Mort pops in in his little float plane (cub?) and we get some instructions on how to use a compass and the GPS unit. About 10:00 or so, we’re ready to head out, 2 boats, off toward Abraham Bay around Diabase Peninsula – pike territory. As we’re heading out, Mort asks “anybody got a handgun?” We say no, so he grabs his .22 rifle. “If we get a 30 lb. plus fish, one shot to the head and it’s all over,” Mort explains. After 1 ½ hours plus at 25 mph we’re at a swampy looking channel. The rods come out, and things start happening pretty much immediately. Everybody’s getting fish, the boys on 5 of Diamonds lures, me on yellow Cisco. Big pike, not so-big-pike, pike smashing the streamer on the surface. Ken and I drift apart from Mort & Mike – we stick with casting to the shoreline, they’re trolling. Things slow down a bit for Ken & I, not so for Mort & Mike. Mike estimates they land about 20 fish each; biggest 44”, 22 lbs. (see photos) Ken and I land maybe ½ dozen each by 4:00 or so, I miss several strikes, biggest landed maybe 32”. A blast! Get separated from the other boat on the way back (my fault) – time to head back for supper and get Mort on his way. In the evening, I watch Ken & Mike nail a bunch of fat & sassy lakers trolling near the cabin. My luck, even with sinking line & split shot is more meager, but I do get one real nice fish. On the water till 11:00 or so.
