For Week Ending Sunday, March 11, 2018

Monday, March 5 (from Ron)...With the gauge at minus-1.6, was very limited on where I could launch. Fished North Landing River and struggled to find two dink bass and a 1-2, as well as a 9-inch white perch. They were holding at the mouth of a feeder creek, near all the exposed stumps, and I couldn't access the creek due to low water. Very chilly out there, as well. On a good note, things can only improve!

Tuesday, March 6 (from Ron)...Fished from 3:45 'til dark. Wind and rain were light at launch but increased until dark. Trolled around and found two nice chain pickerel at 23 and 25 inches (citation size). Shifted tactics in search of panfish and found a few: six white perch at 10 - 11.5 inches, two small yellow perch, and two dink bass. Very odd because where I was, I always catch crappie, but none tonight. By the time I recovered, I was wet, cold and numb. At least I can have some tasty tacos! Also odd was that I caught everything on the XTS Minnow--nothing hit the beetlespins. Crazy weather, crazy bite.

Wednesday, March 7 (from Ron)...Fished upper North Landing from 4:30 'til 6:30 p.m. Bite was s-l-o-w, to say the least, but I managed to avoid the skunk. There was lots of debris from the stormy weather and an erratic river gauge. Was really tough to fish the XTS minnow on the surface because of all the debris. Tried a Zoom Fluke, and that found one of the two fish.  The 2-13 bass was the highlight on the XTS. Water was clear, and the weather was nice. Can't wait for daylight savings to open up some much needed evening time.

Saturday, March 10 (from Ron)...After spending two frustrating evenings, coming up empty-handed, I fished a favorite lake today in the very mild wind and light rain. Caught two chain pickerel, at 21 and 22.5 inches, as well as a 2-12 bass. It wasn't the best bite, but it sure felt better than another skunk. The XTS Minnow was what worked today. I tried Craws in areas where the grass is starting to come up (marked the most fish there) but had no hits.

Sunday, March 11 (from Ron)...Fished Oakum Creek from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to avoid the wind. Caught two dink bass and a small chain pickerel. Decided to try again at 5 p.m. and launched at Lotus Garden off Sandbridge Road. Was hoping to find some panfish, but boated another bass (weighing 2-13), and that was good enough for me. It was very cold toward sunset...brrrrr.