The “Opener” 2013

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DropShot’r
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The “Opener” 2013

Post by DropShot’r »

It was a tough decision on where to go for the opening day. Lake or river? The tie breaker was the fact that I had a new Dobyns 805CB RM and a fist full of new crankbaits too.

I decided that I was going to start the day fishing deeper water, you know, those first drop-offs after the shallow flats that post spawn females may be located in. I did not want to bother any males that may still be guarding nests.

I started with a few various squarebills, spinnerbaits and a Texposed senko. Nothing.

Time to blow this spot and move on.

I get to the next spot…..what do I need to switch up here?



The Eureka Moment

Maybe I should fish deeper….
So I tie on a deep diver and start to fish. Bang, bang, bang…I start to catch fish, nothing photo worthy, but enough to let me know I’m onto something.

Then my bait feels like I drove it into big rock, it just stops dead. I set the hook and feel nothing. I’m just about to release the tension when I feel a throb….rocks don’t throb.

Check the drag Steve, don‘t screw that up.

She dogs a bit deep then all of a sudden Oh baby…it’s coming up for a jump and I drive about 5 feet of that rod into the water to try to kill the jump. When it came out of the water I had a sudden flashback to Lake XXX with Kevin. Fortunately the fish was well hooked so my less that stellar 4 attempts to net the fish didn’t matter.
Image


Image



Image
With the sun high in the sky I decided to fish some of the lakes few Lilly pads. I found the pads not as full and plentiful, but then the season is earlier and the weather was not the best either. I managed a few largemouth out of the pads.



I decided to head to the ramp and call it a day. I had a great day on the water and a beast of a smallie to boot.


Steve
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smitty55
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by smitty55 »

Wow! What a hog Steve. Beauty fish. Did you get a weight on that Smallie?
Congrats on a great opener. Cheers
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fiiish
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by fiiish »

Awesome way to open'r up Steve. That smallie is a beauty! Great stuff! 8-)
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CNs
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by CNs »

BEAST!


That smallie is an absolute beast! Makes mine look like a minnow
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BradGuenette
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by BradGuenette »

Beauty Steve! How did you like the new 805!?
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cprince
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by cprince »

Great to see a report from you again Steve!!!!

Nothing like opener bass to jar you into the season!!!!

Cant wait to see more reports out of you this year Steve!

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Out4trout
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by Out4trout »

Awesome fish Steve!!

We had a similar experience, except we started with the surface and ended with the bronze backs
Not where we expected them to be but by 8:30 we had found a few decent smallies, best went 18".
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Bassassins
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by Bassassins »

What a smallmouth to kick off the season - sounds like you figured them out. :mrgreen:
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Moosebunk
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by Moosebunk »

You're still Dropshotr to me dood. Great opener Steve and nice to see ya back around the neighborhood. :)
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almontefisher
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by almontefisher »

Wicked start to the season Steve. You know I never got a chance to work my cranks this weekend.....sorry I didnt now!
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by RJ »

Great chunk of Bronze from the river Steve. Well done fella!

RJ
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by ShawnD »

Awesome toad!
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DropShot’r
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by DropShot’r »

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.

In my excitement I forgot to mention that this smallie in my new PB at five two.

Love the rod Brad, I love all my Dobyns rods.


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Brian
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Re: The “Opener” 2013

Post by Brian »

That's a sweet smallie! Awesome job!

Glad that you had some success on your outing!
- Brian
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