To end March, I was able to get my son, Jayce, out on the water for an Easter Sunday fishing trip on The Canal. He is not much of a morning guy, so an early spring afternoon trip was more up his alley than my pre-dawn departures as the year progresses. Read on as he was in the right place at the right time with the right lure.

1:25pm – Top Bass at 3-4 (18″) on a chatterbait

Stats
Date: March 31
Location: Hennepin Canal
Time: 1:10pm-3:10pm
Totals: 4 bass
Weather: Overcast/windy, 58F
Water temperature: Not available
Lures: Z-Man Chatterbait (sexy shad) with swimbait trailers – 4 bass
Top Bass: 3-4 (Jayce – chatterbait)
Top 4 Weight (only four at 12” or better): 7-9 (3-4,1-9,1-9,1-3)

Winning Lure

Notes and Nonsense

Trip Tunes – The ride was enjoyable as I got in some radio surfing with Jayce who shares an appreciation for classic rock and pop. We both gave a thumbs up to “Holy Diver” from Ronnie James Dio. And when Van Halen’s “Dance the Night Away” came on, I noted that it was my favorite VH tune. Jayce on the other hand, gave his VH vote to “Unchained.” Always a treat when we get to share and talk some tunes.

1:52pm – Top Bass Runner-up at 1-9 (14.5″) on a chatterbait

Guide Thoughts – Assuming the role of fishing guide, I selected our stretch of The Canal for several reasons. First, wide open banks are much better for dialing in casts when your client needs to get in some practice with a new baitcaster. Secondly, the pool has ample wood cover off the bank which sets up well for my proposed 1-2 punch of a spinnerbait and chatterbait. And finally, a bit more depth at the shore keeps the aquatic vegetation at bay and prevents frustrating slimy casts. As a bonus, we encountered another angler in the parking area who referred to the spot as “a hidden gem.”

Top Bass – About fifteen minutes into casting, Jayce’s line tightened up and his pole quickly bent. My question to him about whether he had a snag, or a fish was quickly answered as his line began to move across the surface and we knew it was a good one. Jayce did well fighting and reeling the fish to boatside and I was able to lip what would be his all-time Top Bass at 3-4. It would also set the mark for the Top Canal Bass of 2024, rank tied for fifth on our all-time Top Canal Bass and set a record for this stretch of The Canal (previous Top Bass was 2-0). The only downside was my failure to have the GoPro running as I was too dialed into Dad/Guide mode.

A bass so nice, I’ll use it twice for today’s report

Bandwagon Angler – When fishing with a partner, I often start out tossing a different lure than what the other guy/gal is casting for some initial variety in offerings. On this outing, Jayce started with a chatterbait, so I opted for a spinnerbait, both winners on The Canal. After thirty minutes without a strike on my spinnerbait coupled with watching Jayce land his Top Bass, guess who switched over to a chatterbait. It turned out to be a wise decision as the chatterbait would fool all four bass that we landed on this trip.

To quote the A-Team’s John ‘Hannibal’ Smith, “I love it when a plan comes together.” Jayce was excited as you can tell by his smile in the photos. And, of course, I had to share those photos with fellow fishing family and friends.

A great couple hours on the water and looking forward to more. Talk to you later. Troy