Dwight Hottle

Sorry to here about the loss of your well appreciated videos but I well understand. At least you know I’m not a guilty party because I only disclosed your location to our buddy big fish Jeff. We are still expecting more still pictures of your trophy fish. Beside it will give you more fishing time.

Day four was our first good weather day providing us access to the open lake. I declared it’s jerk bait time and after the first bite that is all we used. We fished mostly 18-22 fow. We had about 25-30 total smallies with 6 bass over 5lbs and one over 6 lbs at 6-4. Robert had a new PB at 5-8. Also had a bonus walleye which isn’t in season until next week after we are gone. We finished the day with smiles on our faces.

Couple of extra pics from yesterday’s report.

Day two was another blow day. No fishing. Day three was a small craft advisory plus wet & cold. We were limited as to where we could fish but we made the best of it. Total count for the day was 35 smallies. We had five over 5lbs & one 6lber. The bass were tight to the bottom. We caught all the fish on blade baits in 5-15 fow.

My first one this year. Felt good. Caught on a blade bait.

Not Presque Isle just east of the bay at Lampe marina. I like your pressure isle reference.

Flew up to Erie Pa with Robert Perez a member on BR (South FLA) for 5 days of smallie fishing. The wind/wave forecast didn’t look good but when you plan a trip far in advance your committed on the time line and hope for the best. Plus weather changes quickly on the Great Lakes. I only have one picture to post of our results.

If I may add to the sunny versus overcast question regarding the smallie bite window. This fish was caught in the first week of May in 20-22 fow on a bright sunny day. The next fish was caught the first week of May many years later in 20-22 fow on a rainy highly overcast day. Both fish were caught around the same time mid day. The moral of the story is just get out there when you can regardless of the conditions as long as it's safe.

I guess I should have said at my age (75) I don’t care about numbers any more because I have experienced those special days where the numbers just never stop coming. It was and is fun no doubt. Every angler should experience those special days because that experience is what helps you love your fishing time that much more. Thanks for the compliment.

Well Katie since you asked my goal is a new PB bass either brown or green. It is attainable. I don't care about numbers anymore.

Winning angler Barron Adams has his three day weight deemed ineligible because he failed to buy a Texas fishing license. Moral of the story don't forget to get a license. https://anglerschannel.com/npfl-angler-barron-adams-is-disqualified-from-wright-patman-due-to-rules-infraction/

Times a wasting.

I can remember multi-species PB's by the what baits caught each one. So automatic memories is an excellent description.

Welcome to BR & as a previous resident I admire your enthusiasm.

If your willing to spend some time reading this thread covers it all.

Welcome to BR Capt Steve. I’m sure you can share as much as you take on this site with all your experiences.

That’s a great start to the new season.

My experience with smallies in lake Erie was lake surface temps nearing 60 degrees coincided with the beginning of the spawn. My opinion is your just starting the spawn on Beaver lake. Regarding your second question I have never noticed what size smallies spawn first.

The 844c MBR is a very versatile stick which covers almost all techniques & species. I have used that rod successfully for lake trout & pike in northern Canada including a 38lb laker on the original 844 MBR IMX. It can handle baits well above its stated weight range but still casts 3/8 oz & 1/2 oz baits with no problem. You made a great choice.

@ol'crickety Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. They really do have a place in our hearts.

Welcome to BR.

Hope you find some relief Catt.

That fish doesn't look like a lack of skill to me.

You cracked me up with broken jig hook story.

How about lure and if your Canadian how about hook?