Finally Back on the Lake

[rps]

After nearly two weeks of storms and rain and tornadoes, I was able to go to the lake this morning, although well after topwater time.

Water temp 69 when I started and the water was dingy due to the rains. Lake level was up about two feet. The wind was NW at 8 to 15 mph. All in all a typical post front situation.

No success on a neko rig, other than perch tugs. Tried the Ned next and had a bit of success. I cought 4 smallmouth in the 10 to 13 inch range.

Quillback has seen my Ned setup, a spiral wrapped 7'6" medium light casting rod, on which I fish 6# Yozuri. I had the new Diawa on it.

Not two casts after I caught the third bass, while I deadsticked the bait, something picked it up and moved off. When I set the hook I knew I had a good fish on. The fish would not come up and quickly I figured out I did not have a bass. I figured catfish or drum. After several line pulling runs and many lunges, I caught a glimpse of the fish. Flathead.

I was able to net the fish, but refused to take it into the boat. In the picture, if you look carefully, you can see the Ned head in the right side of the fish's mouth. I used the forceps to pull the head out and released the fish. Of course I had to cut and retie the bait to get the slime off.

I would guess 9 to 11 pounds, but I will defer to those who have more experience with catfish weight.

 

 

[Ham]

Beast!

[Johnsfolly]

@rps nice flathead! Must have been a great tug on the ML rod and 6# line😁. Congrats!

[Quillback]

Nice one Randy.  I get Outdoor Oklahoma magazine and in the latest edition they mentioned that ODFW runs a nursery pond on Skaitook that lately has been raising threadfin that they have released into Skiatook.

Speaking of finesse bait casting tackle, Shimano has just released the Curado BFS, BFS standing for Finesse Bait System.  If anyone is interested you can search it to get a description.  I'll probably get one someday when I can get one on sale. 

[rps]

1 hour ago, Quillback said:

Nice one Randy.  I get Outdoor Oklahoma magazine and in the latest edition they mentioned that ODFW runs a nursery pond on Skaitook that lately has been raising threadfin that they have released into Skiatook.

Speaking of finesse bait casting tackle, Shimano has just released the Curado BFS, BFS standing for Finesse Bait System.  If anyone is interested you can search it to get a description.  I'll probably get one someday when I can get one on sale. 

The shad were probably raised and turned loose to feed the hybrid population in the lake.