The Big M 11/29

[Quillback]

Launched at 0630 with my buddy Jeb in the boat. We groped our way through the cold fog to a nearby steep chunk rock bank that held fish a couple of weeks ago and found they were still there. They were biting real well at first light and continued up until about 0900 and then it started to get tough. No wind early and cold - 27 degrees, water temp was 54-55.

We ended up with 23 bass, 12 for Jeb and 11 for me, I stuck with a T-rigged tube most of the day and Jeb threw a jig, numbers on both techniques were pretty equal. We did notice that most of the fish were off the bank a bit, in the deeper water off the steep banks.

I caught my personal best spot today, 3.5 lbs. Jeb got a 3 lb. spot also. Weighed on a Boga grip.

We were on the trailer at 1230, looked like the wind was starting to pick up, maybe there was a good blade bite this afternoon.

[Bill Babler]

Great report and thanks, sounds like a very good day. I fished the James for 2 hrs. checking my favorite docks for crappie. Caught only 2 but really noticed the docks were just full of bluegill. Strange for this time of the year. usually don't see them under the floats this late. Water temp up the James in the 58-60 range around Noon.

Did really notice the otters had been working the docks. Went on 8 docks and everyone was just covered with otter poop and pee. What a mess. might be the reason for no crappie, but don't believe so as I stated the Gills were just thick on every dock.

Guess I ought to drag out the traps and go at it to give me something to do.

Good Luck BB

[jeb]

Yep, we had a pretty good day. I caught a couple on soft plastic swim baits, too. Nothing on the c-rig, jerk baits or spoons. But I didn't stick with them very long. darn near flat calm the whole time we were out, so I never tried a blade bait.