What a great day! Up at 4 a.m. loading fishing equipment in the truck.
As I was heading to the Pit Pond I was thinking that it was still a bit early to catch any bass because of the water temperature. But this trip was about more than just catching fish. Arriving at the location I began the ritual prep the float tube by head lamp under the stars (No light pollution here!) Lets see...this lure box goes here and this one there, oh and don't forget the net. Don cold weather clothing and put the waders on.
Strap the Float Tube on my back, grab the rods and equipment bag and hit the trail. Arriving at the waters edge I gently lower the Float Tube into the water and assemble the fish finder, rods and misc. stuff on board. Strap on my fins, turn off the head lamp and make my way to the center of the lake by the light of the moon and stars.
Reaching the center of the lake I prep my lines with the lures for the initial attack. I pull out my thermos and sip my coffee waiting for the first ray of sun to slip over the ridge and slice through the water. I think to myself that even if I don't get a single strike I've had a great day!
As the sun rises and begins to slice up the water I start my assault with some plastics and spinners. A very large bass exits the water in an aerial somersault creating huge ripples near me. A good sign for sure.
But the water is still cold (54 deg.) and I see very little activity on the down looking and forward looking radar screen. Getting no action I decide to change to top water tactics and move to the edges. I slowly work my way around the lake trying to convince the bass to eat Kermit. But the water is cold and they aren't interested.
Making my way around the lake the sun is now high in the sky. I toss Kermit into some cattails about eight feet from me and make him hop around a bit and then fall into the water. The solemn still of the morning is broken as a bass erupts from the water and engulfs my frog. The fight is on! This is my first one for the year and I don't plan on losing him.
With adrenaline surging thru me and a huge grin I finally net him. And with that my Float Tube fishing year begins!
The only record this one set was the first for the year. He was also the only one for the trip. But all in all it was one heck of a great trip!