First Bass(of any size) of 2008

[Lightninrod]

Went to Lake Juliette today with a friend, Joe.  We were in his Tracker boat.  Got there about 9 AM and fished until 3:30.  

The ramp at Dames Ferry was almost impossible to use.  The water level is down about 10 feet.  We had to get the trailer over the rocks at the end of the ramp and into maybe 1-2' of water.  His 4X4 F150 made it back out.

We saw mounds/humps of clay where they had been underwater since the lake was filled.  We fished mostly in 5-6' of water, throwing 'traps' and spinnerbaits as the Southernly wind was picking up.  Water temps were high for this time of year;  55-58 degrees.  We had cloud cover most of the day with air temps in the low 70s(I think?)

We ended up with 9 Bass in his livewell.  Both of us lost 2 or 3 Bass as they got off of the 'traps' but we landed some nice ones.  I caught a 5/7 and a few small ones.  Joe caught a 4-5 lber(?--didn't weigh it) and the majority of the 9 Bass.

Getting the boat out was a real hassle but as Joe has done this many times(he fishes tournaments), he finally got the boat on the trailer by winching it on.  Had a great time with some decent Bass and the jokes and jibes were flying!

Click on the pic for an enlargement.

5lbs, 7ozs--24"

Another view

Dan

[Jake.]

Great fish, especially to begin the year with!  8-)

[paul.]

rock on lr!!  man that's a good 'un.  love those trap fish.  great way to start the year.

[Branuss04]

If it started this good, just imagine how good it's going to end!!!  Nice pig!

[T-rig]

That's a nice one Dan, congrats! 8-)

[Jimzee]

I've been wondering when we were going to start seeing your pics again.  Nice fish Dan.  

[roadwarrior]

Nice report, nice fish and GREAT pics!

8-)

[Lightninrod]

Thanks everyone.  It was a great trip with a knowledgeable and funny friend.  He puts me to shame with his Bassin' expertise but I held my own yesterday.  I had been throwing that Jackall TN70 'trap' using a Pixy.  He convinced to switch over to a faster Daiwa after he caught his second Bass using a 7:1 Shimano.  The Pixy was too slow for a trap in warm water.  I got that 5 lber the second cast after switching rigs/reels.

Here is Joe and a 5 lber when we were on the Ocmulgee River a couple of months ago.  

Dan