Northern NE, VT,NH,ME the ice seasons last much longer then Southern NE like Cape Cod Massachusetts, where as the Cape has open water most of the season, it very seldom ice's up tight. So mid/May you could still have ice in the north but south we'd be on the bass as early as MYSELF late March or April. Trout would be on most peoples minds in Northern NE mid may, but I'd say June would be a better bite for bass.....
And I think Sandy at Northern Bass Supply said they are closing the doors for good?