Weather has stayed cool, compared to February. We've gotten rain, and its been cloudy quite a bit. So, the waters haven't warmed appreciably since that 2nd round of iced-over lakes we had earlier in the month. I would guess the local waters are currently sitting around the mid-40's F for temperature.
Compared to previously, the bass haven't been as active. I haven't caught any more Hybrid Sunfish or Pumpkinseed Sunfish. I've caught a few, smaller bass, a fair number of bluegills, and also a good number of crappies. All on a chartreuse microjig about 18" beneath an indicator.
I saw a fellow angler catch a really BIG bass one day. After getting some pictures, he released it back to the pond, which I was VERY happy to see. After his group left, I fished my way over to where he had been fishing. I discovered he had been using a Pumpkinseed Sunfish for bait. The bait was dead in the water next to shore with a huge hook hole through its back. The angler may have been trying to target a big catfish? At any rate, it was good to see a big bass getting released back to the pond. I thought it looked substantially bigger than the 20-inch bass I'd caught earlier this year. Hopefully I will have a chance to catch that fish this year and see just how long it is. Maybe its the 22-incher I thought got harvested? Or a new fish I haven't yet caught? ;o)
This crappie was caught during my lunch hour...it wasn't very big, but I thought the perspective was interesting....showing how their eyes are set and why they like to strike upwards.
Very nice, Dave. I am becoming quite jealous of the fact that you are doing so well and I am waiting my turn at some good fishing. Boy, would love to catch some Crappie about now!
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