KayakDon Loc: Bethel, NY

Weather looked great, nothing special going on in the city, so headed up to the lake this morning for the first time this year. Took a while to get organized, but was out on the water by 3:30, back for dinner by 7. Lots of action, but no bass - 10 pickerel, with 4 in the 19-21" range, and 5 perch, all 8-10". Caught everything on squarebills - no luck with anything else. Also got hung up in a couple of trees, lost a squarebill to one of the big pickerel (broke off with it in his mouth at the boat), and came back to the dock with two rats nests that are still waiting to be untangled. Par for the course for the first day out. But still in all, a great day!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Sounds like a productive day Don, aside from the lost crankbait. Pickerel are a lot of fun to catch, and so are Perch. They definitely both beat the skunk, that's for sure. You'll find the Bass next time. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Sounds like a good day to me. Nice job and good report, but where's the photos?

KayakDon Loc: Bethel, NY

Good question! I don't usually take pictures of perch (or crappie) unless they're giants. The big pickerel were definitely photo-worthy, but haven't figured out how to hold one of those big boys (about 21") with one hand while snapping a pic with my phone in the other.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Get yourself a floating fish gripper Don.

KayakDon Loc: Bethel, NY

Got one of those. Tried it once on a big pickerel, but couldn't get a secure grip. Bottom of pickerel's jaw wasn't substantial enough - gripper seemed to tear it, especially with all the twisting the big guys do and their weight. Works fine with a big largemouth.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I've used them on everything from 1lb Crappie, to Pike over 10lb. Never had any tear up their mouth. The Rapala ones don't have sharp jaws.