And those lake trout are catchable—even without heavy gear (or motors)

Before we patterned the trout, we had a slow first day of fishing. And it was discouraging to see a number of other boats targeting lakers with downriggers and wire line—deep-water fishing techniques we were not equipped to try. But by using contour maps, my kayak sonar and simple tactics (not to mention the many laker tips I’ve learned from OC fishing editor Gord Pyzer), darned if we didn’t eventually start landing some trout. I’m not about to reveal exactly where, but the photo above with my first laker is a giveaway. Yep, it was about 100 yards in front of our Tall Pines Cabin. In addition, we found a number of other productive spots within reasonable paddle range.