The Maiden Voyage of the H.M.S Runt
I bought a kayak the other day and christened it the H.M.S Runt. The poem you’re about to read is a truthful and wholly accurate account of my first trip this last weekend, where I ventured to Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania for a full day fishing trip. I present to you - “The Maiden Voyage of the H.M.S Runt”.
In waters vast, where waves do churn,
sailed the H.M.S Runt, her bow to stern.
A vessel brave, with sails unfurled,
Bound for waters where the fish are swirled.
Her maiden voyage, a day so bright,
Set sail at dawn with hopes in sight.
Myself aboard, with rods at bay,
it was time for me to be on my way.
But alas, the sun climbed high,
and yet, no catch had met my eye.
The H.M.S Runt, she sailed in vain,
Through sparkling waters, without gain.
From morn 'til dusk, I cast my line,
hoping for a catch divine.
Yet fortune's smile refused to glow,
as the hours passed, nay a fish did show.
But just as dusk began to fall,
a tug on the line! A hopeful call.
I fought the beast with all my might,
for a fish so grand, a thrilling sight.
A lake trout strong, it danced and fought,
and victory seemed within my thought.
Yet fate, she set a cruel ol’ trap.
In the blink of an eye, my line did snap.
The H.M.S Runt, with sails now low,
headed back to port, her spirits so.
Though the catch was lost, and my heart felt sore,
I vowed to fish the waters once more.
For in the tale of the H.M.S Runt,
lies the saga of the fishing hunt.
Through trials faced and dreams unfurled,
She’ll sail again, to conquer the world.
If you’ve made it this far, I thank you. I’ll share a few actual fishing thoughts so this wasn’t a complete waste of your time. First, the kayak that I bought was the Lifetime 10 ft. Tioga Angler Fishing Kayak, which was on sale at Tractor Supply Company for $299. It provides a great starting point for a kayak at a reasonable price and can be customized into a full on fishing machine. Equipped with two built-in rod holders, a trolling apparatus, and dry storage it has everything you need in a fishing kayak while lacking many of the fancy features that other more expensive models offer. I added some small modifications for additional storage and will likely attach a fish finder unit in the coming weeks, but I was overall impressed with features, stability, and price of this product. As far as the fishing was concerned, many northern lakes (including the one I was fishing) are warming up and turning over so the water temperatures are basically uniform throughout. In these conditions, fishing or trolling for cold water species at the surface or in shallower water can often times produce the best results. I’m looking forward to taking out the H.M.S Runt soon for another voyage to avenge the losses of her last adventure. Until then, my friend.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Declan
