Lost Minnesotan

Just saw this post. That is definitely a grass pickerel. 10-15 years ago used to target them from kayak in late winter/early spring upriver from the iron bridge. Too many kayaks in the way nowadays. Usually caught them on 1/16 jig with Slider crappie grubs or small thin crankbaits. Caught a few on small top water buzz baits. They typically ambush from weeds, not unlike small northern pike up North.