The river had come down nicely and really cleared up over the last few days. I have been itching to get out on the river for that famous ice out pike bite... The new guy (Mike) and I launched from Rocky Hill at 7 this morning in 34 degree temps and snow. I had a couple of areas that I really had high hopes for, we were dressed warm so it was hammer down to spot number one. We were both throwing Reaction Strike Revolution Shads. Mike had a blue back and I was throwing pearl. We fished along the banks and were casting into about 3 feet of water and workiong back out to 8 or so. Mike got hit first. The water is still wicked cold at about 38" so they fish didn't make any big runs but the fight seemed to last a bit longer if that makes any sense. What a fish it was! I had the Boga grip attached to the rail so I lipped her, and left her right in the water till we got the camera ready...




I didn't care if we saw another fish all day after that... We fished for another hour and a half without a bump or sniff or anything. Just for the hell of it, we went out to deeper water and fished in 10-12 feet. That's where they were... We never came close to the size of Mike's fish but we put 4 more in the boat over the next hour. We also lost one and I missed at least 3.
Here is one of mine...


We both had to get to work so we packed it in by 10:30. The wind was cranking pretty good by then anyways. The water temps never got above 39 even in the shallow, protected areas. Hopefully the water doesn't warm up too quick over the next few days, I'd like to see this pattern hold up a while longer. I'm at a show all day tomorrow but will be back on the water on Sunday and Monday! Can't wait.

The black spots look like parasitic mussel larvae. You see them a lot in panfish.

Nice report mister. I have been so syked for the last few days thinking of Pike in warmer weather this weekend, then I see this. I won't be able to sleep tonight.

blaine awesome time this morning.everyone who is reading this needs to know that these baits are no joke. i have only fished them 3 times but they have yet to not produce. and believe me when i tell you that the black bass and striper population in this state are in for a season full of treble hooks when we let loose with these things. mr. paul d. that fish was a little over 37 but had some huge shoulders on her.all i got to do is make it through working at the shop tomorrow and watching everyone else go fish go home do some work and wake up and hopefully go smash the sunday morning.

nice trip guys!!!!!