4 7/8 lb.After this fish was boated we both caught some stockie Browns.Steve set up on another drift and I was hooked up with another laker that measured 22" and it was 3 3/4 lbs.I turned to Steve and said it's time for a Beer
I said Steve it's your turn now.I said Steve 15 pulls out and you will hook up.Steve listened to me & he finally had his 1st Laker hooked.Steve faught the fish and I was ready with the net.Steve's laker measured 24" and it was 5 lbs.
At 1:30 pm we called it a day because we only had 3 herring left
A great Sunday it was on Merrill Creek.
Pics to follow.
