my neighbours son had a mariner version of that motor and had a problem with water in the lower unit, tried fixing it 3 times the third time it was fixed. I guess I'm trying to say to check the lower unit for water.
My neighbor says to put some Vick,'s Vapo Rub on your hands and neck to help combat black flies and mosquitos, has anybody ever tried this? I think I will try it the next time I go north
slip float with a wooly bugger jig/fly, I have used one with a white body and a pink head, during the spawn find them in 2-3 feet of water in small back bays that have some weed growth. I have fished them in the Kawarthas using these methods. Also fish around cattails or bullrush with your slip float . good luck out there and stay safe