French Meadows
On the hunt for big browns we decided to explore French Meadows reservoir. Fishing the opposing side of the launch, we decide to work the shaded bank and work our way west. After two hours of working the shore line we notice the wind picking up. The reservoir is notorious for their high winds but we ignore the warning signs. With top quality gear and our years of experience guiding we shrug of the possible danger. We've never been afraid to tempt fate, why start now. Another hour passes and we regret the decision to stay on the water. At this point we are facing 40mph winds in a low pro Clacka Drift boat and the rollers turn from 1ft to 3ft. Its time to get off the water and fast! We realize we are taking on water and its a scramble to stay afloat. We manage to turn the boat and I start bailing water. During the scramble to turn the boat we are late to realize that our lines are still out. As predicted, we simultaneously both hook up!
I grip my rod and dive to the stern to grab the tiller. As I'm being spooled I pin the motor! I'm giving the 6hp all she's got as I'm doing everything I can to point the bow into the rollers but I'm stumbling over the tiller and we are spinning at full throttle before I can regain control. Gaining my wits about me, I glance up at Ben in the bow with his rod cranked over. The bow is dipping below the water line with every dip of the rollers. In one hand my reel is ripping line and the other is white knuckling the tiller drive. As I regain my concentration I remember the limited line on my reel, but its too late, POP! I'm spooled! I throw my rod toward the bow and grip the side of the boat. I'm doing everything to keep my balance and keep us pointed into the wind. The prop isn't catching as the waves are picking up the back end of the boat. We are uncontrollably porpoising in the water. Bens fish turns under the back of the boat and the prop makes for a quick release. In an excited frantic cry to the fish gods I scream "Not Today! This is not how we end! We manage to take shelter in a cove and we both go silent as we hopelessly gaze across the lake at the ramp.
I pop the latches, toss ben the other life vest and turn the boat. Motor pinned with the tiller in my right hand we leave the shelter of the cove and head back for more. I fittingly scream, "Not Today!" for a second time as we enter back into the rollers to tempt fate again. #bug.chucker.flies
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