Dwight Hottle

Day 6 of our smallie quest. Best five went 28-2. We had three over 5 lbs & two over six. Air temp was 39-45. Water temps were 39-42. Most fish on blade baits in 20-40 feet tight to the bottom & very lethargic. Cloudy skies all day but extremely clear water.

Bonus pike on the St Lawrence while fishing for smallies with a blade bait. She had just eaten some thing just below her gullet.

Last day on Erie & no big smallies. Over six walleye all on jerk baits including Rob’s 29” 9lber. We moving our quest to the St Lawrence river out of Clayton NY for two days. Results to follow. We did see a really big eagle overhead that looks like a golden eagle.

4th day of Erie Pa fishing and it got better with bigger fish all on jerk baits. Mostly sunny and warmer air temps up to 65. Water temps 51-52. Additional photos see above.

New upgrade 5.18/8.5x100=s 60.94 on a smallie. Shortly after another upgrade. 5.5/8.5x100=s 64.70.

@casts_by_fly in the bay but I have caught them in the main lake before

Bonus pike while jerk bait fishing for smallies.

Day three of our smallie trip to Lake Erie Pa waters. Warmer weather than the first two days. Wind was brisk but SE & SW direction off shore. Best two plus a bonus pike. See other species thread.

Pretty cold day on Erie in the lower 30’s until late afternoon. Dirty water & winds made it dually tough. Here are our two best. Both on blade baits.

I already did. Look back for my comment about cottage cheese.

Caught my first entry today not what I was looking for but at least I’m on the board. 4.75 divided by 8.5 x 100 =55.88.

Best two from today. 25-27 mph winds with small craft warning. Most fish were caught on blade baits.

Well when the boss makes his first entry it’s hard to dispute it. Besides he did comply regarding his next entry. This contest isn’t over until the fat lady sings.

@A-Jay d**n you beat me to it. Nice start to your season sir.

What makes you think they can not.

@A-Jay thanks for the motivation. I’m more excited to get up there than I have ever been. It will be a little nippy the forecast for Monday is high of 36 & low of 31. Stay tuned.

@softwateronly you are making it tough for the rest of us brown bass zealots.

I have had at least 4 different Shimano DC reels models & never experienced any problems with them.

Big congrats Joe. That’a big bass for your state.

Tim they would have been bigger if you wore your musky hat with the ear flaps. I think it is a good luck charm along with your wife.

I can see why your excited. Sweet looking rig.

Congrats on the new PB and welcome to the 8 lb club.

Sweet! I'm happy for your progress & excellent attitude.

Elevation differences & longitude differences combined with sun exposure might be the answer. Most of the Idaho reservoirs are river fed while Texas is not?

Congrats on the new PB. I’ll second the welcome to the 8lb club. It’s a stepping stone to the 9lb club & the magic DD.