Mississippi River Ice Out Bass (pics)

[Cade Laufenberg]

I finally was able to stick some bass on the river today. Unbelievable. We were ice fishing last weekend and temps in the 80's brought the water temp in the 60's in the backwater that I prefer early season. Needless to say I stuck some fish. A jerkbait got the job done and they were smacking it good. Details to follow :

I didn't catch any hogs, but I was able to catch several bass, with 3 keepers in the 14-15" mark. Instead of using the normal finesse techniques, these fish wanted a hard jerked jerkbait and they were just eating it up. A lot of fish were in a foul mood and wouldn't touch anything, but that irratically jerked x rap or a different jerkbait  would trigger a few into some killer strikes. I caught between 8 and 10 bass most in the 12" range and like I said, 3 keepers. I had a miss hap at shore which would have put me at 4 keepers I think. I didn't get a good look at that one, but I bet it was 14". I'm extremely happy that I have caught some fish finally. It's been a long winter, and I'm also pumped that I've done it on March 26th!

I know these aren't big fish. But It's SOOOOO early in the season to be catching fish, I'm just so greatful to even get a bite right now. And here I actually caught some keepers! ;D

[Cade Laufenberg]

This one was only around 12" but wanted to get a shot with me in the background after my friends came to join in on the fun  

[Cade Laufenberg]

turtle

[Cade Laufenberg]

This one was my first bass of 2007 in open water. So I guess it is special. Note the jerkbait. Good spring color.

the bass also had good spring color ;D

[Bassassasin12]

nice job cade! Got my first casts in of the season today but no takers. Will probably be another month before the fish get active. I too was using an x-rap, normally works good in cold water.

[Lightninrod]

Nice 'work' young man!

Dan

[roadwarrior]

When the Mississippi River reaches Memphis, the ice is gone!  :

Nice fish.