The goal of the day was really just to locate some perch so I'd have a few holes to sit on during the 2nd annual Perch Derby coming up on May 18th. Never did find any wads of perch, so I targeted a few favorite humps with a drop-shot rig to see if any smallmouths were active yet. Got a 15" and an 18" which (sadly) topped my personal best smallmouth weight at 3lbs. 4oz. The fight was lethargic, as she was coming out of cold water, but she was absolutely PHAT with eggs. Couple photos, measurement, and a safe release. This was back on Sunday May 5th, and the water temps were in the 55-degree range. Then we had that string of really warm days, and when I went out on Wednesday May 8th I saw water as warm as 67 degrees, so I'd say the spawn is on. Did see some bass on beds, and an absolute TON of cruising carp in the shallows. Someone should put together a carp bow fishing tournament to rid the lake of some rough fish. If I'm reading the Regs correctly, bow fishing for carp is not only LEGAL it's encouraged by the fact that you don't even need a fishing license to participate. Just remember to aim low due to refraction.

Tight lines, boys, and remember to let the big mammas go free to make babies. Only eat the teenagers!

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