Black Lake, New York: May 2004

The Sunnyside Motel

Campbell and I had been talking for a while about finding a decent pike lake somewhere a bit closer than northern Ontario. After some careful Google work we choose Black Lake in northwestern New York. We made a somewhat mis-guided trip to Black Lake in the fall of 2003 but re-grouped and returned the next Spring. We chose The Sunnyside Motel as our lodge. We had a nice clean room with plenty of space and decent amenities. Jason did break one of the kitchen pots, but the whole shower naked open door debacle that followed was rather amusing.

The Lake Did Not Disappoint

Things really could not have gone any better on this trip. My 1448 Northwoods and 15HP Mariner worked perfectly the whole time. The boat was dry as a bone and the motor pured like a kitten for three straight days. I can say with my hand on a Bible that this was the only trip I've ever had where there were no boat or motor issues. I never should have sold that boat.

The lake was beautiful and the weather even better. We were shocked to find that locating fish in Black Lake is easier than Sunday morning. The lake is shallow and the fish are spread out everywhere. And I mean everywhere. We just drifted where the wind took us throwing spoons in all directions. It worked. Once the wind picked up we found sheltered bays where small jigs were just the ticket.

I Ain't Gonna Lie - Jason Out Fished Everyone on This Trip

I don't know what got into him, but Jason pulled in some of the biggest bass, walleye, catfish, and pike I've ever seen. He was the man! He was also the one who figured out that tiny little jig heads with little twisty tail grubs would consistently catch monster fish. Apparently he was considering missionary work that week as he labeled his new technique "jig'n for Jesus".

Both of these fish were caught using a jig about the size of a pea. Impressive!