Here's a question I have for you guys which may be obvious to you but I'm curious... Since this years ice out will be later than usual will spawn be longer and or later? Will it affect spawn is my question?

Yeah, it will affect the spawn. They'll be moving up later than usual,and we have to look for water warmer than usual.

Here's a question I have for you guys which may be obvious to you but I'm curious... Since this years ice out will be later than usual will spawn be longer and or later? Will it affect spawn is my question?

I would guess the later ice out, would translate into a later spawn.  With more ice their is less water evaporation, and therefore it will take more time for water temps to rise to appropriate spawning levels.  Seems logical to me, but I'm just taking an educated guess.

Yeah, it will affect the spawn. They'll be moving up later than usual,and we have to look for water warmer than usual.

 

I would guess the later ice out, would translate into a later spawn.  With more ice their is less water evaporation, and therefore it will take more time for water temps to rise to appropriate spawning levels.  Seems logical to me, but I'm just taking an educated guess.

 

That's what I thought, I wasn't sure If their biological clock would get them spawning anyway... 

Might have to take up some trout fishing if the ice don't go soon lol

No you don't. Learn your rivers! 

 

Got 5 of these guys about this size today...

 

And one better one...

 

I did not have one stitch of a hit on a jig or swimbait, so I went to a drop shot with a couple different baits, and started getting bites, but man, it was SLOW goin'! Had to drag and soak that sucker to get bit.

Nice red eye.

nice fish

Thanks. Both of those guys had the classic red eyes. Such beautiful fish. Pretty good day, despite the wind. It was cold, my brothers!

Nice fish Shane! Glad to see you're out this early in the season, and having success.   I don't have a lot of experience on rivers, but you have def. motivated me to get my butt out there soon.  Might launch my Yak this weekend on the Merrimack if it stays dry out there. 

No you don't. Learn your rivers! 

 

Got 5 of these guys about this size today...

 

And one better one...

 

I did not have one stitch of a hit on a jig or swimbait, so I went to a drop shot with a couple different baits, and started getting bites, but man, it was SLOW goin'! Had to drag and soak that sucker to get bit.

You never cease to disappoint Shane nice fish. Haha too cold for me will be out there second or 3rd week of April guarantee and the Rage Craw will be making its way I promise you that haha.

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I just can't NOT fish! 

Do you use any kind of scent on your plastics when you're fishing that slow? I bought some a while ago but haven't used it enough to know if it's making a difference.

Absolutely. I use Mega Strike, especially when they are barely taking the bait like they were yesterday. Very light, subtle bites, so I like to give them a little flavor to savor while I figure out I got a fish eatin' my stuff. Might only be responsible for an extra hookup or two, but hey, I'll take it!

That's what I bought, Mega Strike, I'll have to make an effort to use it more. And yes, just an extra hook-up or two makes it worth it, especially on those tough, slow days.  One is better than none.

Megastrike defiantly makes a difference. Most notably for me was topwater frogs. Was getting light strikes and added some megastrike and was getting solid strikes

I used it last year and I swear on it, it does work for my finesse style presentations. I have 2 tubes one for the front and another for the back. But I still love my smelly jelly anise/craw

Just bought the Navionics app for my phone and tablet I must say its a cool app. 

I have used it for a couple of years now on my Android and love it. When i'm in my dads boat or my little row boat with no finder it is a cheap alternative. 

I have used it for a couple of years now on my Android and love it. When i'm in my dads boat or my little row boat with no finder it is a cheap alternative. 

The web/app page for navionics is free and I have been using it to plan my trips last year but some lakes in Maine have no depth makings as of yet. but its great to study points and bottom lake streams.

I am not familiar with this app.  Does it do any small water ?  Does it do Southern NH ?

I am not familiar with this app.  Does it do any small water ?  Does it do Southern NH ?

http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp 

 

Click the webapp icon on the top bar

This is the web app it pretty much shows all the coverage you would get with the phone app.

Hey guys I've read through this entire forum and many others. Do you guys know of any good holes near Epping? Thanks!

http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp 

 

Click the webapp icon on the top bar

This is the web app it pretty much shows all the coverage you would get with the phone app.

When you use the maps what exactly are you looking for? I use the app sometimes just to see depth and sometimes a drop off if the lines are stacked up, but I don't really know how to read the maps much 

I have it on my depth finder the same program. I use it to relate to how I am catching bass at the moment, if you are catching them on a north facing drop at a certain depth this will help you look at the lake to see any more areas that have the same features. in the end its a tool to add and learn from.