I got out Saturday for a day of smallmouth fishing which was also the MI opener for pike & walleye.  This lake has a little of everything so I expected to have company.  Upon my arrival, I was pleasantly surprise to find that I had the place to myself.   Both air & water temps maxed out in the low to mid 40’s with a stiff east wind, but the sun was shining so I was going to make the best of it. 

 

The morning started off with a bang as an excellent bass came with in the first few casts.  While working a wind-blown point, a real brute of a pre-spawn smallmouth completely choked my squarebill.  I mean the bait was Gone.  She was cold & super plump, and after a brief fight that was more like a wallowing, she was in the net.   This is the kind of bass I came here for, five pounds of Bronze fatness.  Sweet. 

 

As the day went on, the wind came on stronger but I caught 3 more smallmouth along with a couple of walleye.  The Squarebill, a lipless bait & a jerk bait took fish; all of which came off main lake points – in the wind – had to be in the wind.  Seems it’s always that way.  I rarely get bit on the leeward side, so I don’t even bother fishing it anymore. 

 

 Forecast is not looking fisherman friendly at all the next several days, but after today I’ll be looking to get back at it ASAP.

 

Here’s a video of the first fish.

https://youtu.be/vVZtF8W23s8

 

Here the rest of the day ~ including a little by catch

https://youtu.be/FrkyH8wt8G4

 

A-Jay

nice smallmouth! love the belly on that fat girl

Heck of a nice smallie!  5lbers are fun my friend!

 

Jeff

Man you had a great day. Congrats brother. I'm really surprised you let those walleye go.

 

Thank you my friends - I appreciate it. 

 

Yea, I thought about retaining that by catch Dwight, but I have to admit I was unprepared and didn't have a suitable creel on board the Old Town.  Didn't want to leave them flopping on the deck  . . . . . . .

 

Maybe next time.

 

A-Jay

Awesome video! Those were some nice fish!

man those are some beautiful hi def bronze backs!

Well done, A-Jay!

WTG , Andy. Nice smallie.

Awesome catch!   greatb job on the vids.

Nice work!