I would like to know what a good lake for the opener would be . I had a run of bad luck last year and didn't even put a fish in the boat. This is only my third year fishing for them but I would like to know some ways that I can improve and get some good quality fish.

Opener can be a little tricky. It all depends on the weather leading up to the Opener. Generally, pick a shallower lake as it will warm up the fastest and the fish will be a little more active and recovered from spawning.

Baits--size really doesn't matter, but speed can be critical. Generally, slower is better. If it is a warm Opener, my 'go to' presentation on these shallow lakes with a lot of early weed growth (especially lakes with curly leaf cabbage) is a Jackpot style bait. It is slow and has a lot of action and attraction and triggering characteristics.

If we get slammed with a cold front right at the Opener, don't be afraid to grab the 10" Jakes and go troll open water. The fish will pull out of the shallows on a hard cold front and move to open water where conditions are more stable.
Brett Erickson