News:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon Link

Main Menu

Shaky knees...

Started by AL trout bum, June 03, 2012, 18:33:29 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

AL trout bum

Went to a local warmwater creek Saturday morning hoping to catch a gar on the fly. Last weekend a guy caught several and landed two. As usual, when I go, all I hear is "you should have been here last weekend." However, the catching wasn't bad. It started slow, and we had a cold front a couple of nights in a row. However, I remember hearing when fishing is slow, try to use a smaller bait. It made all the difference.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


I hooked a solid 2lb bass that squirmed of as I was trying to get my camera out. By far the most bass I have ever caught here.

This is what I call my aquarium hole. I have caught or seen about 10 different species in this pool each time I go.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


The problem is it is very clear and usually the fish can see you before you get a good shot at them. There is usually a 3lb bass that cruises here. You may be able to see it in this pic: (upper middle)
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


Another view showing numerous fish: (look just right of middle)
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


Some water got on the lens in these...
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


Well after that eventful morning I went home to eat some lunch and rest before I headed to hang out with the girlfriend. I received a text from her saying she might work late, so I figured I would check up on the smallmouth while I wait.

I decided to pack some heat this time for snakes and because the last time I heard lots of coyotes. I admit it's not the ideal snake gun, but better than nothing.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


I had plans to fish upstream since I had never waded that section, but as soon as I entered the creek there were some spin fisherman working down. So I headed downstream. They caught up quick and just sloshed right through the water I was fishing as well as further downstream.  :evil:

I bit my tongue and headed back upstream, after all that's what I wanted to fish. I worked back up to my original intended start.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


Didn't take long to get a strike, but not what I wanted...
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


I kept working upstream and hitting every bit of water I could while trying to be stealthy. Finally, I hooked a fish that had that familiar pull, you know, the one that feels like a small bag of bricks running upstream with your line. He was just a little guy, but he didn't fight like he was.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


I kept fishing up, with every cast envisioning that 4lb smallmouth inhaling my popper. I kept catching fish, but not the target species.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login

Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


This is where it gets interesting (and long-winded)....as I wade upstream, I am having to watch every step as there are some slick shoals with lots of troughs and drop offs. I cast upstream and give the popper a couple of good pops. I look down as I make another step forward and look back up to find my popper missing. I set the hook (like Bill Dance) and I have successfully hooked into the best smallmouth I have ever hooked into. Unfortunately, almost as quickly as I hooked it, I lost it. My 8lb tippet snapped in half like it was 6X. Not at the knot, but in the middle. It was not worn as I had just re-tied. I did catch a glimpse of it and it was at least a 20", 4lb fish.  I feel like a 5wt is no longer suitable for this pursuit. That fish felt like a bull red. My knees were shaking and I felt sick to my stomach. It was like winning the lottery and finding out there was a mistake and you didn't win. However, I guess those are the experiences that keep us going back for more. That makes 2 very nice creek smallmouth I have lost after extremely short battles. I am starting to wonder when I will have my day.

Well the girlfriend called again it said it would be about another hour, so I decided I would check on the section I usually fish. After a quick game of "pick the spot that looks the least snaky" I cautiously made my way down the weedy bank.

I made a few casts, more green sunfish and small redbreast. I get up to the more productive water and make a cast close to the bank. That cast moved something, but not a fish.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


He started angling toward me and I thought it was a good time to retreat, since my gun was in my car. He was as big around as a baseball and apparently pissed that I disturbed him. This was the second time I had shaky knees and thought that was good for one day.
Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


I caught shellcracker, bluegill, longear, green and redbreast sunfish in the panfish category. Then largemouth and smallmouth bass. I would say that's a good variety.
"Sloppy and rough wading have saved more trout than any regulation written by man."

jwgnc

Great post.  Love those warm water fish on a fly
Stalk softly and carry a green stick.

robs_seven

Thats some good shit right there, nice fish and the hell with those snakes man.  I have seen atleast one each of the last 3 weekends I have fished.  Im thinking Im going to start carrying a tarus with .410 bird shot to take care of the snakes and maybe a few long colts for those nasty creatures that can eat or atleast try to take out a chunk of me. 
!!!Tying, building, fishing!!!

Quote from: Transylwader on June 25, 2012, 09:04:59 AM
This creek was so big that a high hole was virtually impossible.

AL trout bum

Quote from: robs_seven on June 04, 2012, 11:43:24 AM
Thats some good shit right there, nice fish and the hell with those snakes man.  I have seen atleast one each of the last 3 weekends I have fished.  Im thinking Im going to start carrying a tarus with .410 bird shot to take care of the snakes and maybe a few long colts for those nasty creatures that can eat or atleast try to take out a chunk of me.

I really like the new Taurus ultralight models. Maybe a .357 with snake shot should do the trick. Now I just have to commit funds, that could be spent on a fishing trip.  b';

I'm going to try the CCI snake shot in my 9mm and see if it cycles. I've heard it does in some and doesn't in some. We'll see. It would be cheaper than buying a new gun.
"Sloppy and rough wading have saved more trout than any regulation written by man."

Transylwader

Geez Matt! Some of those red breast sunnies look like African Cichlids they have so much colour! 8)
Them fuckin snakes terrorize the heck out of me, I don't blame you for packing the heat ;)

Jfey

That is a great warmwater report.  The snakes have been out an about this year. 
Yup, going fishing

kylemc

Quote from: robs_seven on June 04, 2012, 11:43:24 AM
  Im thinking Im going to start carrying a tarus with .410

The Judge! I love mine.

Stone-Man

Damn good report and thanks for sharing.

That punkinseed is really beautiful.

  JT