Opening Day Traditions

[AsianSensation]

I am new to the forum, so I apologize if this topic already has a thread or is overdone. But, I wanted to see what other people for opening day of bass fishing! Now, Mr. Kimmel has been working hard to determine the bass fishing season, so who knows when we can get out there and fish. But, before the NFL Draft moved to May, I would watch the draft Thursday, Friday, while prepping tackle and then the season would start on Saturday! It was an awesome weekend.

This is a lame topic, but darnit, I want to fish!

[TimH]

That's funny you should mention the draft.  That used to be my tradition as well. Me and buddy would watch the draft while we got our gear prepped for opening weekend.  He would usually get peeed because of the Lions pick and spend the rest of the evening swearing up a storm about how stupid the Lions front office is.
We would then fish Saturday, Sunday, and take Monday off of work to make it a three day weekend.  It usually ends up where we fish for three days in cold, rain, and wind, but is still by far one of the best weekends of the year.

[Mike S.]

I have no tradition to speak of. I organize my tackle while watching the Bassmaster Classic weigh in love on the Internet every year. I haven't taken opening weekend off since 2011, when my boat got hit by a Blazer on the way to the lake opening morning. But, I do have it off this year. As long as my buddy keeps his girlfriend at home, I'm hoping my boat won't get hit again!

[Skulley]

First of all, welcome to he forum!!  We're glad you're here. I usually go to St. Clair on opening day. I usually go to St. Clair most of the times I go out fishing. There are some guys that go to White Lake in Oakland County to start the season. I don't know if you can call any of these "traditions", but it's what I like to do. With the season for bass possibly starting earlier, it will be an earlier start on LSC.


BD.                 

[Got Fish??]

Most every year, I draw  a turkey permit  for that time of year. A couple  times I've  gone  out to big water  with BIGDOG , on opening day. UAWBIGDOG is pretty  good, and I've  learned   quite   a bit from him. This year I'm hunting the week beforehand. I hope the ice is gone by then.

[robhj]

If I had a pie chart illustrating my fishing related expenditures, it would show a significant increase during the month of March due to cabin fever and anticipation of the bass opener. I have always headed north, either to Mullett Lk. or Ludington area lakes to chase smallies. Most years I also mix in at least a half day to target muskies. We usually get a room on Friday and 4-6 guys eat, drink, and talk about what lures and areas of the lake we'll be targeting first. I get all of my combos rigged up the night before and almost always have a football jig, jerkbait, tube, beaver style bait, lipless crank, suspending shad rap, and dropshot tied on. In addition to some new lures I've recently picked up, I also commited to throwing an umbrella rig and spybait this year. I'm anxious to try the new shadow rap to see how different it is from the dozens of other jerks I own. I may fish in Florida and/or Indiana before the opener but nothing compares to the Michigan opener. These warmer days really get me anxious.

[djkimmel]

I'm starting another new tradition this year. I'm going somewhere small and very quiet. Low key. No people around that will yell at me for bass fishing out of season whether they know what the season is or not - maybe there won't be a closed season anymore?? I'm going to fish quietly, slowly, however I feel like doing it whether it's working or not, and enjoy the sheer peace, calm and quiet of it no matter what.

[TheFishinPollock]

Hoping I'm not doing it from a shanty ..................

[Firefighter Jeff]

  No steadfast traditions.  I usually try to fish Hamlin around the catch and release opener.  Then shortly after, Lake St. Clair.  Oh, and welcome to the site AsianSensation !!!

[peterman9000]

I love the opening day trip to St Clair every year. Especially on the sunny days

Those early season waves can be nuts. I almost smacked a floating log last year 'hiding' in the toughs out from metro beach.

[peterman9000]

My best opening day story is the first time out on my new boat in 2011. Got a brand new baitcaster setup for christmas as well.  Went to Tipsico lake of all places. First cast with all this brand new stuff, FISH ON!

My wife was with me, glad I had a witness.