1st bass of the year

[Bean]

Well, It was that time again.  Dusted off the rods,  checked the boat motor, called a friend and headed to the lake.   Was fishing Lake Monticello in southern Arkansas,  Feb 9.  We got to the water around noon, air temp was 70 water temp 51-53 (depending on location).   Started off throwing Ping-n-jigs and no bites,  around 1 we moved up to some shallower water and started throwing suspending jerk baits.   Fishing in around 8-10 ft of water I hooked up on a hog.   After a good fight, and a top not netman I landed the pig. 

Fish was a little over 10lbs,  26 1/2 inches long.   It was a fun first trip, and has really "set" the tempo for the bass fever this year.   

[left_turn56]

Wow...great way to get things started!

[lugnut]

that's a monster

[Lipripper]

  Bean now that's what eye would call a BASS  Still waitting up here to get some open water to wet my lines for the first time this year 

[Big J]

Now that is some 1st fish of the year.  Congrats.

[MiztaGizma]

Helluva Hog there!

[-Shawn-]

That is a nice looking Fish!!!

[stratos77]

Nice bass...Looks like she came home on ice

[Bean]

Nice bass...Looks like she came home on ice

She was released after weight, length, girth, and pics taken.  She was in an aereated livewell untill then.  I would not have taken her from the lake except I was ill prepared for a trophy that day.  I took great care in making sure she survived,  released in a private lake. 
That pic was taken before release, the lake resides behind the house you see in the background. 

[Bassinkorea]

That's one heck of a hawg......I sure hope she survives to fight another day, good job 

[TightLinez]

  Nice fish Bean. Glad to hear you released her.

[silversalmon]

Now that is a bass    nice first catch of the year 

[Jdaddy]

Awesome fish, congrats on a great day on the water, wish you many more. 

[tmiller2]

now thats how you start off the year....WTG 

[bassamatic]

thats why i gotta go south next month,man i miss tem hawgs.great fish.

[bass1cpr]

   Great way to start the year  She's fat all the way to the tail she should add some good genes to the pool.

[Bountiful Waters]

Wow! Beautiful fish

What a way to start out the year.

[trncel]

Good lord you may as well quit while you're on top

[White Lightening]

Wow, that is a huge pig.  It makes my 6.8 Lbs one i caught today look tiny.