ON THE WATER
by Rick Lundstedt
Not a bad winter, as winters go. Still, spring for lake folks is much anticipated and welcome. Once the camp start-up work is completed, (water system, docks, yard work, etc.) the rest of the spring and summer brings the best our Lake has to offer.
Last summer’s heat and drought had its effect on our finned inhabitants. Though the fish remained healthy, signs of stress were obvious from about mid-July through mid-August. Bass had trim bellies (a good goal for us…not so good for fish!) from being "off their feed." Oxygen count was low and temperatures were high in many lakes and ponds. The "stress factor" was well documented in many outdoor magazines and papers and I personally saw evidence on most ponds I fished. Long lasting effects are doubtful, especially at Tripp, due to the solid population of multiple species. After the water cooled, later in August, it appeared all was back to normal.
 |
Hey…how did you like the heavy rains in late season
causing all kinds of fun, especially the transformation of docks to the
floating variety? Thanks to my good neighbors Bill and Bruce, damage to
my boat was minimal. Thanks, guys!!!
Can’t give you an ice fishing report because for the first time in 14 years, I didn’t ice fish on Tripp! Rumor has it that the Lake had above-average activity and the catch was normal, aka OK. Did manage to do some fishing over the winter, however, during a trip to the Florida Keys. Stayed in Islamorada and chartered a deep-water and a back-country trip. Our deep-water boat did very well, hooking and landing a sailfish. Yes! Just like on ESPN! Amberjack, Mahi-mahi, Yellowtail and several large King Mackeral. The back-country trip was a gamble, putting all our eggs in the low probability Bonefish basket. Saw several, cast to a couple, but came up empty. However, if you have time, ask me about "the one that got away." Each trip had one (what fishing trip would be complete without at least one?) and I love telling the stories!! |
|
|
 |
Looking forward to a good season on Tripp and neighboring ponds and rivers. See you on the water!!!