Elsewhere On The Meramec

[joeD]

Who would drive a total of three hours to fish for two and a half hours? ME! That's who. I hadn't fished for two months, consequently, my eyes were starting to twitch, like Barney from "The Simpson's" when Springfield runs out of beer (sorry, gratuitous pop culture reference). I had a small window of opportunity to fish Sunday morning, before I had to be back home for afternoon softball practice, a soccer game and 2 LAX games (those with sports kids know the drill). Anyway, off I went. I put in by myself at nine, on a favorite section of the river I do pretty much exclusively in the early spring. The water was up of course, but the color was perfect. A couple casts after launching, I brought in a 14" largemouth (on a white Super Fluke, of course, no secret, my favorite lure, as you can tell by my cheesy phone camera pictures). A couple of casts later, a 17 incher, next cast, 18 incher. Same 100 yard hole, right after you put in, nothing fancy, nice bank with a good rock bottom, that produces year after year. I thought I was going to tear'em up after that start, but of course the fish had something to "say" about that. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the first few fish, since it happened pretty quickly, and I was otherwise occupied trying to light a good cigar with a cheap lighter ( go figure, thousands in fishing tackle, good cigars - cheap lighter). Regardless, I floated down, casting the fluke, plus a jerkbait and a spinnerbait, picking up the kind of fish you see featured. I caught two dinks, the rest were 15 inches and above. Not a lot, 12 total, but good, healthy fish. Not a soul in sight. I was happy.

I have another motive for showing the pictures. I've caught bigger fish on this stretch (and I'm sure they're still there), and more numbers. What is important to me, however, is that after months of cold weather, snow, floods, tornadoes, and an earthquake (I'm sure a forest fire and locusts are not too far behind), the river and its population of fish are still there, despite, and because of, Mother Nature (Cue: Lightening). This section of the river HAS changed- trees blown to the bank, gravel shifting, some holes are gone, others have appeared, but it's still good. If you've never floated it, you'd never know how it has changed (Sorry,again, sounds kind of pompous). The upper Meramec is a treasure. It gives one hope.

Well, that's my report (you've justed wasted 10 minutes of your life and you'll never get it back). Hopefully I'll have a digital camera next time. I hear one can get a good camera deal on the Internets.

[huz001]

Nice. I love that light colored phase smallie.

[WebFreeman]

Good looking fish!

[Phil Lilley]

Great report and thanks for the pics!

[DoveTail]

Nice healthy looking fish. Nothing better than being on a remote section of stream catching fish.