MOBass

I tried stripping a crackle back for the first time this weekend and it was interesting. I had mostly drifted scuds or drys and when the fish hit I was a little shocked. I'll be trying that again. It was interesting to read you comment about not setting the hook when the indicator stopped and I have gone to this also when fishing near any of the outlets. I hate foul hooking fish and I have resigned myself to missing a few to make sure the ones I stick are in the mouth. That is one nice fish in the picture. I have to admit that if I got a good fish I would probably keep it unless it was kicking strong when I put the net on it. I try to put the screws to the fish and get them in and off the hook as quick as possible so they have the best chance possible. Smoked trout is top notch though and I am not going to let a fish go to waste.

I checked the website for Roaring River and it shows Fri - Sun for C & R season. They may not have updated the site though. I want to make a run out there but am having a hard time justifying the gas. I am 30 min. or less from Taney so I go down there most of the time.

I may go back down there Sunday and just fish the whites and crappie. Last time down I didn't have any crappie jigs or rooster tails and was making doing swimming grubs to get the fish. Maybe if I go down there half way prepared I can get on them better.

The fish were there but seemed a little touchy. I coaxed one into biting a spinner bait of all things. Nice fish of almost 4#. There were also a bunch of crappie stacked up next to the rip rap around the 76 bridge.

I might be down that way tomorrow to give it a try. If I make it I'll report back what I find. I know I'm fishing tomorrow but just don't know where yet.

I have been wanting to try snagging. What do I need and when is the season?

Given that the hatchery is so close and there is a high angler density it would be nice to see a conservation agent down there more often. I know they might be up in the trees line watching but I would enjoy seeing them walking the bank or parking lots. I have only seen an agent down there once and he had several snaggers he was writing tickets for. I sat in my truck and watched for awhile. It was nice to see people get educated and I was a little concerned about one agent with several not happy people. I have fished the outlet areas but not to the extent of fishing the area in outlet #3. I found it more enjoyable to stalk the bank looking for my own fish. I still go back to the outlet areas on ocassion but I am finding I do so less and less. There is a lot of productive water down there and I don't see a reason to combat fish. It still amazes me how many people will crowd in for a three second drift.