Steve Posted July 1, 2014 Report Posted July 1, 2014 My family tradition is to load up whatever we are driving at that time and head up north for Bass Opener. It's true, due to my location (Hamilton), Salmon / Trout are my most targetted fish. They are in my backyard and are generally easy to catch (well, not this year). But for Dad and I, nothing beats northern Large Mouth Bass. We do fish a lake that has smallies, but they are generally incidental catches between the buckets. If I want smallies I have lots around here with Erie, Ontario, and Simcoe all close by. This year's opener was a strange one. Water temps are at least 5 to 10 degree's colder. Vegetation growth is very limited. We fished new area's as many of our traditional haunts were unproductive. While I threw just about every bass bait imaginable, the trusty Senko fished dead slow was the ticket for the majority of the big fish. Other big bass were caught on Jerk Baits and Spinnerbaits, but by far, slow falling senko's worked along flats was our best producing bait. Numbers were slightly down, mainly because the "high number" baits (spinner baits and jerk baits) weren't taking fish in the colder water. Morning water temps were 65 degrees and only warmed to just over 70 degree's at the height of the afternoon. We had to be so patient with the senko's that high numbers were not possible. However, average size was still quite good, with numerous bass starting to put on the feedbag. Dad kicked my arse as usual - when the water is cold, and senko's are the ticket, I constantly get schooled. It's been a long cold winter without any sexy largie photo's, and until MTBF comes in with a mega report full of huge buckets, this one will have to do. Yes, Dad kicked my butt.
Joeytier Posted July 1, 2014 Report Posted July 1, 2014 Kept the riggers on just in case you had to get those senkos extra deep, i see
Steve Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Posted July 1, 2014 lol, you got it. Forgot to mention I found a confused walleye swimming around in the shallows gobbling up senko's.
solopaddler Posted July 1, 2014 Report Posted July 1, 2014 Nice bunch of fish man! Surprised at the temps...350km's north of Pickle Lake last week they were 70 degrees LOL!
Steve Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Posted July 1, 2014 thats cause you were so far north you were back south again....tropics I tellz ya.
MCTFisher9120 Posted July 1, 2014 Report Posted July 1, 2014 Great pictures some serious bassin for sure nice job!
Steve Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Posted July 1, 2014 ahhh yes, the classic dr pepper shirt! on the back it says "dr in the house"
fishnsled Posted July 2, 2014 Report Posted July 2, 2014 Some great chunks there!! Always a great time when you on the water with your Dad, awesome report.
MJL Posted July 3, 2014 Report Posted July 3, 2014 WOW...The size of those hogs is incredible! Nicely done
Christopheraaron Posted July 3, 2014 Report Posted July 3, 2014 WOW those are some big fish, well done guys!
Steve Posted July 4, 2014 Author Report Posted July 4, 2014 Thanks very kindly folks! I truly had a blast fishing with dad on opener. Those are the times I will cherish forever.
Headhunter Posted July 4, 2014 Report Posted July 4, 2014 Aint nobody better to get spanked by, then your Dad! I like that Pickereye shot! HH
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