I finally had the opportunity to get out yesterday 3-8 on the open water first time this year. The lake we fished has had the ice off for about 7-10 days so we were not expecting much. Weather was horrible on and off driving rain but the good part it was 55 degrees out so we did not freeze. All and all not a bad day I hooked up on 5 and my partner 3. Water temperature was 44 -47 degrees. Never really found a pattern. Hooked up on crankbaits, T-Rigged Brush Hog and Wacky Style Senko. As long as you worked it slow you had a chance. At least was able to get the boat out of storage and complete a shake down cruise.

Now there is some perspective - driving rain but the good part is that it was 55 degrees.  Of course when the water has been iced over guess 55 feels significantly warmer.

Hooked up on 8 total does sound like a pretty good day though.  I am like you - just good to be out and on the water.

Eddie