We have our second limit of 2018 in the books and while not quite as impressive as the initial limit submitted by our 2016 and 2017 champ, it’s the best I could do. Truly just happy to get on the board with some open water February bass. My submissions follow and here’s to more on the way with spring on the horizon.

(Note: Click here for Top 5 rules for those who wish to join the fun)

Weight: 1-7 (15”)
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: February 27
Location: Little John Conservation Club
Lure: Rapala Shad Rap SR07 (blue)
Structure: Shoreline brush/dropoff
Angler Comments: Eleven minutes into casting for 2018 and I had my first bass and the kickoff to my Top 5. I’d take a bite that early on any trip but such rapid February feedback nearly caught me off guard.

Weight: 0-15 (13”)
Lure: Rapala Shad Rap SR07 (blue)
Structure: Shoreline brush/dropoff
Angler Comments: Did not take long to land Top 5 bass number two and falling just short of a pound didn’t bother me in the least. Much of the fun on the early season outings is simply establishing that initial Top 5 baseline knowing that upgrades will come with future time on the water.

Weight: 2-6 (17”)
Lure: Rapala Shad Rap SR07 (blue)
Structure: Dropoff
Angler Comments: Third bass of the day was another “keeper” and would wind up being Top Bass for the day. Less than an hour into casting I was feeling pretty good about landing a limit on my first outing of the year.

Weight: 1-2 (13.5”)
Lure: Strike King Red Eye Shad (sexy shad)
Structure: Flat/dropoff
Angler Comments: A slack period on the Shad Rap and no interest on a jig and pig was reason for a changeup and the Red Eye Shad produced on about the third cast. However, this was the only fish that I’d fool on the bait.

Weight: 1-5 (14.5”)
Lure: Rapala Shad Rap SR07 (blue)
Structure: Overhanging brush/drop
Angler Comments: After a lull of nearly 90 minutes without a bite I completed my Top 5 on the first cast after a quick lunch break to gobble down a sandwich. Mission accomplished, only one short fish landed after this one. Looking forward to the next chance to get on the water, thankful for a limit but eager to displace them.
Top 5 Weight: 7-3 (2-6,1-7,1-5,1-2,0-15)

For the second straight year, a pair of limits were in the books before we reached March. Off to a solid start and looking forward to continued contributions as conditions improve. Send them my way at troy@troyjacksonoutdoors.com and stop back by for the regular Monday updates as well as monthly stat updates beginning in April. Best of luck out there, always up for a fish story. Talk to you later. Troy