After an exceptionally mild winter, we had an exceptionally early ice-out here on southern Lake Champlain in upstate NY.  I got out for the first time today to give the boat a check-out ride and maybe do a little fishing.  I was excited about the early launch, but lost some enthusiasm when I found the water surface temperature was 38*.  A strong, cold north wind kept me from fishing where I wanted to so I decided to get out the ultralight spinning rod and try for some panfish.  I tied on a 1/16 oz. Roadrunner and hooked up to something big on my third cast.  I was hoping it was a walleye.  Maybe it was a big channel cat.  Nope.  Carp.

It was quite a struggle on the light gear.  Luckily, the cold water temperature had the carp acting a little sluggish.  I got her on the scale... 13 lbs. 11 oz.   Her rubbery lip
 slipped out of the fish-gripper before I could get her photo.  :-(  

Next fish was a little bitty smallmouth and, a little later on, after switching to a Beetle Spin, I hooked a nice largemouth; 4 lbs. 2 oz. (way back in a shallow bay where the water temp was 45*)

The boat ran perfectly and all gear functioned well, so it's "game on" for the 2016 season!

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Productive first out Bob ~ Forty degree water temps & a nice 4 pound bass.

Congrats

And there are those amongst us just don't have any faith in the early season bite.

I'm hoping to get a shot at it myself in the next week or so (still a little iced up) - looking at 3 days of rain though.

That outta do it.

A-Jay

1 minute ago, A-Jay said:

Productive first out Bob ~ Forty degree water temps & a nice 4 pound bass.Congrats

Thanks!   I don't have any problem being optimistic with early-season fishing.  Heck... I spend the winter ice-fishing.  I figure the bite only gets better from then on!

I hope you're able to get out soon.  The most painful time of the year for northern fishermen is that horrible time when there's not enough ice to ice fish and too much ice to put the boat in!  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

nice!

Nice first trip .Its always  relief for the rig to run right on the shake down trip.

Nice trip, Bob! Large fish, tiny bait!  

Nice bass!

I just love when the carp jump next to the boat.  It scares me to death.  I always think that I hit something.