Kip Zent called me this past winter. He told me about the time he had with his father thirty years ago on a houseboat trip on Rainy Lake. Kip wanted to have the same kind of experience with his son. We talked often and I assured Kip that we would do everything we could possible to make the trip a success.
Kip kept in contact and followed our blog. He had all the baits needed for northern, walleye, and bass. Kip also reserved a fishing guide for Monday June 18th. I assured Kip our guides are the best there is on Rainy Lake, not only good guides but genuine good people also.
Ryan Schmidt joined the Zent’s for a day of guided fishing. They decided to fish for pike first. Kip son started with a Johnson Silver Minnow. He got bit right away and the battle was on. He had a little help from dad but landed a dandy 37″ pike. Now it is picture time!
Young Mr. Zent had set his rod standing up against the side of the boat. While taking the picture the rod bent and he grabbed it setting the hook. Another battle had began, dad had to help. This fight went on for awhile. Ryan scooped up another pike only this one was huge, 41″ to be exact. Ryan said that was the first time he had ever seen a fish hit a dangling spoon basically unattended. Time for more pictures.
The boat had drifted across the bay. There happened to be a cabbage bed in casting distance. young Mr. Zent grabbed his rod and casted the trusty Johnson Silver Minnow towards the cabbage bed. Another huge strike and the fight was on. The Zent’s had to tag team this one, they were tired out!
Ryan slid the net under another dandy, a 44″ pike. What a way to start a trip.