This place is near and dear to me. It's hard to believe you're in Alabama when fishing there. For those of you that grew up in southeast Alabama (the Wiregrass) like me, any body of water that isn't flat and sandy is a big change from the usual.
This past weekend I took a buddy that doesn't really fly fish, and has also never been to the canyon. Not exactly the best place to learn as it's pretty technical fishing. Although the learning curve is steep, he still had a great time and caught some fish.
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220004_zpsibirn2mh.jpg)
When I am stuck in Alabama to fish, which has been a lot lately, there is only one fish I chase: the redeye bass. I've put a few reports up in the past on these fish in this particular place. They are commonly called the "Brook trout of Alabama" due to their preference for pristine water with moderate flow, typically found in higher elevations and because of their unique markings and coloration. The most notable markings are the blue cheeks/eyelid and white edges along the caudal fin. Ironically, the redeye is just a name and is not exactly a unique identifier when trying to differentiate between other bass.
The water is still a little cool here for topwater fishing, but lucky for me, they were hungry...
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220013_zpsdfx2iqeg.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220016_zpsop2go08v.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220028_zpsb4ji0fea.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220025_zpsht1xplpv.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220029_zpsra4zzbpj.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220066_zps90cbzwd9.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5220088_zpscrkz1m0k.jpg)
Enjoyed a snack on the way out....
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5230095_zpsbqizhhx8.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/mrl0004/Fishing/P5230099_zpsksmcmpam.jpg)
Great stuff Matt. Blue bass, something else. 'c;
Cool ass tr
I've been in a shitty mood all week. This "little" blueline TR was a perfect virtual escape. Keep this goodness coming.
Good lookin water and fish too!
y;
Coosa Bass??
Coosa and Mulberries.
Keeping it real. 'c;
Yep, Coosa bass, or Micropterus coosae for those of you in to binomial nomenclature. We just call them redeye around here. It confuses the hell out of a lot of people because rock bass are also commonly called redeye bass. Further complicating things, numerous bass species can have red eyes.
I straight up love these reports. 0:0
Sort of reminds me of a river around here. I typically head north but this one happens to be south and also happens to have it's headwaters in one of the busiest airports in the world. Despite all that, it's a beaut.
Quote from: sanjuanwormhatch on May 28, 2015, 09:24:38 AM
Sort of reminds me of a river around here. I typically head north but this one happens to be south and also happens to have it's headwaters in one of the busiest airports in the world. Despite all that, it's a beaut.
I know that place. Going canoeing there later this year, it used to be an annual thing for a group of friends, but been a while since we've done it.
Quote from: benben on May 28, 2015, 09:55:18 AM
Quote from: sanjuanwormhatch on May 28, 2015, 09:24:38 AM
Sort of reminds me of a river around here. I typically head north but this one happens to be south and also happens to have it's headwaters in one of the busiest airports in the world. Despite all that, it's a beaut.
I know that place. Going canoeing there later this year, it used to be an annual thing for a group of friends, but been a while since we've done it.
You probably canoe the upper portion (above the dam). The lower portion (where I fish) would be more dragging than canoeing.
Cooter or Coochie bass maybe? I never likened fish to chicken. fuck sakes b';
Nice work.
We have some of those up this way in TN. Love the blue faces.
Quote from: benben on May 28, 2015, 09:55:18 AM
Quote from: sanjuanwormhatch on May 28, 2015, 09:24:38 AM
Sort of reminds me of a river around here. I typically head north but this one happens to be south and also happens to have it's headwaters in one of the busiest airports in the world. Despite all that, it's a beaut.
I know that place. Going canoeing there later this year, it used to be an annual thing for a group of friends, but been a while since we've done it.
I really want to do a cast and blast on that river but don't know if that's even remotely possible.
I always look forward to seeing these reports
Helluva good report -- ATB
Love a mullberry
That gorge is too steep for my knees----enjoy it while your knees can still take it.
Thanks for a great report and Blue Face flicks
JT