April 15, Big M area

[Quillback]

Dutch and I got in the water at 0635, water temp was 61 near the launch.

I got some intel about a top water bite down the lake a little, and to that area we went.  We did get some on top on the Berkley wake bait, some fish were deep over 30 FOW of water chasing shad and some were near the bank, TW bite didn't last long, but it's been a while since we've caught any on top, so it was a nice change.

After that it was pretty much a ned rig show.  No wind to speak of so we were able to fish 1/16 oz neds and get some bites.  Best bite was to find banks that had ledge rock in 2-3 FOW, water clarity is good enough that you can see the edge of that rock where it drops off into the green water.  We'd either throw the ned right at the edge, or sometimes throw it up on the ledge and drag it off.  A lot of out bites were right at the edge on that drop.

We did get a few on the Ned off steep chunk rock banks and some of those fish were out to 20 feet deep or so.

We caught 48 bass, with a dozen keepers.  Biggest was an LM that Dutch caught that was just short of 3 lbs.  We caught a good amount of chunky LM's today, a few smallmouth, and of course some spots.

I'd go back tomorrow AM, but looks like it will be a bit sporty out there weather wise.

[Dutch]

It was a very good trip with lots of fish.  Thanks for the trip Jeff.  I’m always glad to fish the Big M area.  It is a different world up that way compared to Cape Fair.  Visibility was from 4 to 10’ depending on where we were while last time Cape Fair was maybe 18”.  The fish hold in different kinds of locations in the clearer water.  It also helps to have a good guide.

[cheesemaster]

Wow - Congratulations on a great day!!! Great report.

[Johnsfolly]

Awesome trip and report @Quillback and @Dutch!