Pond Boss Forums FISH & FISHING Show off your catch First HSB 2016

This just has to be my favorite sport/fighting fish, they are so much fun on the end of your line .

Caught this one this morning, first HSB of the year!

20"
Right at 4 lb
Mouth gape: 1 7/8" horizontal and vertical



Stocked 9-1-12 at 6-8"

They sure are fun to catch aren't they. Good looking HSB. What did you catch it on?

Nice LL that looks familiar!! haha.... They do fight heck they fight so hard they die on ya if your not careful....

RC

Thanks Djnks and RC!

Djnks, it was caught on a pellet fly (AquaMax LMB pellet wrapped in pantyhose). They are so elusive (at least for me), the only one I've caught on artificial bait was on a panfish assassin and even that was 2 years ago!

RC, you're correct on fighting to their death! My water temp is still under 50 and he/she/it seemed quite anxious to be released! Gave me a good splash as I was trying gently to release it, lol.

So fun!

Very nice Keith. We're sure enjoying having our HSB.

Nobody told me how much fun they were to watch when the feeder throws.

Keith that's great - you may find like I have that older HSB are easiest to catch on pellet flies. Unless its a young fish, they largely ignore artificials, but I can still get them on nose hooked shiners and fhm on a slip float. I think the body condition looks solid especially just coming out of Winter. Mine are hitting the feeder now - good to see them again. Are you feeding yet? My water temps are low 50s and even the BG are hitting.

Thanks TJ,

I'd really like to know where these babies are hanging out when it's NOT feeding time! Are they free-roaming, hanging in the depths, hanging around structure/cover?

At the lake we go to in Kansas they'll hang around the ledges and drop-offs when they're not chasing shad. But in my pond? I can't figure out where to target them although I haven't tried live bait either. Out of 2 acres 80% is 4' deep, then along one bank (about 300') it drops down to 8-9', similar to a channel.

On feeding, I started throwing out food last Saturday just to test the waters, and all species seem to be back in full force!

So good to see and always a great way to start my day .