Went out for my first day this year. After skunking at my first stop, I went to a pond near my house that my buddy said he caught a 12" perch out of the other day. Near that spot, I started throwing a Perch X-Rap. After a few casts, I thought I had snagged some weeds - until my line moved and I realized I had my first fish of the year on. However, once I started reeling in and the fish first broke the surface, I knew I had something special.

First fish of '11, is my new personal best. While I can only speculate weight (no scale on me), it was far, far bigger than any fish I've ever caught before. I'm sorry I couldn't get a better picture.

Thanks to everyone on this board who has made some sort of contribution to the knowledge that led me to throwing a jerkbait, in a cold water, pre spawn condition; and how to handle a baitcaster for the first time, too! This is stuff I'd have never known before I came here.

What a way to start the season, oh, and it's my birthday, too!

Congrats thats a nice fish looks to be around 5 or so!

Great way to start the year, and I agree it looks like it's about 5 lbs

thats awesome dude, congrats. i agree it looks to be about a 5 pounder

Thanks guys!

P.S. - I own a scale now.

Outstanding start!!!! Nice fish would speculate 4-5 which is awesome.

Can't wait to get out there in VT.

Beautiful Fish!

Perfect....Absolutely PERFECT! WTG

Big O

www.ragetail.com

That's a nice way to start your year!

Nice birthday present,huh! Bet you won't forget that one.

For New England,that is a hawg.Congrats.

WOW great fish for N.E. Seriously...

gonna be a great year !!!

Great job!

Nice fish! Those Rapala perch colored jerkbaits are great! I have done pretty well with them myself. Great Bass!

Perfect....Absolutely PERFECT! WTG

Big O

www.ragetail.com

Thanks Big O! I have some of your stuff in my bag this year for the first time, so I hope I can best this on your behalf!