big fish forgot the camera

First test with two aboard.  My son and I went fishing on our local reservoir.  loaded the boat and launched w/o incident.  The guide posts on the trailer make getting the boat on and off almost brainless.  Although, I should have opted for a trailer just a tad wider to allow me to lower the boat a little closer.  This would have prevented me having to back the car into the water to float the boat off the bunks.  Better yet, go with a roller version. 

The boat moves fine with two aboard and the 10 hp, although it no longer planes.  But, with the horsepower restriction on most of our local lakes, I guess it is ok.  I think a 25 hp would be about right for more open water.  I am glad I went with the tiller version rather than a console, as fiddling with the motor and room for serious fishing is maximized. 

I caught my first Northern Pike at 26".  believe it or not, it is under the limit of 28".  Will have to go back and try again in a few weeks.  What a voracious predator.  This fish had the rod doubled over for many minutes as I wrestled it aboard.  With the low freeboard on the boat, landing a large fish without a net is no issue. 

Yes,  we both forgot our phones and cameras...go figure.