Today I finally got the JIL on the water and ready to begin fishing. Three of us from the lodge, Capt. Malcolm and Betsy from the front desk joined me on the shakedown fishing trip for the 32-foot JIL. The JIL is an aluminum boat made in 1999 and had a brand new Yanmar 300 hp diesel installed last season. I had the pleasure of breaking in the engine pre season and she runs like a top. This season they installed a rebuilt Mercury out drive.

The short run from the lodge to Danger Point sounded perfect. When testing and sea trialing a vessel it’s a good idea to really listen. Thankfully the engine and out drive did not rattle, rumble or make any sounds other the the sweet sounds of perfection.

After arrive at Danger Point we watched several eagles swoop down and take herring from the surface. We dropped our bait catching rigs and had a few dozen within 20 minutes. Prior to going halibut fishing I deployed both downriggers to make sure they worked smoothly. My new Silver Horde downrigger rudders looked and worked great. The new spectra line on the ‘riggers also worked great and lacked the hum that stainless wire creates.

Here’s a few pictures of our catch on our short day of fishing to test rods, reels, gear, out drive etc.

My first guests arrive Wednesday.

Tight lines, I hope to see you at Whaler’s Cove Lodge.

John