I went with my usual first ice out expectation which is " I won't catch anything for several more weeks". I caught a nice bass on about my sixth cast using a Shimano Convergence rod and a Pflueger Supreme reel.

 I caught 3 more bass 3 of which were around the 2lb mark. I fished according to the text book. I fished the Northern most side of the lake from the bank. This area also has rip rap so it was a bonus deal. I've tried this before but have NEVER EVER had any luck this time of year. I caught all 4 on the same 3" Storm swimbait lure. I also tried a Senko and a black/blue jig and never got a bite on them.

 I also tried for some crappie as I usually think of them hitting before bass but no crappie bites.

 We are only a little over 1 week from the ice being gone so I'm kind of surprised at the bass being that active not to mention chasing swimbaits.

Way to go, Matt!!!!  I'm green with ***!  And on those crappy (not crappie) Storm swimbaits no less! ;D  Huh!  I guess they do work!

It's these victories which get us out on the water time and again.  I hope to report a few victories myself, soon.  We'll have to watch the weather and hit the lakes together very soon.  Maybe you can show me how it's done?

Awesome! What was your weather like over the past couple days leading up to this catch? What time of day?

  Thanks Farmpond - Jeff. Yep 4 fish and 1 lost bait which cost 67cents

There were a lot of guys who were around the lake fishing from the bank like I was. They were probably fishing and losing their expensive Luckycrafts. None of them was catching anything but a cold! Just my lucky day I guess. Like I said I got a nice tip ( including lure choice)from the guy close by me who caught a 9.75lb last year. He must know what he's doing as he's caught severl 6's and 7's in this lake

RE "show me how it's done". If clinton was any indicator I think it could be the other way around!

Paul,

 We are just barely past ice out. I don't know if I've ever caught a fish so close to ice out. It usually has to be prime bass season before I catch squat.

 Our weather has been weird but I didn't realize how weird until I check the month's temps. Here's a small sample of our highs prior to Sunday 27,29,30,50, 65,68,54,61,47,62,32,28,43,54,59 Supposed to be around 67 today and 72 tomorrow

It was high blue skies for the most part with sporadic slight clouds here and there.

 I went just after lunch around 1pm so as to let the sun warm up the water a little.

 I hope you get a chance to get out soon.

It's good to get back on the fish, aint it ?!

It seems they are active out here a little on the early side also this year. I've been throwing my ultra lite for a few weeks now with decent success. Small jigs with 2" tubes and wacky rigged 3" Yum dingers have been the ticket for me.

I always wondered about those Storm baits. They look decent in the package but they get trashed on the forums alot. Glad to hear they work for you.

On a side note - I haven't had much of a fight at all from any bass I've caught so far. Very subtle bites, feels like dragging in a shoe. Maybe they're still foggy ? You notice the same ?

It's good to get back on the fish, aint it ?!

It seems they are active out here a little on the early side also this year. I've been throwing my ultra lite for a few weeks now with decent success. Small jigs with 2" tubes and wacky rigged 3" Yum dingers have been the ticket for me.

I always wondered about those Storm baits. They look decent in the package but they get trashed on the forums alot. Glad to hear they work for you.

On a side note - I haven't had much of a fight at all from any bass I've caught so far. Very subtle bites, feels like dragging in a shoe. Maybe they're still foggy ? You notice the same ?

 Re: the fight, they didn't jump but a couple of em put up a pretty good fight. I was fishing a M action so that probably plays into it. One made a couple of short runs so it was fun.

 I've made a believer out of anyone who has fished with me. Farmpond saw it in person and he will vouch for them working not just me saying they work.