The one that Got Away

“That’s right,” Phil told me as he was re-baiting his hook, “You shouldn’t lay your rod over the net, particularly if it has a lure tied on it” he exclaimed with a harsh growl. “Well Phil,” I said, “It is your other rod and you loaded the boat!” Well now, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Earlier we had tried to fish the Sunken Island with no luck. I thought we might want try something these Walleyes had not seen before, Erie Deries. It did not take much to convince Phil either. So we loaded up the boat, put a couple distinctive colors on our rods and off we went. You see, we use these lures on Lake Erie tipped with a Big’ol Crawler. They work great there but we haven’t tried them in Minnesota. I located our spot and Phil threw out the marker, now to set up our troll over the spot. After about three passes all hell broke loose. Phil had on a fish, a big ol’walleye.

“This must be a big one, can’t turn him”, Phil explained. “Keep the rod tip high” I said. I always say that, as most people that lose fish don’t let the rod play the fish! Anyway, Phil played the fish correctly; the fish did come up and back down again. Just as the fish came up the second time, I grabbed the net; the fish went to the back of the boat and wrapped around the outboard motor. I abandon the net and raised the tilt on the motor to get the line untangled. “Loosen your drag!” I shouted to Phil, “Ya’gota give him some line so I can untangle it.” He did and I was able to get the line free.

By now Phil had the fish almost worn out, at least we thought so. I grabbed the net but when I laid it down to untangle the line, I must have laid it right on top of one of our rods and it got all tangled up in on a hook. Well I scrambled to get the hook out of the net and stuck it in my thumb. “Matza, rattza, fratza, nab’it anyway” I shouted in a gruff tone. But with modest effort I managed to get the hook off my thumb and out of net.

I now hurried to assist Phil in landing this fish, which seemed by now to be a 28-30” Walleye. We later estimated it at least 8 to 10 lbs. As the fish surfaced now the third time, I lowered the net but the fish had other ideas. With one big splash and a turn of the head he threw the lure back at Phil which knocked his hat right into the lake. With net in hand, I retrieved his hat. I don’t think I’ve seen the Irishman so frustrated.  All we both could do was grin and bare it!!!!

What makes a Cabin on the Lake

Over the years our Cabin has meant many different things to all of us. It is a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A place to relax, sit back and watch the world pass by. To Nancy, it is a place that takes her back to her childhood. The Cabin on Amnicon Lake, the pitcher pump in the kitchen, swimming off the raft, picking blueberries and catching sunnies for the fish fry. Of course, being the first one to spot the Cabin as you made the turn around the lake.

To me, the cabin also brings back memories of going to Lake St. Mary’s as a child, my dad teaching me to fish, how to hook a minnow and so much more. Today I love the aroma of hot dogs over the birch fire, the call of the loons to each other, seeing the sun rise each morning with every vista being different. The music nature makes as the waves hit our shore, the call of the wolves, and sounds of the night.

There are Cabins and there are Cabins. A Cabin is not a lake home! Some only have a path while ours is complete with running water. But taking several showers with a limited amount of hot water is not easy. Most do not have televisions, mostly a clock radio, something to hear the weather report. A lot of Cabins have a bunkhouse with extra beds, we have a large bedroom with two doubles and a twin, and sofa and love seat that will sleep three. Sleeping at the Cabin is always hostel or dorm style and no one ever thinks twice about walking around in their shorts or night gown. That’s the Cabin way! Most have a dock and small place for the kids to wade or swim. But all Cabins come with affection and warmth.

We love our family and friends visiting the Cabin, the trips to the beach, fishing off the dock, the boat rides, and let’s not forget the trip to Mealey’s. The list goes on and on.

Actually the Cabin on the Lake is a frame of mind.