Another Open Water Season Upon Us

With the days getting longer, our ice finally melting, all signs of spring are in the air.  This last weekend we fished a charity tournament down on the Mississippi River on pool 4 and 5 for the St. Jude Hospital.  Althought Dustin and I had a decent few days in practice, when it came tournament time, our fish had vacated.  With the water getting pulled down I wasn't willing to run like a wild man into some of the shallow back waters I probably needed to in order to relocate our fish.  Instead we opted to stay out in the secondary current and managed to catch only 3 keeper bass the first day of the event.  

Knowing that 3 bass were not enough to compete against the stacked field of local hammers we loaded the boat and opted to hit the tavern for some food and drink.  Being that this event is all for a good cause and to raise money for the St Jude's Childerns Hospital we took it in stride and told ourselves we will get even next time.  

I did manage to get done to the Florida Keys for a little spring break and get away from the tail end of our MN winters.  This was a trip that I won last year for winning the Champions Tour angler of the year award.  Scott and Nancy Bonnema hosted Jen and I for a beuatiful week of fishing, food, drinks, and lots of great laughs.  Memories we won't soon forget.  

We ended up catching all kinds of different species with some hard fighting snook mixed in.  This one above went 32" and was the biggest I landed that week.  

With MN Fishing opener fast approaching I have been taking guide trips for Lake Waconia and Lake Mille Lacs.  Will be guiding again this spring for smallmouth bass on Lake Mille Lacs and will have lots of great days if you are looking to get out.  Lots of May is already full but I still have some days open in June if you are looking to hit the water.  Until next time, Fish On!  

This coming weeks will be all smallmouth bass trips on Lake Mille Lacs.