Lake Trout: Jigging for Summer Success

By Greg Barnes
Fishing & Hunting Sales Manager

Greg Barnes - 27" Lake Trout

Whether you are headed to a destination Lake Trout fishery or just looking for a change of pace in the BWCA; jigging for Lake Trout is a great technique.  In fact this is the fish that originally drew anglers to NE Minnesota / NW Ontario and the deep, clear lakes that can be found there.  In the early spring Lake Trout can be caught in under 40 feet of water by trolling spoons and crank baits.  However, it is after this, when they move to the deeps that will be addressed here.

When fishing inland lakes you are primarily imitating cisco, a common prey species for lake trout.  There are a variety of lures capable of achieving this.  Heddon Sonars, Kastmasters, Sebile Vibratos, Jigging Raps, Blue Fox, and Northland airplane jigs are all viable options.  Color patterns including silver, blue, pink, and green are the most time-tested fish catchers.  Tackle you may already have can also be used.  For example; a 1/4 - 1 oz. Jig head with a plastic tube is another popular rig.  Most walleye fishermen will already have a rod and reel appropriate for this application.  A medium or medium heavy rod lined with plenty of 20 or 30 lb. Braided line is a great set-up.  Fluorocarbon leaders can be added for a finicky bite, but are not necessary.

Marking these bait fish on a good quality sonar unit is the best way to locate where the fish are feeding in the water column.  When looking for spots on a depth contour chart I tend to favor areas with steep near shore drops instead of deep holes out in the middle of bays.  Either types of structure need to reach a depth of at least 60 feet to have good potential and it is not uncommon to fish in over 100 feet.  Often when watching your sonar you will find a school of bait fish first and that is a good spot to begin.  Drop your chosen lure underneath the depth at which you marked fish and begin to jig and retrieve vertically.  Lake Trout will hit the lure both on the retrieve and on the way down.  So, pay attention to any changes in speed while letting down because they could indicate a strike.  Anchoring at these depths is impractical, slow drifting or controlling your position with a trolling motor is ideal.   If fishing without a depth finder I use an easy technique that covers a lot of water. When first attempting to locate fish at a new spot I cover the entire water column.  This is a simple style of fishing, drop your chosen lure all the way to the bottom and reel up at a quick speed.  The aforementioned Sonars, Kastmasters, and Vibratos will be best for this.  It is hard to reel too fast because these fish are fast and prefer to chase their prey.

Mike Barnes - 29" Lake Trout

Good eating size for these trout is right around 20 inches and leaving the bigger ones will help your areas to produce fish year after year.  The the fish can be completely filleted or with the skin left on.  Recipes similar to those for salmon are quite good.  Pan searing with the addition of maple syrup or garlic is delicious.  Lemon butter sauces also accompany the grilled fish quite well.

If you have been looking for a new way to target Lake Trout or are interested in eating fish other than walleye on your next trip to the boundary waters then jigging is for you.  After the surface water temps climb above 60 degrees this technique will catch you fish in to the fall.  Get out and try it or stop in at Joe's for more tips.  

Puppy Boot Camp

By Kevin Lunzer

Firearms/Hunting - Lead Sales Associate

While enjoying the warm weather of summer, it's hard to plan for a hunting trip that might be months away. We spend our weekends at the lake and we know that it only takes a few days to prepare for a bird hunt. Unfortunately, this isn't the case if you're looking to get your dog in the field for the first time. Statistics have shown that most electronic dog collars are purchased the week before the waterfowl season opens, but introducing this to your dog too late in the year can ruin the season for both of you. 

When purchasing an electronic collar, do your homework first. Purchase your collar well in advance of the hunting season and consider the type of hunting you'll be doing. Match the collar to you and your dog. Many collars have different levels of vibrate and tone in addition to the various levels of electronic stimulation. These collars also come with recommendations for the size and weight of your dog. If you're strictly a waterfowl hunter you'll want to look for waterproof collars. For upland hunters, you may consider collars with a longer range. You may also look for options like a locator beeper or beacon light.

It was Easter Sunday 2013 when I came home with my new duck hunting partner, Vixen, a 7 week old yellow lab pup. I spent the first few months teaching her basic commands like "sit" and "stay." By mid summer she was coming to the gun club with me a few times a week. I never shot next to her, but we would spend hours listening to gunfire. She was also exposed to many other dogs while she was there. This is a critical step if you plan on hunting with other people and their dogs. Eventually we worked on retrieving. We started with a tennis ball or training dummy and graduated to frozen birds. I took her duck hunting at 8 months old. I didn't expect much from her, but merely wanted to expose her to the environment of the hunt itself.

As the season ended and winter set in, I purchased a Sportdog Wetland Hunter425 collar and we began training with it. I chose the Sportdog collar because it is very simple to set up, easy to use, and is expandable for up to 3 dogs, should I need it. The feature that I use the most is the vibrate setting. I rarely use any electronic stimulation, I merely use "vibrate" instead of yelling "Come Here!" I tap the vibrate button and Vixen returns to me every time. When we put the collar on, Vixen understands that this is a good thing and we will begin retrieving.

If you're an upland bird hunter, you may want to consider the Sportdog UplandHunter 1875. This collar features a 1 mile range and audible beeper that can be set in quiet, 5 second, and 10 second intervals. It is waterproof and submersible and has an "instant locate" feature with the touch of a button. This is a great feature when hunting in grass or heavy cover.

Obviously, the Wetland Hunter 425 and Upland Hunter 1875 may not have the features you're looking for, but with a little research, you'll find the one that does. At Joe's we carry a wide variety of Sportdog collars and we would be happy to help you find the one that is right for you and your dog.

Dress for Summer Success

By Caroline Nelson

Softgoods Guru

Columbia T-shirt with Omni-freeze™

Now that summer is in full swing I hope you are all out and about enjoying everything this planet has to offer. From hiking mountains to rafting rivers it’s important to have the proper equipment, starting with the ones on your back. With all the advances in textiles it can be overwhelming to know which products to pick. The key to dressing for any type of adventure is layers. Starting from the base layer, moisture management is essential for hot or cold conditions. For hot weather, brands like Columbia and Mountain Hardwear have developed a way to utilize your sweat as a cooling agent. It can be identified by little circles covering the inside of the garment; these circles soak up sweat and help with cooling and quicker evaporation. (Omni-freeze™ & Cool.Q™ Zero) When it comes to colder weather, it’s important to stay warm and dry. Weather you prefer natural or synthetic fibers the product you pick should wick moisture, insulate, and be anti-microbial. Under Armour has a technology called UA infrared which is a thermo-conductive coating that absorbs your body heat to keep you warm. In summary, look for products made of polyester or wool and stay away from cotton. You can’t go wrong with brands like Smartwool, Hot Chillys, or Under Armour. They started out making base layers and they continue to be the best.

Moving on to clothing technology, depending on what activities you’re involved in there are many different ways to protect yourself from the elements. Everyone knows about sunscreen and bug spray but did you know that there are clothing items with this as well? UPF sun protection comes in all types of clothing as well as different degrees, ranging from UPF 15 to 50+. Insect Shield is a licensed technology used by many brands to repel bugs of all kinds. Clothing infused with insect shield is a great alternative to harmful, stinky sprays. Products range from shirts to socks and hats. Lastly, weather proof clothing; many brands have applied a DWR coating to pants and hoodies to help repel liquids. Brands like The North Face and Prana have done a great job of combining everyday style with technical function.

Marmot Rainwear

Last, but usually the most important, the outer layers. For summer it is essential to have good rain wear, something waterproof, breathable and durable. Most well priced rainwear is coated with polyurethane and fully seam sealed. Higher end jackets and pants are made with a waterproof laminate layer which is a water proof material in comparison to a waterproof coating which over time will break down and will need to be re applied. Water molecules are much larger than vapor molecules with allows vapor to escape and water to be repelled. A simple way to think about it is if you throw softballs at a chain link fence they won’t go through but marbles will. With that in mind dirt and oils can clog the pores of the material which can make it less breathable. Which is why it is important to wash and dry your rain wear, this will also reactivate any PU/DWR (polyurethane/durable water repellent) coating. Gentle cycle with a tech wash and tumble dry on low heat.

The North Face Thermoball™ Vest

For insulation layers I’ve found synthetic materials to work best in wet conditions. Most commonly used, thinsulate works like down but stays warm if it gets wet and will not weigh you down. A new technology from The North Face (Thermoball™) is a synthetic insulation that looks like hundreds of tiny cotton balls and functions better than down and typical continuous filament. The North Face encases the Thermoballs™ in little squares which trap and hold warm air better than non quilted jackets.

Buff Headwear

Don’t forget accessories, ranging from hats and neck gators that protect you from the sun to bungee belts which simply keep your pants up. Buff brand makes a neck tube that you can use many different ways, for example a hat or full balaclava. The summer ones all have UV protection plus many other great features like insect shield. Arcade Belt Co. is a new little company out of Lake Tahoe, started by skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who wanted a belt to not only keep their pants up but function better than any other belt out there.  What makes this belt so different and spectacular you ask? It is made of a highly durable elastic which moves with you and won’t stretch out. People have said “it’s like turning every pair of pants into sweatpants”. The buckle is made of a high density plastic with a quick release snap, which makes it a perfect belt for travel since it has no metal you won’t have to take it off at airport security. It has a low profile and comes in many fun patterns, making it not only comfortable but fashionable.

Arcade Belts

I hope these few facts about modern outerwear will aid you in finding exactly what you need for the adventures ahead of you. As a world traveler and adventure seeker I can tell you, with the right equipment it can make any experience more enjoyable. 

Wakeboards and Skis and Tubes OH MY!

By Andrew Clarke

Summer/Winter Sports Sales Manager

Schools are out and we can now say summer is truly here.  Congratulations to all of the graduating classes of 2014! Now is the time when everyone has the chance to join their own Redneck Yacht Club for some fishing, sand bar relaxation, and a little behind boat towing.  There are a number of great options to get out on the water for a bit of recreation while the summer is here. 

Waterskiing has its roots dating back to Minnesota’s own Lake Pepin in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson fashioned the first water skis using wood planks.  Now and days we've moved from wood to fiberglass, carbon fiber and polymers to keep you moving and grooving on the water.  The two types of skiing out there are combo skiing (more basic and easier to start with) and slalom skiing (more advanced single ski).  Combo skis offer bindings that fit a wide range of foot sizes and are built to get any skier up on the water no matter the skill level.  Combo skis also have a rear binding on one of the skis to help the skier learn to drop a ski as well as learn deep water slalom skiing starts.  By contrast, slalom skis are sold as a singular ski and are a more robust to handle faster boat speeds and more aggressive turning.  Speeds for skiing vary on skier preference.  The general range is 22-28 mph for combo skis and 26-36 mph for slalom.  The last thing you’ll need to get set up for a day on the water is a stretch line tow rope for skiing.  The standard tow ropes have high degree of bound and rebound to aid the skier turning and absorb the shock from the boat bouncing on the water.

Wakeboarding started sometime in the 1980’s as its winter counterpart snowboarding was gaining popularity.  Wakeboards have various designs from simple curved shapes for cruising behind a boat to aggressive shapes that will launch the boarder high in the air giving them time any combo of spins, grabs, or flips.  The three build types are known as rocker come as a continuous rocker for ease of use and forgiveness on the water, 3-stage rocker for aggressive turning and pop for spins and grabs, and finally, hybrid boards that blend continuous and 3-stage for better pop with some forgiveness.  Board bindings can vary from an aggressively supportive boot a 2 shoe size range to a softer sided recreational boot that has a range of 5 sizes or more.  Like waterskiing, wakeboarding speeds are based on user preference and are generally between 18-24 mph.  The towropes you’ll want to use are a low to no-stretch line with a wider handle then ski ropes.  The more a wakeboard rope is able to stretch, the more off center the boarder will be in the air making landings tough when you are going head first into the lake. 

Finally, if neither of the first two sports sounds like your cup of tea, strap a Towable to your boat and hit the water for a leisurely cruise or more likely, a game of ditch the rider.  Towables come in a variety of shapes and sizes for 1-4 riders.  The most common are deck tubes which are both comfortable to lie on and can be sized for you as well as a friend or two to join in on the fun.  From the classic deck style tube, you can get as creative as you want from tubes the throw a big rooster tail to tubes that with throw you all directions while the boat is going straight.  Tubes are built to be tough but will eventually succumb to the abuse it will likely go through.  Personally, I average 2 years before I puncture a bladder and need to replace my towable.

This is the time of year cabin fever no longer exists and everyone can get out for the weekend or holiday to enjoy the warm weather and Joe’s Sporting Goods has the tools to help you make the most of the warm weather while it’s here.  If you want to learn more, stop by the shop and ask us questions.  We've been there before and want to make sure you have as much fun as we do.

And until next time, GET OUTDOORS!

Panfish Recipe

By Andrew Clarke

Summer/Winter Sports Sales Manager

School is ending which means summer is finally here.  It is this time of year a whole new generation of fishers get their first exposure to the open water.  Whether by boat, standing on a dock or even on the shoreline, it is up to us to teach the next generation the joys of fishing.  It was on a warm and sunny day like today I got my own first taste of preparing a night crawler, casting my line and waiting for dinner to hook on my line.  My Grandfather was the one who taught me when I was 5 years old at his lake place in Wisconsin.  When we grand-kids would visit, we would climb in to his 16' Lund with our favorite Zebco 202 (mine was Snoopy) and we'd cast off to find ourselves some Bluegill.  After we caught our limit, Grandpa would put one of us at the controls of the motor and we would putter our way back to the dock.  Once back in, Grandpa would head over to the small cleaning shack and have us watch him gut and clean what would become our dinner for the night.

Back at the cabin, Grandma would have the kitchen prepped to bread and bake our fish as well as get the veggies and other meal ingredients ready for an evening meal on their sun porch.  We kids would horse around for a while outside until the dinner bell rang and we rushed back to enjoy a well deserved meal.  Before us was the spread of mixed vegetables, homemade chips and of course, our prize, the fish we had caught ourselves earlier that day.  Those days are now long past, but this will always be a great memory for me and what launched me into the sport of fishing.

It is early exposure to sports like these that teach the next generation to enjoy the outdoor activities that we love. If fishing is an area that you don't have too much experience in, there are great guide services like Kids Go Fish to teach the younger groups how to enjoy a day on the water, either to catch and release or bring home supper.  Speaking of supper, here is the simple recipe my Grandmother used to to cook up our catch for the day:

Cereal Crusted Panfish

2 lbs of fish fillets
3 cups of crushed Rice Krispies
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of pepper
1/2 cup butter, melted

1. Rinse, and pat fish fillets dry. Set aside.

2. Place Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal in shallow bowl. Stir in salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Melt and pour butter into a second shallow bowl. Dip fish fillets in butter then coat with cereal mixture. Place a single layer of filets in shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray.

4. Bake fillets at 375° F for about 25 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork. When cooking, leave the fish alone until done. Internal temperature needs to be 145° for food safety.

If you would like us to give out more wild game
recipes, give us a comment below and let us know what kinds of game you'd like to get ideas for.

And until next time, GET OUTDOORS!





* After scouring through family recipe's, I could not find my Grandma's fish filet recipe in time so I borrowed the closest published recipe our friends at Kellogg's.  It is the same process and same ingredients I remember from all those years ago.

Introduction to Shotgun League Shooting

Trap Field at Metro Gun Club

By Kevin Lunzer

Firearms/Hunting - Lead Sales Associate

When you purchase a new shotgun the next stop you make is often a local gun club for some target shooting on the trap or skeet fields. Many gun clubs are open to public shooting, offering sportsmen or women the ability to stay on their game and practice for the next hunting season.

Skeet Field at Metro Gun Club

Trap shooting has become so popular in recent years that many clubs have added Women’s Leagues and Youth Leagues. Youth trap shooting has also expanded to the High School level.  Currently there are over 200 high schools offering trap shooting at a varsity or club level.  In June 2014 Joe’s Sporting Goods signed up as a sponsor for the Minnesota State High School Trap Shooting Championship in Alexandria, Minnesota. This is a 5 day event with approximately 4,000 registered shooters and 10,000 total attendees. The High School Championship is split into shooting classes allowing students to shoot against others at the same competitive level. Many organizations support youth events with prizes, awards, and scholarships.

Sporting Clays in Hugo, MN

           After shooting a little and getting familiar with your new gun, you may consider getting a few friends together and signing up for a league.  Shotgun Leagues run throughout the year and can include various shooting disciplines. You can choose to shoot trap, skeet, 5-stand, sporting clays or a combination of these and other types of shooting.  The gear needed to get started is minimal.  In addition to your shotgun you will need eye and ear protection which is required at shooting ranges.  While it is not a necessity a good vest or pouch to carry ammunition is also a great accessory to have.  League shooting is a great way for all levels of shooters to stay active and improve their accuracy.  Leagues run 10 to 20 weeks in length and participants normally shoot an average of 1 round per week. The first few weeks of shooting are used to establish the shooter’s “handicap.” The handicap levels the field for all shooters and in some cases; you will outscore the better shooters on your team as your shooting improves. Depending on the size of your league the club may split into 2 divisions. The teams with the best overall scores will be placed in an “A” division and the remaining teams will be in a “B” division. This is just another way to keep it competitive and give everyone the best opportunity to have fun shooting with others.

Browning Eye & Ear Protection

Starting a team is a simple process; all it takes is one person to captain the team and a few other willing participants. Ask a few friends or coworkers if they’d like to join the team and select when and where you’d like to shoot.  Many local shooting ranges including Metro Gun Club in Blaine, MN offer a variety of leagues to choose from.  If you would like more information on league shooting, contact your local gun club or stop by the gun counter here at Joe’s. We will be happy to direct you to any of the public clubs and help get you started.

Camping Preparations

By Andrew Clarke

Summer/Winter Sports Sales Manager

Night Time at Crosby Manitou State Park, MN

Many campers had their first camping experience as part of the Boy/Girl Scouts of America.  Because these organizations introduce so many to camping, Joe's Sporting Goods offers 10% off retail to any scouts when gearing up for the next adventure. Whether it's a glorified “car” camping experience or two weeks backpacking in the back country of New Mexico, scouting has been working hard to keep camping a mainstay in our technological age.  One issue I see often when gearing people up for a trip is what gear to bring on a camp out.  Depending on if you are car camping for a weekend at a state park with your family or backpacking for a week in Isle Royale with a few friends, your gear list will vary on where you are going and what you are expecting to face on your journey.  Though there are a number of lists out there (we are no exception to that) to give you ideas on what kinds of camping gear to bring, there are a few truth's learned from my own days hoofing it on the hiking trails to make any camping experience a success.

Isle Royale, MI

One of the most important things to keep in mind is something I learned from my own Boy Scout days… Cotton Kills.  While cotton is a comfortable material at home, when it gets wet, it stays wet.  Cotton is hard to dry and cold when the sun sets.  This is where nylon, polyester, fleece, and other synthetic fibers come into play.  Any of these synthetic or blended soft goods dry quickly when wet, are lighter weight, and can still keep you insulated even when wet.  Wool is a perfect natural material with the same properties as fleece and other synthetic materials and has never let me down, even after falling in a river.

Base Camp, Philmont Scout Ranch, NM

Next, you will want to make sure that you bring only the things that you need.  Pack ahead of time and shake your gear down to make sure everything is working as it should so you don’t get surprised when you arrive at your camp site moments before a rainstorm hits.  Leave the tech toys at home.  It does not matter if you are going to the Superior Hiking Trail or even a drive-in site at William O’Brien; make sure that the things you bring will help you enjoy your time outside.  When you stop and enjoy the world around you, all of the problems you once faced melt away and you have a sort of freedom that otherwise would be lost to the electronics you play with at home every day.

Crosby Manitou Park, MN: preparing for a cool night

Finally, when you are all packed up and your trip has ended, Leave No Trace.  Police your camp site(s) one last time before taking off and ensure that you did not leave anything behind.  Even small things like a misplaced tent steak to a piece of Pop Tart wrapper from that morning’s breakfast need to be picked up.  The Leave No Trace's motto is “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.”  This motto is LNT's core principle and allows the next group (like you) to enjoy the land just as the people before you.

Deep in the forest at Philmont Scout Ranch, NM

There is a lot to take in when you go outside and rough it.  For a final bit of food for thought, the two things to make any trip a success is to prepare you and your gear and most importantly, have fun.  Some of the greatest memories you can make are those that are set apart from your norm. 

And until next time, GET OUTDOORS! 

Family Camping Checklist

Personal Gear					Crew Gear
	Day Pack					Tent
	Sleeping Bag (30° or colder)					Ground Cloth
	Sleeping Pad/Cot					Stove (2 burner)
	Flashlight/Headlamp					Cooking Gear
	Socks					Stove Fuel
	T-Shirt(s)					Meal seasoning
	Sweater/Fleece					Dishes
	Pants/Shorts					Rope
	Underwear					Carabiner(s)
	Stocking Cap					Toilet Paper
	Gloves					Food
	Long Underwear					Cooler
	Pajamas					Sanitation Supplies
	Rain Jacket					First Aid Kit
	Hiking Shoes/Boots					Ax/Saw
	Camp Shoes					Lantern
	Camp Towel					Matches/Lighter
	Tooth Brush/Paste					Water Filter (area dependent)
	Insect Repellent
	Lip Balm
	Sunscreen
	Comb
	Deodorant
	Medication (if needed)
	1 qt water bottles (2-3)
	Medication (if needed)
	Dirty Clothing Bag
	Watch (w/ alarm)
	Toiletries
	Optional
	Trekking Poles			Sunglasses				Pillow
	Camera			Money				Hammock
	Camp Stool/Chair			Multi Tool/ Pocket Knife				Book

Backpacking Checklist

Personal		Ex	Qty:		Pack & Bags		Ex	Qty:
	Stocking Cap	Wool/Fleece	1			Internal	> 60L	1
	Gloves	Wool/Fleece	1			Daypack	< 32L	1
	Cap	Ball/Brim	1			Pack Cover	For Pack	1
	Base Layers	Shirt/Pant	1			Ziploc Bag	1-2 Gal	6+
	Mid Layer	Fleece Pullover	1			Ditty Bag	Smellables	2
	Top Layer	Wool Jacket	1
	Rain suit	Waterproof	1		Crew Gear		Ex	Qty:
	SS T-shirt	Synthetic Blend	2			Tent	2-3 person	1
	Zip Off Pant	Synthetic Blend	1			Ground Cloth	Tarp	1
	Long Pant	Synthetic	1			Water Filter	1L min +	1
	Underwear	Synthetic	3			Backup Filter	4+ crew	1
	Socks	Wool Blend	2			Stove	1 burner	1
	Liner Socks	Synthetic	2			Backup Stove	4+ crew	1
	Boots	Ankle High	1			Fuel Bottle	ISO/Liquid	2
	Camp Shoe	Any	1			First Aid Kit	AMK	1
						Duct Tape	Repairs	1
Misc Personal		Ex	Qty:			Para Cord	100 ft	1
	Bowl	Metal/Plastic	1			Insect Repel	Ultrathon	1
	Mug/Cup	Metal/Plastic	1			Trowel	garden	1
	Spoon/Spork	Metal/Plastic	1			Toilet Paper		2
	Water Bottle	1 QT Bottles	4			Compass		1
	Pocket Knife	Up to 3.5"	1			Carabiner	Load Bearing	2
	Matches	Waterproof/BIC	1			Bear Bag		2
	Headlamp	LED	1			Dining Fly		1
	Toothbrush	Any	1			Pots/Pans	Cooking
	Toothpaste	>3oz. Tube	1			Chef Cutlery	Cooking
	Soap	Biodegradable	1
	Towel	Quick Dry	1
	Sunglasses	Polarized	1
	Watch	Alamed	1
	Foot powder	Any	1
Sleeping		Ex	Qty:
	Mummy Bag	30°F or <	1
	Stuff Sack	For Bag	1
	Sleeping Pad	Any	1
	Sleep Clothes	Only for Tent	1

First Paddle: A St. Croix Story

By Johnny “Boats” Kendrick

Paddle Sports Expert

Boom Site Landing

Recognizing the singularity of the moment, a lone goose called out on the river.  I haeartily agreed; the first paddle of the year is a singular event.  I had chosen the St. Croix Boomsite, and the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120, for this first occasion.  Despite its popularity with motorboats, the lower St. Croix is a close-to-home gem of a paddle spot, with steep banks, sand rock cliffs and abundant waterfowl.  In contrast to Wilderness’ Pungo series kayak, the Tsunami is a smaller boat for my six-foot frame.  To get in I need to prop myself up and slide my legs down together.  The Tsunami 120 has a performance fit with my legs extended as far as the footpegs go and thighs snugly engaged in the braces.  The Wilderness kayak seat is truly the industry standard in comfort, and I felt one with my boat as I slipped out of the bay.

The river was alive in the rising sun.  A colony of egrets was congregated in the trees on a submerged island, their snowy silhouettes contrasting the darkened nests.   A few pairs of ducks flushed out in front of me; mostly woodies rising noisily and sharply into the air, often circling back to have a look at me, and a few mergansers, murmuring softly, just inches above the water.  Herons emerged like pterodactyls from the flooded trees, a bald eagle, geese, and even a pair of cormorants graced the sky, and the air was full of birdsong with swamp sparrows being the most prominent.

The peninsula that separated the Boomsite Landing from the marina and wayside was under water, but the flooded trees slowed the flow of the river.  As I neared the tip of the peninsula, I could see the current, swollen with the melt-off from the winter that just didn't want to die.  Carefully I nosed my bow into the channel and paddled vigorously.  But the Tsunami is a very efficient boat.  Even in my twelve-footer, I was soon slipping upstream with a consistent and manageable tempo, tracking with a very subtle swing in the bow as I paddled.  I was soon in the zone and at one with my boat, the river, and the beautiful spring morning.

About a mile upstream, a small slough on the Minnesota shoreline led into flooded woods.  I don’t like to enter sloughs from the downstream side.  They’re often blocked on top-but a deep green color from the otherwise brown shore caught my eye and I paddled over, hoping for marsh marigolds.  There were none blooming yet so I continued up the shoreline into the woods; evading trees and passing under a goose perched in a tree (not a common sight). As I brushed through the limb of a submerged silver maple, I surprised a couple of beavers, one of them just off my bow.  His fur was glistening red in the morning sun.  With a quick slap of his tail and they both disappeared.

Ok, ya caught me, this is Lake Superior.
It is from the deck of the Tsunami 120 though

Emerging from a rather surreal paddle through the woods, I found the river changed.  The sun was high in the eastern sky, bathing the steep Minnesota shore in warm, soft light and there I saw the rich green and yellow of marsh marigolds, stretching on to the next bend in the river.  The Wisconsin shore featured the reddish brown cliffs that marked the Boy Scout camp and I followed the line of conifers down to the old bridge pillars.  With both shores beckoning the way upstream, I set my bow in the current and soon rediscovered the joy of a fast boat on a wild river.  If one would really understand a boat and a river, the nuances of each and the music they can make together, one should paddle upstream.  What upstream travel demands is not so much hard work but consistent exertion  My favorite sidearm is the Bending Branches Sunrise, a fiberglass paddle with a slightly smaller blade.  This paddle enables me to establish a good rhythm and I soon passed the pillars following the bend in the river and arrived at the High Bridge where a sign forbids upstream travel.

Dutifully, with shoulders beginning to complain anyway, I swung the bow around and started my descent.  Half an hour later, I was back at the landing where, perhaps appropriately, it had clouded up and two motorboats were preparing to go out.  But I did take the time for two short detours on the return trip.  I saw a bald eagle on the way up, so I wanted to check out the nest.  I was happy to see the white head of an adult peaking out of the nest and I hope to return to see eaglets later in the year.  My other errand was to search the shady recesses of the Wisconsin shore for any remaining snow.  May 5^th is a late first paddle for me.  With the late snows that delighted the skiers, it frustrated the paddlers.  I was happy to find several large pockets of snow hiding in the shady cliffs.  So though it was late, my first paddle of the year was amid the remnants of snow.