Looks like you took a left from Mike Tyson. 
For what its worth, I’m not finding big numbers of fish in my usual spring milk run spots. More like a fish here, fish there kinda bite on the smallies. Should turn around here soon. Good luck on your next trip.
-J.
You need to check that bilge pump and repair or upsize. No way should a bilge pump run for hours without being able to pump out a fishing boat unless it’s seriously undersized or not working properly.
The other issue I see all the time is undersized wire running to the bilge pump, so the current is not available to pump to the stated capacity. I would never run anything less than 14 gauge wire to a bilge and that’s the absolute minimum. For bigger boats, I’ve run 12 or 10 to each pump, do whatever the pump size and wire run call for.
Also, corrugated discharge hose reduces pumping speed and efficiency. Smooth is always better. And with all critical marine systems that involve hose clamps, stainless clamps X2 on every fitting end. Never rely on a single clamp and never, ever use pot metal automotive clamps in a marine application.
Grouse
Also, if your in a pinch, just put the boat up on plane. The water will get sucked out the drain plug hole. Quick way to clear the bilge. Actually old school way we used to drain the bilge before small fishing boats had pumps. Just pull the plug on the go, replace when empty.
-J.
Thanks guys – I DID try to get it up on plane, but with all the water in the boat by then, it would not plane out. I will check the hoses for sure. I was just amazed how much water was in the boat by the time I made it to the island shore. I am glad there was something close by or we would have put that boat on the bottom.
Damn walleyes. Seems like they’re everywhere in that lake. 
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