A-Jay

The forecast looked fisherman-friendly for this one, so I paced myself to arrive at the local ramp by late morning. I was met with exactly what I’d hoped for and do prefer to fish in this time of year: sun and some wind. I was glad to see the water had cleared up considerably since my last trip; it was back to its usual gin-clear self. All of that made choosing a jerkbait an easy decision. I spent the entire morning on a north-end point and flat in 4–6 feet of water. The bottom there is littered with dead wood and plenty of emergent weed growth—prime perch spawning territory. In fact, my first cast helped confirm that when I snagged a bite-sized, 4-inch perch. It seems these deals are most often best in the morning. I only had a bit of that window left, but fortunately, the bass hung around for a while—something that doesn’t happen often under clear, bluebird skies. I switched between a Vision 110 and a 110 Jr., both in perch. The full-size bait did most of the heavy lifting. After about an hour, I called an audible and tied on a small crankbait. It paid off almost immediately with two of the best fish of the day. A slow stop-and-go cadence, almost like a jerkbait, got bites. Although I struggled to remember the name of it in the video, credit goes to the Megabass Deep-X 100 LBO. It’s a silent bait that casts great and comes in some killer colors. Shrimp and PM Strike Chart were the producers today. I was throwing it on a medium composite stick and 12lb Tatsu FC; it was a fun and nice change of pace. Action slowed early afternoon, but I stayed until close to sunset. Strangely, that didn’t pay off, but it might be worth another try down the road. Finally, I simply must say that the Megabass P5 Destroyer One Ten Special paired with a Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B casting reel is an absolute blast to fish. Until next time... Fish Hard. This video clip shows some of the better catches. A-Jay

The brown bass on local Lake Menderchuck were chewing to-day ! Fished from late morning to late afternoon. There was plenty of sun & some wind with crystal-clear 46-degree water. Didn't keep count, but I'll be changing some hooks and split rings before tomorrow's trip. I'm sharing a few of the prettiest girls I met today. A-Jay

Flooding up north is still keeping of the goby lakes. Plan B in effect. Starting a two day local Lake Menderchuck mini marathon. A bit of a late start this morning but we'll be testing out the sunset bite. Today's results will help me decide on making tomorrow a first light, last light or both trip. Either way, weather looks fishy for April. A-Jay

I prefer to go for the combo platter ~ Mustad & Gamy Magic Eye. Owner ST-35's are a big player for me as well. No experience with VMC. A-Jay

What a fantastic bass and such a great way to introduce yourself to Bass Resource. Congrats on the new Personal Best. And welcome to the 8 lb Club. A-Jay

Workout Day 4 ~ Started this one off with 3 sets of rack pulls. Reps with 2.6 times my body weight always get my attention. Especially for an old geezer like me. My two days off will most assuredly be spent on Lake Menderchuck. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

That's tough. Our thoughts are with you & yours. ☹️ A-Jay

Managed a couple of 27's a 28 and a 29 but 'The Dirty 30' has eluded me so far. And unless I catch a SMB that surpasses the almost 10 lb MI State or the current ( I don't believe it) World Record, I'm never 'winning' this deal. But it's a blast launching every trip and giving it the old college try. Of course, I've never actually been to college. So I might not be doing it right. A-Jay

You are right. That is a great bass. One I'd be very happy to slip the net under. But how about a 5 fish bag of 6's ? Now that's a prediction ! #dirtythirty A-Jay

So we're making predictions now ? You NJ guys are a hoot. While I'm not that excited about the restrictions you're setting for me, I absolutely appreciate the motivation. A-Jay

Another good trip for sure. And I think that big fish of the day would get you near 55 points in this years State vs State thread. Do it ! Congrats 👏 A-Jay

On what was his birthday, we're remembering my Dad today ~ Growing up this date was also "Opening Day" After I gave him his gift #apairofsocks, he would always take my little brother and I fishing. A-Jay

The GMC I am towing with now (as well as the next one on order) has an in vehicle trailering app. Provides detailed information on everything trailer. Keeps track of milage, tire psi, brakes, properly lighting and does self check on everything everytime I plug the Lund trailer in. Keeps tabs on my canoe trailer as well. Didn't think I'd use it at first. I was wrong. A-Jay

I use a 24 x 16 inch silicone food mat. Does it all for me and has been for years. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D54KV4HH?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1 A-Jay

Not exactly resurrected. More like continuing. Helps plant the check the trailer tires seed in our often basshead distracked brains. A-Jay

Go Boldly ~ A-Jay

The joy of the north woods. Heat or wood stove at night and in the morning. AC by midday Good Times. A-Jay

@gim Here too. 22 degrees. I am so happy. 🥵 A-Jay

I purchased the longer bunks and simply trimmed them to match the length of the OE bunks exactly. Took 1.5 inches off each end Eliminated the guesswork for me. I essentially have the same or better support along with easy on & off and no rotted wood or worn carpet to replace. A-Jay

So that's a wrap here for this year. Thanks for playing along. Stay healthy & safe. and catch lots of basses. A-Jay

Yes A-Jay

Workout Day 3 ~ After a fun day on the water yesterday I was back in the home gym. Now that there's finally open water up here, any and all "good weather fishing days" will trump these workouts. Which is one reason I do them in the first place. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Old Lake Mexachuck strikes again A-Jay

Geez. The oversight committee here is pretty tough. A-Jay

Local Lake Menderchuck certainly took her sweet time opening up. But she finally did overnight, last night. So naturally, I'm splashing the Lund today. Took my time and got out there late morning. Conditions were decent. Clear 44-degree water (with some weed floating throughout the water column). Turned out to get worse as the south wind picked up to 15 knots or so. But before the jerkbait bite became problematic, I managed a very nice brown bass. I picked off a few smaller fish before the conditions had me hammer down back to the ramp. I've attached a short cast-catch-to-weight-and-release video. A-Jay