The ice has started to thaw on some of the smaller lakes and ponds around here so Matt and I finally had some time to get out and do a little fishing. The first stop that we made on Wednesday was to one of my favorite little places. I like to call it the bear hole because there are always tons of bear tracks all around

this pond. Luckily I have not seen a bear there yet.

The weather was a bit warmer but the water temps were probably about 40 degrees (if that) Matt was throwing a rage craw and some minda spearworms. Those two things worked well for him because he ended up with his first few fish for 09.

one of Matts

I was not so fortunate this day. I did manage to get two fish but lost both of them right on the shoreline. >

Today after our kids left for a weekend with their grandparents we headed back out but this time we went to a new place that neither of us had fished before. Matt was throwing a Rage craw this time and ended up adding a few more fish to his tally for 09.

Matts bass

I took out a jig I got from smalljaw last year and a rage craw for a trailer. I am slowly getting the hang of fishing a jig and have learned that it is best not to "overwork" a jig. I started out dragging the bottom very slowly then resting for quite a period of time then giving it little "pops" and that was the ticket for today for me.

Finally my first fish for 09!

I hope you all had the chance to get out there and do some fishing too. It is still supposed to be pretty warm up here tomorrow again too so I am planning on heading out again so wish me luck.

WTG Ms M....Glad you two finally got some decent weather and water for fishing. Looks like you made the most of it too.

Careful with that jin craw combo...can be addicting. Heard it causes some kinda sickness called Jig'a'Mania or something like that.    All I know is it sounds scary enuff for me to stay away from it....   :

Big O

www.ragetail.com

way to go mr. and mrs. M. y'all didn't waste any time gettin' out and fishin' did ya? cool catches y'all.

sorry you lost those 2 at the bank. right now  > would probably be if you woulda been throwin' braid.

just kiddin'. way to go y'all.

That is a great way to start the year.

Good job. Can't wait to get out and throw a few lines.

Great Job, I hope to get out and start soon too

Cool style of fishing too!

Great job!  Looks like Matt has a little catch up work though. 8-)

congrats, great outing!

COOLIO!!! not being able to fish here is like punishment!  

Great way to start the year!

Good job Mrs. M & Matt ! Mrs. M, just tell Matt you'll give him the #'s and you'll catch the big 'ens  . Its fun to get the year started. I'm really looking forward to getting out more.

Thanks everyone we had a great time. It was awesome to be able to get out and wet a line again.

Skillet Matt always kicks my but in #'s and quite often in size too but sometimes I get lucky.  ;D

That's not a bad looking fish for the first one of the year.  Nice!

Nice Catchin Mrs. M.

Good start to the year, nice fish.

WOW!

Great way to start the year, congratulations!

8-)