Warmwater fishing

[CR]

We have been visiting with the extended family in the low-country of S.C. for a reunion of sorts: eating, hanging out and visiting. During past few weeks or so I was able to make it out a few times for some fishing, but hot weather and obligations made it tough to spend too much time on the water. One afternoon I put in at Sparkleberry landing for a little canoeing and fly fishing on the headwaters of Lake Marion near the inflow of the Congaree River. This is swampy area leading into the lake that presents in a series of wide channels and open flowage areas full of aquatic vegetation and lily-pads. Gators, some big enough to sink my ancient Sears Sportcraft boat with a tail swat, various water birds and otters were all spotted. Most of the bass and larger gills were sulking away from the heat but I did manage some nice bass as large as any brought to hand yet this year through the day. Some fish were seen jumping out of the water up to a foot after dragonflies and damsels, leaches were also a top food sours as many varieties were seen while turning over rocks-black sparkle-buggers and foam hoppers along with poppers were the best producers for most of the morning and late-evening bite. During mid-day heat Clousers worked well, especially chartreuse. Craw patterns and other were tried but the Clouser was one of the top large-fare flies used. A staggering slow hand-twist line retrieve was necessary (drinking can help with this) through the deeper lies to induce a strike, this is unusual as my best success with this fly is often on a fast retrieve with a sinking line.

[bullship]

Good stuff

[tbird4]

Nice bucket mouth man! -0- hit me up if you want to hit a pond this w/e or just grab a brew.  Wife ain't down with me trout fishing again this w/e.

[blue ridge angler]

great stuff CR..
It has been tuff for bass around my way this year..
glad to see someone getting on them..

[bullship]

tbird, did I see you on mtn island lake about a month ago? the dog looks familiar. i was in a jon boat spooking carp.

[tbird4]

Nah, wasn't I.  Your not the only one spooking them, if your right up on them they will scare the shiz out of ya.   

[Al]

Nice report and super photos. Good to remind ourselves that there is more to fly fishing then just trout.

[CR]

Thanks guys-

Tbird- Will give you a ring tomorrow man- should have some time in the afternoon!

[croaker]

Grand report!

[Woolly Bugger]

Good stuff, nice bucket, what's up with the radioactive shot 

[diaz dassie]

Nice one brother, beeg 'ole bassers and I digs the last shot.
sterling report. Keep 'er up mate! -0-

[CR]

Just some Cazadores with a tiny splash of Grand Marnier and fresh squeezed lime Jiuce, you know the drill. Good stuff on a hot day, you can bring it pre-mixed in the Nalgene Bottle    .

[overbrook]

Nice report....and that last flick with the chartruese clousers is pretty sweet! Well done