MNtransplant Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 Floated the James for the first time today and had a great day. As for the fishing, I did manage to squeak out 2 smallies, one little guy on a maribou jig and a 14" that deserves a story... We were about 2/3 done with our float and headed thru a fast riffle and I saw a perfect little eddy pocket right next to fast water...threw my little white 360 GT swimbait in and moved a nice smallie to the kayak but he darted back into the pocket. I whipped another cast almost over my shoulder to the same spot and got smacked instantly. As soon as i hooked up i realized i was about to drift into the branches of a huge downed tree at the end of this riffle... I quickly reeled up and boat flipped the smallie into my lap and tried to set my rod down next to me..that only half worked as my baitcaster slowly slid back into the river while i tried to paddle backward to miss the tree...after a super awkward struggle for about 15 seconds in front of a nice family sitting on the gravel bar, my kayak came to rest on some braches and I sat perfectly still 90 degrees to the fast current...i unhooked the fish and didnt want to take the time for a picture so took a quick meaurement and sent him on his way...after that i simply paddled off the branches like my life didn't just flash before my eyes... Tight lines guys! Flysmallie, tho1mas, nomolites and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flysmallie Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 Glad you had a decent time. What section did you float? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jadesjigs Posted July 2, 2020 Members Share Posted July 2, 2020 Great story! Experiences like that are why I love float fishing in current so much. There are so many dynamics involved and such natural, untamed beauty on the rivers. Please keep the reports coming and thanks for sharing!! MNtransplant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNtransplant Posted July 2, 2020 Author Share Posted July 2, 2020 1 hour ago, Jadesjigs said: Great story! Experiences like that are why I love float fishing in current so much. There are so many dynamics involved and such natural, untamed beauty on the rivers. Please keep the reports coming and thanks for sharing!! JJ, id like to try to go with you sometime. I'm sure floating with someone that knows the river well would be a huge advantage. I feel like I wasnt throwing the right stuff half the time...I've been so Taneycomo minded over the past couple of months I almost forgot how to bass fish..😊 Next time I'd love to get out and wade some of the fishier areas, I'm sure that would have help too. Forgot to mention that 14"-er absolutely inhaled my 3" swimbait...he was mad! I 100% understand the appeal for these river smallies now that I gave it a shot. Such a unique way to chase them compared to the northern lakes in Minnesota that I'm used to. Its got me seriously considering a kayak, like pawn my deer rifle kinda serious 😊 Bass Yakker and Jadesjigs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNtransplant Posted July 2, 2020 Author Share Posted July 2, 2020 7 hours ago, Flysmallie said: Glad you had a decent time. What section did you float? Right above Kerr to JRO. Wish I couldve fished more towards the takeout but I got scolded because this was a birthday float for my wife and I and "not just a fishing trip" so i put the rods down for about the last 1/2mile. 🙃🙃 Bass Yakker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flysmallie Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 LOL. That’s okay you were already past all the good water. That last part gets hit pretty good by the locals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jadesjigs Posted July 3, 2020 Members Share Posted July 3, 2020 Mntransplant I would really enjoy to float with you sometime. If you can catch those taneycomo trout, then you can catch these fish no problems. I've had great fishing trips on the James all the way from Wilson's Creek to Galena. I mostly catch small fish, but occasionally I'll get some pretty nice ones. I just like to catch fish and be on the river so I really dont care about the size. The main factors that help me are the water levels and the time of year. I enjoy fishing the most when the gauge at Galena reads 400-600 cfs. The standards I prefer are a little off now that the lake level has affected the galena gauge. I have caught some really nice fish when the water is higher, but it's more difficult with my fishing style to stay in one hole. I love to be on the water at daylight this time of year. Not only do you beat all of the crowds, but the fishing gets extremely tough for me once the sun gets bright. I really started catching them more consistenly when I started to stop and pick the holes apart that you were describing in your story. Sometimes I'll eddy out with my kayak and sit in the still water and sometimes I use an anchor, but I really prefer to get out of my kayak and fish on my feet. I can usually catch a couple of fish out of each productive spot. I use all types of baits and lures; however, the Ned Rig is money in these areas. If you can get a natural drift with a Ned Rig on the bottom, then you are golden - similar to trout fishing. In fact, I've learned a lot about finesse fishing from fly fisherman. I prefer to use a 1/16 size jig with a small exposed hook and the standard Ned Baits. I often cut the baits down to about 2.5" Don't be afraid to fish those swimming baits or a grub the same way. Ive caught fish on all colors. I think the presentation is most important. I can spend 8 hrs fishing 3-4 miles of river. I know this style of fishing may not be preferred by some, but it's just the way I enjoy the river. We are very fortunate to have this fishery in our area. MNtransplant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jadesjigs Posted July 3, 2020 Members Share Posted July 3, 2020 Mntransplant you dont have to get a high-end kayak either to have success. I consider my kayak as a vessel to just get me and my gear to the fishing holes. I just use a sit on top 10ft ascend. I upgraded the seat a little and made a fishing crate for it with rod holders. You can often find them for a steal at the bass pro outlet store. If you ever want to borrow mine to try it out, I would be more than happy to lend it to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNtransplant Posted July 4, 2020 Author Share Posted July 4, 2020 On 7/2/2020 at 8:38 PM, Jadesjigs said: Mntransplant you dont have to get a high-end kayak either to have success. I consider my kayak as a vessel to just get me and my gear to the fishing holes. I just use a sit on top 10ft ascend. I upgraded the seat a little and made a fishing crate for it with rod holders. You can often find them for a steal at the bass pro outlet store. If you ever want to borrow mine to try it out, I would be more than happy to lend it to you. Hey man, thanks for the offer that is very generous! I think my wife and I may have kayaks coming our way around the middle of August. My parents live in Minnesota and have a couple of Ascend sit in kayaks that have collected dust for years...they hinted at sending us home with some stuff thats "too hard to ship" when we go up to visit the weekend of the 15th. If thats the case we'll definitely have to setup a trip together. I have a 4x8 utility trailer we could use to setup a shuttle as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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