Weekend (9-20-14)

[balsabee]

I followed the large shad schools up the James on Saturday and had 6 quality keepers on topwaters and cranks. I almost went to Baxter and ran up the White River because I was afraid the James might get muddy but it never did. The bite was really good from about 8:00 am-1:00 pm.

[*T*]

Any clues for us on that crankbait bite? Lipless through the schools? Deep? Squarebill?

Also did topwater continue past first few hours?

Great job. Good looking fish.

[balsabee]

Any clues for us on that crankbait bite? Lipless through the schools? Deep? Squarebill?

Also did topwater continue past first few hours?

Great job. Good looking fish.

Caught my third keeper on topwater around 10:00am and then switched to a Bagley DBIII. I fished very shallow and churning up mud with the crankbait on 20lb clear Big Game. You have to make them react to the bait. The deep diver in shallow water tends to do some crazy things.

[Champ188]

Good job, balsabee. Classic fall bite is setting up fast. Same thing going on up the Kings.

[Bill Babler]

Quality fish. Was that a small crappie down the hatch.

[balsabee]

Quality fish. Was that a small crappie down the hatch.

I couldn't tell. I turned him loose pretty quick and let him finish his meal.

[*T*]

My first thought was crappie seeing spotted tail. Good pic.

[buddygr53]

How far up the james

[magicwormman]

Great report! There's nothing like catching them shallow and on topwater. Good job!!!

[fishingaddiction]

Appreciate the report and pics balsa. Sounds like the fish up the James are getting into Fall mode.