Quick Trip

[RSBreth]

What always happens when you forget the camera? You catch some nice picture-worthy fish, of course.

I fished somewhere above Hootentown, can't be any more specific than that.

I started early. Really early.

I caught them on a little of everything, Bomber 4A and Rapala DT4 cranks, my little compact spinnerbait, and a few on the smaller 08 size XRap, in the high-vis "clown" color. One nice one on a finesse jig, too.

High point was 3 fish over 15" - 16" - in three casts! The biggest wasn't quite 20", but was close. These were on the spinnerbait, all around a huge downed tree on a big rock snag.

I caught several other 15"+ fish on the cranks, and missed another really nice one that nailed the XRap, it was hooked only on the rear treble, and freed itself by doing that spinning backwards kamikaze jump that Smallmouths do like no other fish.

What else can you do when that happens but laugh?

I also talked to a MDC employee who was picking up some trash left over from drunken fools, but also from a stream cleanup. Lot's of tires.

Water was a little off color and clearing, and only up a little from the rain over the weekend.

I tried to rig the camera in my phone to take some pictures with the built in timer, but it was pretty much a fiasco almost resulting in the loss of said cell phone into the depths. I put it back in the dry bag, and just fished, which was kind of nice instead of always worrying where the light is best and what's in the background, every single time you catch a good one.

[faded]

sounds like a good trip... good enough to help shake that grumpy feeling that can sink in after not getting to hit the water for a week or more...It has been 2 weeks for me but I should be putting in shortly after 8 in the morning...Not sure I can manage a haul like you had today, but i will be givin' it a darn good effort to do so

thanks for the report RSB...and in case I have failed to mention it in the past I enjoy reading your blog

[smallmouthjoe]

That stretch from Hooten to that first bridge up from Hooten is one of my favorite runs on the James. I've been putting too much time in on Table Rock this spring, I think it's about time to do some stream fishing. Thanks for the great report.

[hambone80]

Great report Randy! I always enjoy reading your blog and look forward to the pics as well. By the way did you measure that spot you caught on the Finley this spring. That thing was a beast. It looked to be over three pounds easy.

[RSBreth]

Nope. didn't weigh it or measure it.

I didn't expect it so that picture was more of a mug shot- my wife hates that picture. "Could you change that?"

[mmirg]

Wow! Sounds like a dream float. I will have to expand my river repetour to include some more cranks. I have never tried a spinner bait on the river, but it sure sounds productive. I usually go with the finesse worms. Thanks for the report.