With an early ice-off in 2022, Legends Outdoors veteran Rick of three years now took advantage of the opportunity and got out fishing in Mid-March. Typically he is fishing with us in summertime, but he had some time off of work and was able to take the trek to his summer home at the lake and get out on this late winter's day. The skies were blue, the morning was brisk and the water temp was at 39 degrees. With ice still on much of the lake Rick picked and pecked away at key areas with Keitech Baits. The sun shone bright and the temperature rose as did the fish counts as Rick set the hook on big smallmouth bass after big smallmouth bass. Rick has caught many fish in his day including a variety of saltwater and fresh water fish, but added a new one to his career tally as he also finessed up five fallfish on this outing. He also added a couple small perch along with the 19 smallmouth bass that were caught! The lack of wind and the warm temperatures were key in the ability to detect bites for Rick. He brought his Yeti thermos filled with coffee and a couple turkey subs for the guide and himself that he got from a local deli that was much appreciated. What an overall awesome day for Rick to break the ice for the 2022 open water season! His biggest smallmouth shown in the first photo was 22" long and one that he surely will remember for many years!
