Confidence comes with the first bite(s). A board bobs and weaves, then drops back. Gingerly take the rod out from the holder and gently begin winding in. If the fish is of modest size, keep on trolling while reeling; if it's a biggie, you might need to shift into neutral. Wind slowly to avoid ripping those small hooks out when surging in waves. First the board approaches the rod tip; unclip it and drop it in the boat. Awhile later, the sinker comes up the line. Do likewise. Now the fish is 50 feet or so away -- the moment of truth. Don't panic. Ever so slowly, patiently wind it within reach of a long-handled net, without undue pressure to make it wallow on the surface and potentially throw the lure. Finally, slip the net under your prize and lift it in.

Your confidence soars. You actually did it. And if it's a biggie, even better. Walleyes out in the middle of nowhere? Perhaps true. But in the middle of nothing? Perhaps not. Might be a school of baitfish down there -- at least a temporary mobile hot spot. Or an insect hatch emerging from the flat basin. Chances are there was a reason.

Congratulations. You've just joined the ranks of open-water trollers. While hardly an expert, you're now familiar with the basics. Now all it takes is time, experience, and confidence. It'll come if you let it.

And by the way, did you notice that the board(s) on the other side of the boat seem to be lagging a bit behind their normal position?

Fish on.

Basin fishing. Is it really the last refuge of a desperate angler or a bonafide option for early-summer walleye success? You be the judge. The jury is out . . . there. And they just might be willing to bite if you execute properly.