Decided to hit Meridian today to do my once or twice a year run at it. Didn't get on the water until about 8:45AM. I didn't make my first cast until 9AM. Was still setting up and making my way around slowly, since it's before 9AM on the lake.

Cloudy and a little cool. Water is smooth as glass.... Started off with a shallow crankbait. Switch with a dropshot, swimbait, tube and senko.

I kept getting shallower and shallower. I see the fishes. Multiple SMB. They are on the inside weed line. Several ~10" and a few getting to the ~15" range. I was standing in less than 3' of water.

I used everything on these buggers. Couldn't get them to bite or react. They would just cruise back and forth along. The smaller ones did took a quick look at my senko, but didn't even get close to it. Just turned and ignored. Tried downsizing. Upsizing. Different colors. Started ripping a hard jerkbait and I do manage to get a small SMB to strike, but it didn't stick. Don't know, but it was very frustrating.

I keep changing locations and lures. I finally found something that worked. I knew was a good fish right when it striked and stayed down. Was using a new crankbait. Happened right at 11:30AM. Long time to go without a fish. :( But like I said, saw plenty. Fish is going bonkers and very feisty. I'm having a hard time handling my rod and net at the same time due to it's craziness. Didn't look like it would pop off, got it good in in the mouth and cheek. Took my time and scooped it up!

~17" SMB @ 2lb 14oz.

20 mins later, I get another strike, same pattern. It feels ok, but knew it was on the smaller side. It gets to the surface quickly and makes a jump with it's mouth open. Hey, my first hook up on a LMB for the year. Swoop it into the net quickly for a pics. Just a small guy, maybe 13", but I'll take it.

That's it for me. Couldn't get anything else to happen. Thought about circling back to the other ones I saw earlier in the morning, but decided to call it a day.

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