The Big M 4/9/2014

[Quillback]

Fish Stockton if ya like loons, Quill. Lots of 'em out there all winter, and some stick around most of the year. Some of the warmwater hangers-on will approach your boat sometimes, looking for handouts or short releases, I guess. And while the average bass size seems to be bigger, be advised that you'll be sharing spots with walleye boats now and then--you know, those deep vee's that the real men drive.

Stockton is just a bit out of my range. It's probably 2, maybe 2.5 hours from my house. I'd like to fish it one of these days, but it would have to be an overnighter.

[bferg]

Timely report Q. As I said in the message I sent you- I am taking a day in Friday and if the Whites are not catchable on the fly down here I am headed to Big M! Ned rig engage!

[gitnby]

And I saw a roadrunner up in a tree at that same spot. I've seen several on the road, but that was the first I've seen in a tree.

Was it a roadrunner or a pileated woodpecker?

I've seen Roadrunners around the house here, but like you said, never in a tree!

The pileated woodpeckers are a real treat. They make an unmistakable screech.

Pileated Woodpecker

Greater Road Runner

[Champ188]

Hey gitnby, I understand your question and agreed, it has to be strange to see a roadrunner in a tree. However, Donna and I saw one up in a big dead snag on Beaver a few years back. His "song" was what threw us. I got a good pic of it so I ended up sending it to a prof at the U of A in Fayetteville and he identified it as an eastern roadrunner.

[Skeeter ZX190]

The last two weeks there have been a lot of white pelicans on Stockton. A week ago I was fishing in Orleans Trail and there was a loon fairly close to my boat. When it would surface, 3 pelicans would come swooping in looking to steal his fish.

[gitnby]

Hey gitnby, I understand your question and agreed, it has to be strange to see a roadrunner in a tree. However, Donna and I saw one up in a big dead snag on Beaver a few years back. His "song" was what threw us. I got a good pic of it so I ended up sending it to a prof at the U of A in Fayetteville and he identified it as an eastern roadrunner.

A Professor at the University of Arkansas? They have those there? Must have stopped in Fayetteville on his way home to Texas after he flunked out of Mizzou?

[Guest]

Nice report!

27 is the most I've caught on one zman rig.

I'm yet to totally wear out the elaztech, as they snag under rocks.

Could you share your rod/reel/line setup for the little rig?

Also the what size/brand jighead?

I hate being laid up nursing injuries when the bass are biting.

Your TR Ned rig reports keep me entertained.

Thanks

[Champ188]

Yup, I left the door open for that one.

[bluebasser86]

Pretty spotted bass. There was a loon hanging around the ramp at Baxter last Friday. Didn't notice it until he chased my Keitech to the boat

[Quillback]

Nice report!

27 is the most I've caught on one zman rig.

I'm yet to totally wear out the elaztech, as they snag under rocks.

Could you share your rod/reel/line setup for the little rig?

Also the what size/brand jighead?

I hate being laid up nursing injuries when the bass are biting.

Your TR Ned rig reports keep me entertained.

Thanks

Dang, sorry to hear about the injuries, hopefully you'll be able to get out there soon.

Early this winter I got a great deal on a Loomis 801S spinning rod, it's a jig rod, rated for 1/8 to 3/16th oz. It's 6' 8" long and light as a feather, it can flick that Ned-rig easily. Using a Quantum Energy PT10 reel, spooled with 6 lb. InvisX.

I used a 1/16th jig head oz for most of the fish, but when the wind picked up, switched to the 1/8. They're made by one of the OA members that was kind enough to send me some. I believe they have a #2 hook.