Well. Got to use it for the first time. Takes a little bit of time to get used to it but so far so good. Also helps with the wind.
I was jonesing for bass so I drove 2 hours from Burlington to Chautauqua county, NY. Spent 10 hours on the water and came up with only a few dinks. Next time I will drive an hour or so, albeit to less desirable looking lakes.
Had to pay $10 US for licence and $3.50 toll on the way back.
I lost a 5 pounder right at the boat while I was trying to net it. Would have been my PB. I think my drag was too tight because when I'm fishing lily pads, you really gotta yank them out before they get you stuck in the roots. Well that's for 2 to 3 pounders.
I hooked the hawg in a weed bed and should have loosened my drag beforehand. You live and you learn.
Anyway, after all that driving and cost, I had to take a token picture of something so there it is. A ninja holding a one pounder.
Also saw a dozen crappie either floating or struggling at the surface. Just that species. Not the sunnies, perch, rockies, bullhead, bass, walleye, pike or tiger musky in this lake.