It is not the hex nut on the back side of the mount, that is to secure the cable to the mount. Tighten the round friction adjust on the outboard side of the mount just behind the pull ****. Usually only takes a few degrees turn to hold the choke out.

I also let the engine warm up before taking off...sometimes as much as 5+ minutes, depending on how cold it is outside.

 

Thanks for all the advice and input guys and yeah, has been awhile since I've been in here to reply.

End result for me was a very GENTLE adjustment and a new found phenomena called patience