It was mid-March on a small pond near a local rural highway. The day was sunny and about 60 degrees and I had to get out of the house. This pond is shallow and clear, so I hoped some of the resident bass might be encouraged by the sun. The water temp is still below 50 degrees.

I saw three fish that afternoon, catching just this one. The fish is just under 2 lb. and was convinced my 5" ribbed worm was good to eat. I worked it weightless and slow over the logs and vegetation with 6 lb. line and a light action 6' rod.

I failed to hook a second fish with this same rigging. My first strike of the day came on a June Bug patterned 3/8 ounce shallow running crank bait. It was the first time I had used this brand new lure. I hooked the bass, but he pulled the line around a snag and took the lure along with some 6 lb. line. Those direct pulls will get you every time when light tackle is in play.

Fish on!