first smallmouth of the year

Hi Folks, Guided from my boat yesterday on a local body of water.  We were fly fishing for northern pike.  Good breeze from the south and the surface temperature of the water was 61 degrees.  The water color is tanin at this lake and generally not gin clear.  Bright colored flies were in order.  We cast a 8wt. outfit with a floating line and a leader with a wire shock tippet.  The fly of the day was red and yellow 1/0 deceiver.  Right off the get go we hooked a large northern in the 30" class.  Saw the pike take the fly.  Really impressive seeing the big head and mouth open up and inhale the deceiver.  Unfortunately the fish was lost at the boat after a pretty good battle.  Landed a smaller northern with the same fly pattern.  The fish of the day was 20" (measured) smallmouth bass.  Big ripe female who looked like she had been around the block.  Pretty funny that the first smallmouth of the season I see caught is a trophy.  Setting the bar high.  We fished in fairly shallow water working shoreline cover with downed wood and new growth weed beds.  Anyway, lots of casting and lots of fun.  Off to guide with the boat again today.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy