Numenon: Catch and Immediate Release (CIR) Bassin'

One thing that state government got right over the last few years was the liberalization of our Michigan bass fishing season. One can now legally bass fish year-round; but it is strictly Catch and Immediate Release (CIR; no harvest) until Memorial Day weekend. I'm okay with that, I'm never tempted to keep a bass. This change in season also addresses and alleviates the historic, rampant illegal bass fishing that always took place; after all, folks could always fish for "panfish" and "walleyes" with Senkos, weedless jigs, spinnerbaits and such.

While the open waters of March used to mean Lake Michigan Brown Trout and Cohos to me, these same days have now become Bass Season. And with a bit of practice, they have provided a legitimate shot at some of the year's biggest bass. While bass might not be quite as exciting as our Great Lakes salmonoids, they are my comfort fish; and they're quite a bit closer to home and more convenient. I can go from my desk to my boat deck on Reeds Lake in a little under 45 minutes, and that includes walking my dog, Ollie!

I hit the water twice this week after work. Both days were very pleasant, and one was very productive. The bass aren't exactly plentiful yet, but they are all chunky-to-large specimens, and each one is a bit of a gift. I'm not inclined to complain about all the pike I'm catching, either.

My experience so far this year has mirrored, while improving upon, last season. I'm paying close attention to water temperature and conditions, patterns and presentations. I know I have some tremendous jerk- and rattle-baiting ahead of me, and I'm constantly introducing new presentations into the mix as a learning tool/reality check.