On Lake Pepin, Mississippi River pool 4. Picture was taken at about 6:10 yesterday morning as we launched.
We did a pike specific trip and had a pretty decent outing. Brought home three for the buddy's neighbor to make pickles.
This fish was less than 20 casts into the morning. just shy of 32 inches. I would not have kept it except I was using a #13 Rapala floater and if you take a peek at the fish's mouth you can just see the head end of the rapala. We had one that was close to 35 inches but this one weighed more, much fatter fish. We had some super sized fish follow our baits yesterday but they didn't commit. By the time I got the lure back this sucker had me slimed from the chin to my pants waist. Pike to 37" have been taken from this shallow corner.
We fished a shallow corner on shore with extensive non-emergent weeds. The pike were right at the edge of the weedline where the water depth dropped fairly fast. We'd cast over the break into shallower water and slowly bring the Rapalas back keeping the bait just under the surface. We'd just feel them tickling the weed tops and when the weed tops were deep enough to stop contact, the hits began. We thought maybe the 4" Rippers on weighted hooks would get the attention of some bass but only one smallie came out to play. Fun morning but was sultry by 9 so we pulled it.