3-18-11 Report

[Chief Grey Bear]

Wow, it has been awhile since I have posted a report. Let's see if I still remember how.

Early in the week I got to watching the weather. They kept saying it was looking like rain for Saturday but that Sunday would be great. Well, the water is still running high from rains the other week so with Friday still looking like a great day, high in the mid 70's and pure sun, and since Dylan was out of school, I knew I needed to hit the river. Otherwise, it would be another wasted weekend.

And then Thursday the weatherman drops the bomb and says it looks like a cold front and rain moving in Friday afternoon. WHAT??? Where did this come from?? Well, I decided that I had been thinking about this all week and my brain was wired for fishing, not working! I figured I could beat the rain and cold and still get in some fishing.

So, fast forward a little and it is now 9:00am and we begin our journey. Cloudy, cool, 60* and dropping, high water, and now a slight breeze is starting to blow and all I wore was a long sleeved shirt. Perfect! I wouldn't have it any other frigging way! We did pack the rain suits just in case too.

I was really hoping the fish would cooperate. I mean, I am going through all of this for them you know. But I don't think they see it that way. We hit some really good looking water, spots that I know hold fish and we couldn't buy a bite. I tried just about all of my go to baits. We both felt the water and it felt really warm for this early in the season. It actually felt warmer than the air.

I tell Dylan, that I think the coming cold front has shut them down and today may be a wash. As far as fishing goes anyway. I had tried all my various tadpollys, wiggle warts, soft craws,(I did catch one small 12incher on this)and jig and pig. Just couldn't get anything.

About 2 hrs into the trip, Dylan, ties on a Rebel Craw. The big version. Deep Diver. The one that is Lobster Red. I didn't see him put it on but, WHAM! Fish on baby! Nice fish too! Well over a pound and a half. I tell him good job and then he shows me what he caught it on. Wow, alright buddy. A few minutes later, WHAM! Another large fish!

So I start thinking, they must be keying in on the red color. I get my box out and start looking. My first thought was that I have Red Coachdog Tadpolly. Nope. Its at home hanging on the wall. I don't have one frigging red anything. The closest thing I have is a Tadpolly with a red head and white body. I make a few cast and then it hits me. Maybe they are keying in on the crawdad??

Yeah I know, just a few short weeks ago I was posting how I don't have any luck with the large size Rebel Craw and I had all but quit throwing them. Well, I put one one and WHAM! Now dad is also putting some fish in the boat as well.

Well, that lasted all of a couple of hours. The front hit and the bite stopped. Dead! I did manage to pic up one final fish, a really nice Kentucky at the take out.

Thank goodness Dylan put that craw on. And it was probably my most least favorite color! And it produced. He outfished me this trip by far. And that is just fine with me. I think sometimes the teacher taught well enough that the student does the teaching. This was a great example.

Here is a little porn for your viewing pleasure.

[duckydoty]

Nice report Cheif. Glad you guys got on some before the front came in.

[smallmouthjoe]

I need to get a float with you on Shoal sometime this summer Chief. I'm working in Neosho all summer again and I need some help with Shoal. The Elk and Indian I can always manage a good day, but Shoal is another animal. Thanks for the report. It looks like your padwan learner can be elevated to the status of jedi night.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Thanks guy's.

Hey give me a holler anytime. I will be more than happy to get in a little Shoal Creek action with you. Have you fished it much??? Float or wade??

[fishinSWMO]

Good job Dylan! Thanks for the report, I need to get fishin for some bass.

[Chief Grey Bear]

I almost called you Friday morning. I figured it was too short of notice. Plus I figured you might still be in bed. I was down the road from you.

[fishinSWMO]

Call anytime, I'm a lite sleeper.

[drew03cmc]

Good lookin' fish guys. I am jealous. Glad to hear you all got out. It's been storming here all day and doesn't look to let up anytime soon.

[Al Agnew]

I always carry one crawdad-colored crankbait that's bigger than the usual Wiggle Warts and Middle Ns I usually fish, because once in a while that's exactly what the fish want. I don't ever tie it on to begin with, but if it seems like a crankbait type of day but the fish aren't eating the usual stuff, it always gets a try, and it's worked very well a few times.

[Buzz]

Great report Chief. Way to take the old man to school Dylan. I have two of those big rebel craws that, I swear, are at least 20 years old. I throw them every once in a while and occasionally catch a fish or two, but I've never had a day like you two had. I was really wanting to float tomorrow, but with all of the rain I think I'll have to wait a little longer.