I actually got out fishing today! Normally I'm doing ice-out winterkill checks at this time. But we had little snow this year, and the ponds thawed early. Every few years I actually get to fish in February.

Got 6 LM, all were well away from shorelines and took either an X-Rap or a shad style grub. Water was 46F@7ft, 52F@1ft, 55F@3 (at the warmest N corner).

Also caught (fouled) a decent bullhead. I don't know about you all, but my wife teases me about not bringing fish home often enough. So I was able to make her happy too. And my son had a great time playing with that bullhead in the sink, and helped me prepare it. He was pretty excited to check out the organs and the stomach contents -some mush and an intact killifish.

We ID'd it as a brown bullhead. I at first thought it might be a yellow (which I've never caught before) but it had dark whiskers -and my son corrected me -"They're not whiskers they're barbels, Papa!"

It felt great to finally get out! I'm now keeping my eye glued to the weather and planning my next outing. Monday's looking good. Back in business!

Nice fish! Congrats on being able to get out there early this year!

those are a couple of beautiful fish there paul.  very chunky and healthy looking specimens indeed.    obviously well taken care of.  congrats on your outing and fish dinner.

Nice fish  ;D

Nice looking bass, Paul.  I'm amazed at your water temperatures there.  My main lake is still in the 30s.  

I hit the smallest shallowest ponds first: 6-7feet max and ~2acres. They heat quickly.

Beautiful fish Man...keep it up.

Big O

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