The float no longer triggers the bite, but the bottom rig starts to heat up. Catch the two biggest fish of the day on the bottom rig. I even managed to get a rough-looking tangle out of my line just in time. Ended up soaked and chilled to the bone from all the rain and snow. Despite that, it was a great day, and I am glad I braved the elements and overcame the skunk during the first hour. It was all worth it.

Back at Mariposa Pond. Some warmer weather thawed the ice on the pond, which was now completely fishable; however, the weather was not cooperating. It was supposed to rain all day, but the temperature dropped, and the rain turned to snow, then it warmed enough to turn back into rain. It never stopped, and I was getting wet and cold every minute. After more than an hour of fishing, I was getting ready to give up when I managed to catch my first fish. It was the beginning of a very good day.