Members Dirtworm Posted September 6, 2011 Members Posted September 6, 2011 Yesterday I caught my first small mouth bass. I have a feeling I will be back for more. Whats not to love about a fish that lives in such beautiful Ozark streams? I started out in Walther Park in DeSoto, right as the sun came up. There is a nice little pool at the east end, and a few others scattered about. Mostly the creek ran pretty shallow through there but it was overall clean and pretty. There seemed to be a fair amount of bass around but they were being lazy at first light, scarce later on. I suppose if you have the right lure or fly you can get them riled up. Spending Labor Day rubbing your hands together, dodging low-flying ducks, and stalking a cool little stream is hard to improve upon. In case you are interested, I had the most luck on a little green and yellow fly fished fairly deep under a bobber (just can't bring myself to call them strike indicators yet, its like calling a janitor a sanitation engineer). "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:3 KJV If you don't catch 'em at night, try again in the morning.
moguy1973 Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Maybe it's the angle of that picture, but that doesn't look like a smallmouth with the markings it has. It has a red eye like a smallmouth, but looks more like a goggle-eye/rock bass... -- JimIf people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. -- Doug Larson
FishinCricket Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Nice fish, bro, a heck of a rock bass/goggleye!! Sorry, not a Smallie though... Don't matter, do it? I bet if faught like the dickens anyways!! What size rod are you using? cricket.c21.com
dennis boatman Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Yep...it's just a fancy name for a bobber...that being said...nice goggle-eye...where there's goggle-eye, smallmouth can't be far... A strike indicator is just a bobber...
Members Dirtworm Posted September 7, 2011 Author Members Posted September 7, 2011 Hmmmm... Goggle Eye, well its my first Goggle eye as well. Still looking for that smallie I guess. I am using a small spin cast rod currently, a fly rod is in my future. I am inexperienced there but trying to learn. I imagine my propensity for fishing the smaller rivers and creeks around here and the fact that I am not too picky about the size of fish I am hunting makes a lighter weight rod a good choice, but I haven't yet figured out how different length rods will fish. Consider any unsolicited advice hereby solicited. When I look to buy my first fly rod, keeping in mind my main goal is to catch lots of fish and I am not after trophies (just fun for me and my 4 year old), what should I think about? Its great to interact on a forum like this. Thanks for all your well-wishes and encouragement. "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:3 KJV If you don't catch 'em at night, try again in the morning.
stlfisher Posted September 7, 2011 Posted September 7, 2011 As far as fly rod's if you aren't too picky about the size of the fish I would fish a 9ft 5 weight. IMO it is a good all around rod and will handle most fish you will encounter. The only disadvantage is casting large heavy flies can be a challenge on a 5 weight. It is plenty of rod for the fight though. The longer rod helps to cast longer and control you line better. A short rod is better in tight situations, but you can roll cast in those situations. I have always felt short rod's are for more specialized fishing situations and may not be the best for an all around type rod. The 9 foot length enables you fish small ponds and lakes more effectively as well. You will likely get's lot's of differing opinions, just make sure to cast any rod before you buy and buy what you feel will be most comfortable for the majority of your fishing situations.
Outside Bend Posted September 7, 2011 Posted September 7, 2011 Pretty stream, I've never been there. As far as rod selection, I'd pretty much echo what stlfisher said. I'd be looking for something in the 5 to 6 weight range with a matching weight-forward floating line- something that can handle poppers, buggers, leeches and the like. Invest some time in casting practice, and try to see if you can find someone willing to teach you some basic casting maneuvers, and you're set. Good luck! <{{{><
junkman Posted September 7, 2011 Posted September 7, 2011 I have another option for you as well to think about. I have a 9ft. 5/6 wt. fly rod that I use with a micro thumb cast reel on it. I can cast it like a spin cast rod but fill the fight like using a fly rod. Even my 12 year old boy gets a kick out of using it. Plus it can give you a little practice in using a long rod. And congratulations on your first Goggle Eye, never caught one myself.
Members Dirtworm Posted September 8, 2011 Author Members Posted September 8, 2011 Thanks for the advice. Now I am on the hunt for a rod. Interesting idea, junkman, about the thumb cast. That might be a great way to get my son into fly fishing. Meanwhile, I will be found casting flies around in my backyard trying not to hook my neighbours dogs. Hmmm... bet they would put up a nice fight, though... Would anyone recommend a fly shop here in St. Louis? I need to start learning about flies, presentation, tying, etc. Truthfully, the line between want and need has been a bit blurred lately. "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:3 KJV If you don't catch 'em at night, try again in the morning.
Members Dirtworm Posted September 8, 2011 Author Members Posted September 8, 2011 Pretty stream, I've never been there. As far as rod selection, I'd pretty much echo what stlfisher said. I'd be looking for something in the 5 to 6 weight range with a matching weight-forward floating line- something that can handle poppers, buggers, leeches and the like. Invest some time in casting practice, and try to see if you can find someone willing to teach you some basic casting maneuvers, and you're set. Good luck! I am not familiar with the term "weight-forward floating line." Is that a special variation of floating line? "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:3 KJV If you don't catch 'em at night, try again in the morning.
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