idn713

lol, well of course I have silly guy. Caught many many many kings trolling. Just kinda got old.

lol I absolutely love golf, one of my favorite hobbies

I’ll be honest—and I know I’m not alone here—King trolling has simply become boring. When I started in my teens, I couldn't get enough of it. Probing the deep waters of Lake Ontario was a mystery, and watching a rod pop was the ultimate rush. But over time, that mystery gave way to predictability and a nagging realization: the boat is doing the fishing. When you’re on a buddy’s boat, the captain and the electronics set the game plan. What’s the actual payoff? Reeling in a fish that was hooked by someone else’s tactics, equipment, and spread while you just happened to be the quickest to the rod. People will argue it’s a "group effort," but let’s be real: unless you own the boat, you’re just a deckhand. Trolling is exclusive; it keeps the actual "fishing" in the hands of the machine. The thrill of the fight eventually wears off. You become increasingly aware that the boat is dragging the fish; that "screamer" is often just the result of water drag pushing against a frustrated King. After a few years, the novelty fades to the point where you’re begging your buddies to take the rod—especially if it’s a Laker on copper (at which point I’d rather throw the whole rig overboard). Even the appeal of "wild-caught" salmon loses its luster once you admit it doesn't hold a candle to Walleye or panfish. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with jigging because it feels like an actual hunt, offering a level of autonomy that trolling simply can’t match since I'm no longer relying on a motor to move my lure. It provides a direct connection to the fish that makes for the best pound-for-pound fight you can have on light tackle, allowing me to be the true author of the process and the architect of the catch from start to finish. While jigging might never beat trolling in terms of sheer numbers or "efficiency," it has already blown it away in terms of pure enjoyment; if the conditions allow for both, I’m picking up the jigging rod every single time.

Put another sneak on the bait pile last night. Crunchy snow hasn't fully melted, so I was only able to sneak to about 170 yards. Have two mangy yotes I have been wanting to kill, as well as two beautiful ones. This just happened to be an absolutely beautiful coyote. Hammered her and she was dead running. Just a gorgeous "red" yote, that was as fluffy as can be!

Did a couple quick sets the other night before the warm up, no dice calling besides a fox. Fired up two different packs with challenge howl but neither would commit, despite being within 700 - 1000 yards. Ended up putting the sneak on a bait pile yote (best I could, still a 200 yard shot due to crunchy snow). Smacked her. Enjoy the video.

Will be curious as to how you do, I have to imagine the movement is hugely limited with the deep snow.

Nice vid, always irked me that they have that center reticle colored red, wish they would just keep it green.

Did a couple of sets last night, called in a few foxes (shot one). Thought I would have a little more action than I did, but it's not a bad start. Clipped the video as I pulled left on the initial shot and almost blew the front leg off ( don't like showing animals in pain due to my idiocy). Def forgot how jacked up I get on these thermal hunts. Gonna have to remember to settle in and take that deep breath, Much smaller target than a big ol doe!

Nice big doe at the buzzer

Tough way to start the thread, Bill. Sorry for your loss. Was there recently, and it was brutal. I will say, yotes trying to dig up my dog would have my blood boiling. They would be killed by any means necessary.