Spring fishing got off to a slow start, at least for me. Cold weather kept the water temperature lower than normal. In May, the weather radio ran constant advisories about the danger of falling overboard into a cold lake or pond. Early on it became obvious that warm water fishing would be delayed for at least a month.

In late May, the Eastern chain pickerel came to life. I caught a bunch of toothy critters around the weed beds in Mascoma, including a pair that were close to 30 inches. Pickerel fight hard, but they don’t put on a tail-walking display like smallmouth bass. I always feel a little disappointed when I catch one. Then there’s the chore of avoiding their teeth while removing the hook.

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