Snagging Spoonbills In The James River

[Daddy Carp]

My son and son-in-law normally host a small group at Lake of the Ozarks for a snagging-fest each April. They are in search of a different place to go in 2009 season. My son-in-law (Terry) remembers snagging spoonbills on the James river, above Cape Fair, years ago. I know it used to be a pretty hot spot for snagging, but I have not followed the pattern there for several years. Is it still a good place to snag the prehistorics? If so, what part of the river is recommended during April? where would be the best, State or Corp, campgroung/ramps for them to access these areas? They will be in 20'- G-3 Jons so shallow water should be OK. Any informations you can give would be greatly appreciated as my Table Rock knowledge is on bass, crappie, wallys & cats since 1959 to present. I've never snagged on the James, only floated. Have a good one and best of luck! ..........D.C.

[Don House]

Daddy, fish it every year, opening day is like open day of deer season people everywhere.. James River Cape Fair area from Virgin Bluff to as far as you can go for snagging. This year early season was from Bridgeport to Past Flat Creek then the rains and everyone was going up about 5 miles past Flat creek to the flats (Sorry I can't remember there name) and really snagging nice spoonbills way into April. Best launch site I would say is cape fair ramp and camp grounds. Easy access and not too far away from the snagging area up river.

Good Fishing

Capt. Don

[Daddy Carp]

Hey, come on now guys! I know there not TR Bass but there has to be more than one of you all brave enough to admit you went snaggin instead of pitchin! Besides, these boys of mine need all the input/help they can get, they just arn't as good a fisherman as Old Dad........LOL. Have a great day & hope it's on the water.

[Seth]

Here's a few bills we got down there this year.

Brother in laws 85 pounder.

Girlfriends first spoonbill, a 60 pounder.

The that four of us landed opening night.

Opening night we always snag the Walnut Springs area. Once the water warms up and they start moving, go up river as far as you can and snag there. The high water this year allowed them to run all the way up to Springfield Dam and if you snagged the upper few miles of the river, you just caught the snot out of the spoonbill. This is the only year I've ever snagged up that far. Normally we just snag around Walnut Springs later in the year on up to McCords Bend and do well.

[Daddy Carp]

Hey thanks seth......looks like you guys had a good season. It was different this year with all the high water and cool temps for sure.

[Trav]

quote Don

"This year early season was from Bridgeport to Past Flat Creek"

I think bridgeport is only about a quarter mile from flat. If that.

Am I right?