First trip of the year was a bust

[Bankbeater]

We were all pumped up about the first trip of the year yesterday.  Grabbed a quick breakfast and got to the lake around 7:20.  Air temp when we got out to the ramp was 36.  For about an hour, we had rain that varied between drizzle and a light sprinkle.  The rain stopped and the air temp warmed up to 39.  No wind was moving at all.  It was very still.  The small coves and some of the pockets still had ice way in the back.

 

The plan was that I would fish moving baits so I was rigged up with jerkbaits, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, and swim jigs.  My buddy was fishing with plastics and bottom contact baits.  When we figured out what was getting bit, then the other person would change baits.

We found that the bass were not biting anything.  I may have gotten one bite on a swim jig, but I casting shallow and I could have hit a dead plant stem.

 

We ate lunch about the time the front arrived.  The wind picked up to around 10 mph, and it was brought a wind chill with it.  With no fish plus dropping temps, we decided it was time to throw in the towel and head home.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I call that a scouting trip......I wasn't even trying to catch fish, just looking for bait 😁 

[pdxfisher]

Awesome that you are out there trying! What was the water temp?

[Blue Raider Bob]

20 hours ago, Bankbeater said:

We were all pumped up about the first trip of the year yesterday.  Grabbed a quick breakfast and got to the lake around 7:20.  Air temp when we got out to the ramp was 36.  For about an hour, we had rain that varied between drizzle and a light sprinkle.  The rain stopped and the air temp warmed up to 39.  No wind was moving at all.  It was very still.  The small coves and some of the pockets still had ice way in the back.

 

The plan was that I would fish moving baits so I was rigged up with jerkbaits, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, and swim jigs.  My buddy was fishing with plastics and bottom contact baits.  When we figured out what was getting bit, then the other person would change baits.

We found that the bass were not biting anything.  I may have gotten one bite on a swim jig, but I casting shallow and I could have hit a dead plant stem.

 

We ate lunch about the time the front arrived.  The wind picked up to around 10 mph, and it was brought a wind chill with it.  With no fish plus dropping temps, we decided it was time to throw in the towel and head home.

Dang!   Hate to hear your trip was unsuccessful. I went yesterday and was skunked as well. At least you and your buddy got to go. That means something.

[Bankbeater]

On 2/9/2025 at 5:49 PM, pdxfisher said:

Awesome that you are out there trying! What was the water temp?

I'm not sure we didn't have electronics, but is was cold.

[Swamp Girl]

I'm just glad you went! I expect to be skunked a time or two this spring and I further expect to enjoy that time or two.

[The Baron]

Well that’s disappointing. 🙁

 

We’re still about 5-6 weeks away from any chance to fish, from the looks of our long range forecast. 

[Swamp Girl]

8 minutes ago, The Baron said:

Well that’s disappointing. 🙁

 

We’re still about 5-6 weeks away from any chance to fish, from the looks of our long range forecast. 

 

Baron, let's ask @Bankbeater if we can go fish with him. Skunking schmunking! I just want to fish.

[Bankbeater]

We are shut down until at least March, @Swamp Girl.  The high temps next week are going to be in the teens and low 20s.  It will probably take another week or so after that for the water to turn soft again.

[Swamp Girl]

1 hour ago, Bankbeater said:

We are shut down until at least March, @Swamp Girl.  The high temps next week are going to be in the teens and low 20s.  It will probably take another week or so after that for the water to turn soft again.

 

Same here. It's howling outside right now and is 18 degrees. It's been well below our historical average for February, so our ice is thick.