Finley Below 1-60

[smallmouthjoe]

Today me, my girl and a mutual friend floated from 1-60 to Hooten. The weather report for today said there was a 50% chance of thunderstorms and I guess my group received 100% of the 50%. It was a cold rain and just a flat out chilly day. When did it become fall? I didn't get a chance to fish that much, felt too bad for the girls. I could tell they just wanted to get to Hooten Town and in the truck so they could turn on the heat. I did get some fishing in however. I would have thought with the weather that the bass would be very active but that was not the case. I had some luck with a Bandit 100 in red top gold bottom crank but it was a grind to pick up a fish on. Struck out completely on the spook and I give it a good portion of my day. Had some success on a Zell pop in Arkansas shiner but it to wasn't a really hot bite. The jig worked pretty good like it always does, but the best bite I found was on the tube. A copper bitsy tube texas rigged with a 1/8 bullet. I had a decent day, there's quite a few 12'-14' smallies in that stretch of the Finley. Again, the 17' plus smallie eluded me today but that's been my cruse since I caught my personal best this spring. This is good section of the river, lots of riffles and I can't wait to float it on a nicer day when I have more time. Take care guys.

[OzarkFishman]

Nice report, you are definately more daring than I. The clouds today looked down right wicked.

Tight Lines,

OzarkFishman

[smallmouthjoe]

It did get a bit scary at times. The rain didn't bother me, the fact that I forgot my rain gear did, the lighting was the problem. We hid in the woods when it started to lighting, even though I don't think that was any better than being out in the river. It felt more secure anyway.

[RSBreth]

Here I was wishing I was there fishing, but it was a little um, monsoon-like out there. Glad you guys stayed safe.

[smallmouth61]

sounds like it would have been a fun day if the weather would have been good. I'll have to float that stretch of river sometime!

[smallmouthjoe]

If you go, go after we get a little rain. There was a 150 yard drag over slick bed rock about a 1/2 mile from The James. I don't really mind having to drag but I know some people do.