Bit Chilly But Worth It

[Gavin]

On water shortly after day break. Decided to extend my float by paddling upstream a mile or so. Bite was on first two casts with a buzzer produced fish! Switched to the fly rod an a big popper. Great results for the next two hours. Measured first good smallmouth.16.5 one more a bit smaller, lots in the 10-14" range before reaching the put in. Good fishing at a couple more similar spots till the wind & drizzle hit. Seemed like the fish moved & changed pattern. Prospected for a couple hours. Ned's were best. So I tried others in the spots the Ned's were working. Bought noon, other stuff was working better than Ned. Fluke type bait with a heavy shot, swim jig ticking bottom. Deep . Closed the day with an 18.5 smallie around 4pm. Best day this year.

[Ham]

An 18 1/2 inch smallie on a creek or river is a BEAST. Glad you had a specieal day.

[fishinwrench]

Cool! Did you wader-up or go wet?

I had to break out the jeans today.

[Gavin]

Thanks guys. Went wet cuz I figured I'd be in the canoe all day and I was. Had some good warm layers under my rain jacket so toasty warm mostly. Other than feet & legs. Shoulda brought the waders. Decided not to take @ 4:30 am this morning.

[fishinwrench]

It's always a mental battle for me during this time of the year. I usually spend more time wading than fishing from the canoe during a float. I hate wearing waders when I am in the boat but I'm the biggest puss in the world when it comes to being cold.

I wanna go play with the smallies tomorrow real bad, but until it warms back up a bit I think I'll stay in a nice dry bassboat and chase some white bass around.

I'm burning the dust off the furnace elements tonight !

[Gavin]

Depends on the river. this one, floating it makes more sense. Still shoulda had da waders on as a wind barrier. Not bad though. Enough frog water paddling to keep you warm in between boughts of fishing.

[Gavin]

Don't burn your house down! Have fun with the whites! Would like to fish for them sometime with your help.

[fishinwrench]

Have fun with the whites! Would like to fish for them sometime with your help.

I'd love to put you on some one evening. When it's on it is a tee-total blast, but when they don't want to cooperate it is nothing but a lot of casting practice.

There's always some green bass on the flats to take up the slack though.

I'm pretty flexible so anytime you think you might be in the vicinity just give me a shout.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It's always a mental battle for me during this time of the year. I usually spend more time wading than fishing from the canoe during a float. I hate wearing waders when I am in the boat but I'm the biggest puss in the world when it comes to being cold.

I wanna go play with the smallies tomorrow real bad, but until it warms back up a bit I think I'll stay in a nice dry bassboat and chase some white bass around.

I'm burning the dust off the furnace elements tonight !

Might I suggest Hip Waders. I use them from mid to late Oct through March or April while floating. I think it is the best, most comfortable way to go. I tried chest waders a couple of times and it was just really uncomfortable.

And go ahead and hit the water you wuss. I am headed out here in few to do a float. Its 45* here this morning. I'll be wearing my hip waders too. This has to be the earliest I have ever had to get them out!!

[fishinwrench]

Yeah I wouldn't mind a lightweight pair of stocking foot hippers. I would hate to take a dip while wearing the heavy rubber trappers boots that I use for slogging around in ponds with.