Spoonbill Snagging - 04-17-11

[KevinC.]

We had some luck! Got a 34" spoonie on the osage close to the Lock & Dam #1. We started out Sunday afternoon at the mariosa delta and all we were getting was gar and big ole silver carp. We had originally thought they were shad or red horse. Caught 3, threw one away. After discovering what it was, I'm kicking myself for not throwing that 3rd carp on the bank. Cut them up for catfish bait. We will see if it'll work. Caught 2 gar as well.

As for the spoonie, we moved from the delta up to the lock and dam. In a pontoon with fish finder, I had my rig out of the water coming in to the L&D. I looked at the radar and saw a big school of fish about 3-5' off the top of the water (16' deep area). I hurried to my rig and dropped it straight down off the pontoon. Felt it hit the bottom. I started reeling in a bit and yanked on the pole several times. let the boat drift down stream a little then as I was yanking I felt like I hit a snag. Started reeling in and drove up over the "snag". I kept reeling and reeling and looked over and the spoonbill was belly up, all wore out and ravelled up in my 100# test. Hadnt broke the line all day. Original rig from the start for 3 hours strong and this was the first time I had to cut my line. Not a very "meaty" spoonbill but 34" from eye to tail fork and would have been legal for lake side. Ended up weighing 12 pounds. I read stories on here about 40-50-60 and that 95# spoon bill thread. Wow! 12# was exciting for me but I bet it takes 30-45 minutes to reel those true big ones in.

Anyway, nothing special compared to what I see on here but boy it sure was fun. I should go snagging more often to get these carp out of the water. I hear silver carp can get 4 feet long and they jump out of the water. Would not want to run into one of those on skis or tube. yikes.

Pics attached. Snagging can be completely fun or completely disappointing. After Sunday I've experienced both now! LOL

Kevin

[mhall02]

The silver carp must be good catfish bait.

http://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/update-st-louis-area-angler-catches-130-pound-blue-catfish-breaks-state-and-world-records

[KevinC.]

Ut oh!! I may be on to something then! Better get out there ASAP. The guy caught that monster in the same conditions we're headed into tonight. hmmmmmmm. no work tomorrow....do have to get up early for turkey though. Yep, I'll be on the river I imagine!