Dang, it was tough this weekend. I spent a bunch of time fishing smallies and prepping for a guide trip on Monday. Fished deep clear water where I had been on the fish really well a week and more ago. As expected the warmer water seemed to put the fish deeper and my electronics lit up at the 12'-15' level but getting those buggers to hit was a chore and a half. So here's what I tried: jigging a live leech, drop shotting a live leech, crankbaits, wacky worm, spinnerbait, kitchen sink. Finally had some success with the spinnerbaits and had to slow roll them down the breakline to get a bite. On the positive side I did manage to catch my best smallmouth of the year so far at 20.5". Fun fight and had another large smallie follow it up to the surface. Later tried going into shallow weeds just to find some action and managed a handful of pike, largemouth bass, and even a walleye all on the spinnerbait. High winds really made boat positioning a constant chore and the bright sun on clear water didn't help I'm sure. Cool down on Tuesday seems like a welcome change from the comfort standpoint and the wind decreased a bit. Hoping that will get things going as we head towards the weekend.

Fishing the Bob Ellis Classic Row Trolling Tournament this weekend with my son Peter and his fiance Ericka. This is a really low key event and lots of fun for us goofballs who like to row around the lake pulling baits. Looking forward to just some darn fun fishing.