Good Day On The James.

[Cajunangler]

I had a great day on the James. After the rain the Smallmouths were really turned on, caught maybe 20, mostly 1-pounders, but did get some good ones, although no real trophies. The key seemed to be submerged timber, and a little current. Spinnerbait was working ( when don't I throw one? ) but so was other stuff. Didn't see very many canoes, I guess the rain made people hold off launching until later. Actually was checked for "papers" by a conservation agent, had a good conversation with him, and it was a good day all around.

Posted pictures at my new blog. Should have a new article about river Smallmouth crankbaits posted here and there by this weekend.

I read some of your reports on your blog. Good information. One item I would highly suggest if you like taking pictures while on the water is investing in a waterproof digital. At least two companies make them and they take very good pictures without the issue of rain or condensation hurting them. I have a pentax and it can even withstand submersion up to 5 feet deep. The newer models can handle a little more.

Just a thought.

I too like fishing the James so if you ever want someone to go along and help with the shuttle duties send me a message.

[RSBreth]

One item I would highly suggest if you like taking pictures while on the water is investing in a waterproof digital. At least two companies make them and they take very good pictures without the issue of rain or condensation hurting them. I have a pentax and it can even withstand submersion up to 5 feet deep. The newer models can handle a little more.

Just a thought.

Yeah, I know. I have nice SLR, a couple of cheaper point and shoot types, but I bought the one I'm using (or not using until it dries out, IF it dries out) because it has a timer, so you can get the standard "grip and grin" shots. Unfortunately, it allows more people to see my face.

And I do need to meet a couple of more people off the board, I tend to fish alone out of that solo a lot these days. Thinking back, I haven't had my standard canoe out since last year. That's as bad as the big boat not leaving the garage for a couple of months. Maybe a Monday trip in the future, it tends to be my only day off these days.

[bigredbirdfan]

Thanks for the smallmouth crankbait post on your blog. I haven't really pursued river fishing for a while why I attend numerous kid related stuff on the weekends.

Where would I put in my bass tracker and fish a good amount of the James down by the lake?

Just look for all kinds of structure along banks?

Will a spinnerbait work well there as well?

Many thanks in advance for your reply.

[RSBreth]

Hey, thanks for the kind words about that post, sometimes I see an article was viewed X number of times, but you get no feedback.

Anyway, once you get above the lake, the James is pretty rough on props, most guys fish from canoes or kayaks, though small jet outboards are seen more and more these days. The lake is pretty high, and the river was WAY up from the flood last Friday, so I don't know if this weekend would be good. The best access on the lower James is at Galena:

http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatla...txtUserID=guest

But if you get out there, throw cranks around big boulders and rocky areas near faster water, and the spinnerbaits have done well for me around downed timber where there's a little current. Usually you don't catch many good sized fish in slow water, the active ones will sit right at a current break, ready to nail something.

[DougFunnie13]

just wanted to also say thanks for that crankbait article on your blog. I can't wait for the others you plan on writing...i saved your blog to my favorites!