I just launched the motorboat while wearing a set of patched and re-repaired neoprene waders some field mice made house in. In the left boot. Which made me smell like rodent urine from the boat ramp all the way around Grand Island at full throttle during the shakedown cruise. Now I need to figure out some vinegar soak solution to get the pee stink out of the waders.
The boat started on the second try (Honda four-strokes rule, mine is now on year eight) and runs smooth as can be. The boat is sitting on its mooring, first boat in the cove thanks to John Peck who recommissioned the pennant and put away the winter stick for me this past week.
Tomorrow is clamming time on the morning low tide. I’ll get my limit and start stacking up clams against the summer rush for chowder, stuffed hawgs, and other bivalve goodness. In the afternoon I’ll ferry the wife and dogs to Dead Neck for a trash pickup (lost lure discovery mission). Boat in water = happiness and end of winter couch potato.
I rode my scooter Saturday afternoon for the first time Since December 1. I understand the happiness that one feels in their heart when signs of warmer times arrive.
No happier day during the year…the first day the fiberglass hits the water. I’d probably be unable to resist probing around for some cod.
Congratulations on an early launch, and many thanks for the Dead Neck cleanup patrol. Very nice of you folks to do that — Sampson’s Island and Dead Neck is a real treasure, and we’ve spent many pleasant hours there. Oh, and by the way, try to leave a few clams for me. I don’t anticipate my first launch for another month or more.
Regarding the eau de mouse in the boots? I’d recommend a cup of gasoline and a match, preferably at night to hide the black smoke plume.
David, thats an early launch alright, I won’t be putting in until April 15. Let me know if you’re up for some early Jersey striper fishing. Be happy to show you the back bays of the other “Cape.” (Cape May)