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I love Zone 14 bass opener. I've got my milk run that I've been doing for quite a long time and it never disappoints. Water temps were 66 when I got to my spot, started off quick and that wasn't going to be the ticket today. Long bomber casts with spybaits was the pattern that worked for me today. Winds were ripping out of the west so it was bumpy out there. I did keep two fish (I know, unheard of for this guy) and one was still full of eggs. Spawn has been crazy this year. If I would have known that she would have gone back. I did however set a PB for another species I chase in Gbay, lol. The funny thing is I swear I've raised this fish 3 times over the past 4 years almost every single 4th Sat in June. It was nice to finally meet her. This is definitely her home base and today was my lucky day. I was by myself, it was chaos, I'm so happy I left my muskie gear in the boat (Net included). I tried to get a tape on her but with her not sitting perfectly straight in the net it was almost impossible and I wasn't taking her out to lay her in the boat to do that. She was a giant. I don't know if she touched 50 or over but it had to be close. She spent a few seconds out of the water for a quick pic and back in she went. Took about 5 mins to revive her, I'm glad the water temps were low. Way too long of a fight on bass gear but not much I can do about that. She righted herself and stayed a few inches below the surface for about a min or so, and I just followed her around with the boat. After that some healthy tail kicks and down she went. I'd love to meet you in the fall sweetheart when you've got a feedbag on! It was really nice to make your acquaintance.

Hey all, I just wanted to share my big event from yesterday! After 39 years in The HVAC/R trade and 25 of those years in a teaching role, I decided it was time to hang up the gauges and take up my new position at Fishmore & Dolittle! It has been a wonderful career and filled with so many friendships, just like on this forum! My Wife Jackie and I started off our week with a short trip up to Matachewan for some fishing (not too far from Camp Jiggy Jiggy, from what I understand!) and had a great time. I really hope to be doing a lot more of that from now on! This whole pandemic has been a primer of sorts. We were both able to work from home and I think we got a taste of what the future brings! Tight lines folks and I will do my best to post an actual fishing report from time to time. We saw the signs to Shining Tree and were tempted to go that way. I know Terry used to go there and figure it might be worth a trip one of these days! Take Care, Brian

Retirement !!!...Best job i ever had...Enjoy yours Brian

My only experience with four strokes is with the Yamaha's that I've had over the years and I truly believe that they are the most reliable outboard available currently. That by far is the most important thing to me. knowing that I'm getting back!

When I arrived at 5 am,the fly hatch was amazing. I could see all these small fish hitting the flys on the surface. I even seen a few bigger fish,but could only manage about a 7 ,in this size range. All on my morning dun flys. Only took a pic of this one just to prove my own tie works . So many times I had a fish take and miss the fly right on landing in the water . That is crazy active feeding . Was a fun morning forsure, even if they were small. There was a mix of flys. Large white ones and small. Came upon a dead resident. Not sure how it got dragged up to the bank. That would of been a fun one to catch. It would seem it is also turtle egg laying time. Came upon this big lady. And this one crossing the road path. I have seen a few real big brutes in the water system. Just a short vid. Funny thing,they were really active til I clicked to make a vid.LOL If you watch close,you will see a decent fish move in the riffle.

I like the funky. Once it,s smoked,it,s all good.

Maybe I should of said Brookies... My bad

Well down sizing sure made for more hook ups, ( Thanks John and Gil for the PM )but still small fish , but fun just the same. I did have a nice take and even got to see it turn, but got off. Met another new friend and some critters. LOL Arrived at 5 am and made my way up the river. Further then I have ever gone. Every time I go further,I find more great waters to fish. My biggest problem is my knees. They get sore now when walking this kind of terrain . I have come to take my time and take in all that is out there. Sometimes it,s a flower or what not, then there are those things that catch your eye and make you more intrigued with nature. I guess when you get older and slower,this happens. I noticed a lot of flying going on in the air. Another hatch of a different fly. They looked like my spinner ties . Managed to get some what of a decent pic. Tried to get one to land on my hand by holding it out,but they had nothing to do with it. I do see though , when tiers say they make the tails longer then the hook shank. Pretty cool . Worked my way back down working each spot. Like I said,lots of small fish. Seen this beaver twice. Think he wanted a friend . Seen 2 caterpillars. One was taking a drink, the other was just sunning. Cool colors. Lots of these on the rocks through out the water system . Some of the great waters I fished this morning . I tried hellgrammites under a float in the deep pools, thought that would of been the ticket,but not. Still small fish. There has got to be a good fish that wants to play. LOL

Well Mr.B, a BIG grats my friend. Lets hook up in the fall for a grand river fly fish, now that you will have time. Enjoy B

Congratulations Brian, time to enjoy your well deserved retirement years.

Thanks for the info I am going by the dealer next week to finalize somethings and see if they have a delivery date yet. I am excited to get out and try the boat. I have decided to cut back on some of the big dollar items and go with more reasonable things like a 7 inch graph over a 9 inch. Also i think i will try and do more of the rigging myself as all dealers can be expensive for that kind of work. So i think i will save a least a couple grand by being more sensible about somethings. Also i will definitely post a few pics of the boat when it arrives.

Welcome to the Retirement club i haven’t been to shinningtree for about ten years but I always had a good time there

Congratulations on your retirement Brian, it's a milestone we all look forward to. I've been retired 20 years now and have never regretted taking early retirement once, you just have to keep busy and don't ever let yourself get bored. I start every day with a 4 mile walk at sunrise, 365 days a year and after breakfast I get busy and if I don't have a job to do I invent one LOL Enjoy the time you've earned bud, you've got a whole new life ahead of you. For years on this board my signature said "when your retired, every day is Saturday morning".

For what it's worth, I've had 4 outboards in the last 35 years....one Suzuki, one Johnson, and two Yamahas (4 strokes)....in that order. Suzuki was great, Both Yams great. The Johnson was a huge POS....couldn't wait to get rid of it.

Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda.

How about one of these new tillers? 😜