With the scorching heat the last couple days, the bass pushed deep in about 12-14 feet of water. Vertical jigging with X Zone Lures Adrenaline Craw, Adrenaline Bug, and Muscle Back Craw all got bit this morning.

A roller coaster of a week. From his allergic reaction that led to being rushed by ambulance to the ER earlier this week, now gracing the back of today’s Sports section of the Star Tribune with his big bass. He is all smiles this morning!

Dense foggy morning and the bass were biting. This one on a 1/2 oz. jig and the X Zone Lures Adrenaline Bug. The subtle tail action of the bug was the ticket!

A proud daddy moment. JT caught his personal best “Big Toad!” When he set the hook we watched the bobber stay down and deep moving along in the ultra clear water. Seconds later the bobber emerged and a big leap of the 5 pounder had daddy all panicked reaching for the phone and fumbling it in the canoe. (Wanted to get a video of him reeling it in.) JT stayed all calm and cool while the bass peeled line and surged under the canoe bending his ultralight rod in a perfect horseshoe. A couple of slow-mo head shakes underwater, the bass finally surfaced and I lipped it for him. I must have been way more excited as I quickly gave JT praises and a couple “daddy proud” pats on his shoulder. lol Anyways, the fish measured just over 20 inches. JT was awestruck! I will never forget his expression. A quick photo and JT put his trophy fish back in the water as he watched it swim away. I am certain this will be one of his many true fish tales and a memory that will last a lifetime.

All smiles. JT put on a crappie clinic yesterday morning! Seventeen fish altogether, 13 were crappies.

The many adventures that await. Good luck to all and hope you all have a fun and safe fishing season!

The X Zone Lures new Adrenaline Craw! Specially cupped pinchers produce an amazing fluttering action that pairs perfectly with a jig or try it on a swim jig. The claws also float up too when the jig hits bottom! One of the unique features among the X Zone Lures Pro Series. Try it, you will love it!

Wind? No problem. Deploying a drift sock to the stern of the canoe worked wonders as my cousin and I were able to work deep structure slowly and thoroughly. Bass were reluctant to bite but pike were active today as we wrap up our open water season. A fun memorable season!

Cold water and fish with teeth.

Talking fishing with my favorite legendary fisherman, Ted Takasaki!