Smallieguy87

I can't help but think Jack links has something to do with this.

Spoke with my local rep. Ben Harris yesterday as soon as I saw the news. He was opposed to last years version (955?) and will be voting against this one as well. He said there was a good showing of groups of people who both fish and float and that he believed it helped keep the first bill from passing so we have to keep up the pressure.

It's a shame I just bought a new coffee table or I might be all over that deal. I bought a few of the coffee infused tube baits strike king sells and I ask my wife to smell them because she usually likes the smell of coffee....gagging and sharp punches to the arm ensued....

I agree with you. I have no problem with people culling the spots to preserve the smallmouth fishing. I wasn't sure how big of a problem it was in the area as I've haven't yet got the opportunity to fish that stretch of the river. I'm pretty much confined to wading lol

I enjoy catching them. It's great if they aren't having an impact of the smallmouth spawning. Kudos to you. Now you got at least one sweet spot in that lake of your hog.

Dude! That is one hog of a spot! They're a blast to catch a lot like smallmouth to me. Have any of you guys had a run in with a mean mouth? I'd heard of a small caught out of Joachim creek.

And of course you have to come back with a detailed report. Pictures are always great. I'd be right there with ya if I didn't have to keep track of one ornery toddler lol

No joke! Seize the day my friend.

That's an awesome report especially for this time of the year. I'd take average smallies all day long on a day like that and be just fine! I'm really digging these February fishing reports everyone is throwing out. I haven't got to go yet but I'm pumped to say the least! I'm living vicarious through all these trip reports until I can get out there and chase Some bronze myself!

that is one bad boat my friend!

been checking a few out from IMA, and lucky craft sammy's, a couple from paycheck baits looked nice but i don't know much about the company.

Would give me a chance to work on my walking technique. I bought a few walker baits last year but didn't have the change to really use them. Seems like something that takes a fair bit of practice but i'd really like to be good at.

I've never claimed a 20' yet.....Most of the waters i fish they're even more scarce but i know there's probably a few. I've seen a few that probably pushed that mark.

smalliebigs, Mitch F, Hog, you guys are killing me! I'm sitting here at work reading this awesome report and seeing some monster fish! Good work boys!

NED isn't my primary fish catcher so my standard are a bit different but i do use it occasionally. I guess my standards on it aren't as rigid so heck maybe i'm not even fishing the ned? I do use Dave's jig's because they're very well made and have plans to try them on some smaller tube baits. Here's what i may or may not have NED rigged depending on your definition lol 1. Set up is a St.Croix 6'9 ML XF 2. 8lb fluoro no leaders or braid just straight fluoro. I normally will use the 1/8oz head in greenpumpkin. 3. i've used BPS stick O's usually cut down to about 3', 3' centipede, 3.5' ribster worm by lunker city baits, all of these baits are fished in variations of green pumpkin, dark melon, any variations of dark browns and greens. 4. I usually drag mine pretty slowly with an occasional lift of the rod tip or hop. 5. I don't usually feel the bite instead ill feel "mush" like i'm dragging through leaves. 6. I don't use a hard hook set. Instead i put pressure on the fish and keep a good bend in the rod with a few pulls and that usually does it.

Thanks man. I really do appreciate the kind words. It gets a little easier each and everyday. He wouldn't want me being down to long anyway he'd want me on the water lol

A bit late but thanks for the report and pics Smallie! Still waiting to throw out a line with ya man!

That is where the last couple state record smallmouth have been caught on the Arkansas side right?

Just catch smallies....well darn the luck Ham lol

Agree with this one. The local agent helped me get in touch with some private land owners he knew and managed to get me better river access. Mind you this sort of relationship was built up over the year just speaking with him after seeing him a few times around big river and mineral fork. Hopefully speaking to him like i have will help stop some of the excessive taking of fish on mineral fork.

The book is amazing! There's a huge amount of info in there as well as maps. It's helped me find new area's and access and has literally broadened my smallmouth fishing area.

You did no damage and owe no apologies Brian. Most everyone involved in this conversation is concerned with the preservation of smallmouth but have differing views and opinions on it (imagine that) I have nothing against the people who go out and ethically gig. I get that accidents do happen. Id say it's a bit tough to explain mistaking a sport fish for a sucker, etc but water conditions can make it tough. sometimes fish die after C/R. Sometimes you gut hook a smallie, sometimes the stress kills them(especially a big female shortly after spawn). This doesn't make C/R cruel or inhumane but show unintended consequence. As a C/R fisherman you do what you can to limit those stressors or lethal factors. until MDC see's these gigging incidents as a problem (if they really are amounting to a problem) then keep doing the right thing and reporting the incidents that you see and giving them all the info you can and that's about all you can do. I personally always keep the operation game thief number stored in my phone and have actually used it a few times...not sure if it made a difference or if the complaint was even checked out but I did my part.

I HATE his character in those movies so dang much! such a sissy. MY wife love's those movies and gets very upset when i make fun of him. On the flip side i'm not a Jennifer Lawrence fan either so.... Happy to see a bit of humor come out of these types of conversations.

Good advice on the gaskets Al thank you very much!

Don't know why I didn't think of that lol I have several of those lying around.