Today 6 Hr. Trip Report

[Bill Babler]

This 6 hr. trip deal is the bomb. Should have started it years ago, it is just the perfect ammount of time.

Took a really good fisherman Dan Gaines from Iowa back up the White where I put the hammer on the SMJ's a couple of weeks ago. Had not been back so had to wonder if it would be as good.

Answer, yes and no. Launched and had the first toss in the water a shade after 5 AM. Only one client and he could throw a baitcaster, and wanted me to fish along side. OH Boy

Went back to the SMJ honey hole and saw a couple of K's chasing so the flinging started. Both of us on a Fin. A few short strikes and misses and I said," let me think about this". Can you throw a spook and walk the dog, I asked? Dan said OH Ya.!!

Then it started, for both of us. Wham Bam Thank you Fish. Fish after fish after fish. One problem, they were all K's anywhere from 10 to 14 inch and they would storm the spook, and follow it in 8 or 10 at a time. Now don't get me wrong, we were having fun, but maybe just one keeper or a Good Ole Goodin.

Finely happened, I hooked a fish and it put on a tractor pull. Told Dan, we had a good one at last. That water is so clear, when I got the fish near the boat, Dan yelled its a huge SMJ and there are three other ones as big, trying to take the spook from her. About this time I got a peek and sure enough about 10 ft. down, was a dog fight. I just kept prussure on her as she was on the rear hook and the other Smallies were grabbing at the front of the spook. I had visions of 6 lbs of Jaws swinging into the boat one on the front and one on the back.

About this time, from out of the deep blue, shot a 13 inch K. He grabbed the front of the spook, hooked himself, and jerked it out of the 3 pound Jaws lips. It was like suspended animation. There were 4 big Smallmouth just treading water and I had that stinking little bait stealer. I reeled him in and we both sat and laughed till the tears flowed. Dan told me trading 6 pounds for 12 oz. was not a very good swap. I fell over laughing so hard.

Now, here is where the story gets complicated. Dan had come to TR to learn the Drop Shot. We ended up leaving a pretty good topwater bite to go and get a dropshot bite. I hope I never have to say that again

Caught 17 on the dropshot mostly small K's but did end up with a limit of squeeker types that might have gone 10 or 11 pounds. Really poor after the way the size and action has been in the KC area and up the James. If you want some great topwater action, fish the White from Point 22 to Eagle Rock. Lots of schooling and chasing action. Very early and it will last as long as the clouds do. We didn't have very big fish, but a topwater fish in my opinion don't have to be big to be fun.

On a footnote we stopped back by the topwater spot on the way in to see if we could dropshot a few, as they would surely be positioned by 10:30. They were still on the spook. About a 1/2 doz. more shorts on top. Excellent morning for topwater cloudy, foggy, and a very slight ripple. Not the right day for the shot.

[Gary Lange]

That was an exciting read for sure. It had me setting the hook and feeling the tug on the line as I read. I hope it is still good next week as I have company in town and he has just had knee surgery about two months ago and not able to get out yet.

[denjac]

If Bills client would have pitched his spook his spook in the middle of all that he mighta hooked up. Works about 30% of the time. Even when swimming a grub if I have one on and have chasers if my buddy can get that spook out there they will hit it. Too much fun, wish I coulda been there.

[skeeter]

If you can read Bill's report and not get the immediate " I gotta go fishin' right now fever " I think you may need one of those defibrillator gizmos to get your heart started again ! Outstanding as usual and I sure thank you for it. I'm stuck for another day recovering from yesterday's knee surgery but if I have to crawl into the boat Saturday I'm doin' it. Great tale, thanks as always for your time.....

[Fishin' Freak]

Skeeter you hit the nail on the head. I am biting at the bit to get out. Some days I just have to live my life through Babler's great reports!!! Thanks Bill!!

[billyjunk]

Bill -- Nice read, you just can't beat that top water action. I'm, by the way, you old neighbor in the SK area. Want to get down and see your lodge someday soon. Was talking to your mother-in-law several days ago and she says it is one beautiful place. Keep your input coming. Bill