Every year the last Saturday in April rolls forward as slowly as possible. I look forward to this day with unnatural eagerness as it not only marks the beginning of the open water fishing season, but also it is my own personal mark for the beginning of spring.
The lakes are still frozen and there are places with a foot of snow still in the deep woods - but spring is officially (my official that is) here. On Saturday I saw my first butterfly of the year and caught my first open water fish.
Brook trout are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful fish. They are the Michigan State fish and so much fun to catch and then release back into the waters that they roam.
This weekend I caught 2 brook trout and it completely was worth the struggle - I hiked over 2 miles in my waders, fell in the water, nearly capsized my kayak, lost lures to snags, and broke a net. But, it, was, worth, it.
I have put together a video to make a tribute to the opener. Please check it out below.
Summer fishing is fast approaching.
As always.
Catch.
Release.
Wander.
C'est la vie.
Pura vida.
Carpe diem.