The last trout trip was so bad, I rushed back to Central AR and went after white bass the next morning. Nothing new to report...they were fun, but I really wanted to put the fly rod away and go look'n for spawning bass. Armed with the latest high speed baitcasters that you could buy 10 yrs ago, I was ready to try my luck Monday morning.
First spot was slightly flooded with good visibility. Still getting a bunch of water coming in from the rivers. I didn't stay long and made a 20 minute drive to another oxbow lake in SEAR.
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| 1st stop - water covering the boat ramp - keep driving |
Again...flooded...about 5 feet up and very stained. Saw 1 boat at the launch and figured that wasn't a good sign. I snapped this picture and kept driving.
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| 2nd stop - high and heavily stained - keep driving |
My last option was another, very large, oxbow lake in SEAR. The AGFC lowered the lake about 15 feet and left it down all summer to promote fish habitat. It's back to normal pool now and looked fantastic.
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| 3rd stop - normal pool with ~1' of viability |
Delayed b/c of all my stops along the way, I arrived after 9:30, and had to wait for a older couple to unload, "1" boat on a ramp made for "2" boats...not complaining...just say'n! I could have used the riprap shore line....but look at some of the wildlife in the upcoming pictures and see why I choose to use the boat ramp. Started fishing right at the ramp, depending on your level of superstition, I was cursed or blessed, 1 cast = 1 fish. I'll let you decide. Fished from 10 am - 1 pm and didn't cover much water...20 minute paddle back to the ramp. Some pics...!
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| 1st fish |
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| big fish |
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| Everything CPR'd |
Saw several, but only a few let me get close enough to take a picture. Being in a kayak makes going under trees and boat docks a little exciting...sometimes I look...most times I apply the,
I don't see you and you don't see me, philosophy! Whatever works right?!
It was great to be out enjoying some outstanding SEAR weather and great fishing! Gonna get back very soon and get an earlier start.
Nice looking healthy bass Drew. But WTF, what kind of snake is that?
ReplyDeleteThose were water moccasin's. There was 1 in nearly every overhanging tree or brush pile. As you can see form the pics (I was only a few feet away, they have a serious attitude and don't back down!
DeleteCool snakes! I love um. Nice bass too, nothing wrong with picking up spinning gear every now and then.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get much snow but we have plenty of snakes. I usually see a few every trip. On some occasions I'll find a bush pile that has 10-20 copperheads on it...nothing like seeing 20 venomous snakes fall in the water when you're in a kayak.
DeleteLooks like a great day! Some very cool looking water you guys have down there , with bass fishing like that I'm gonna have to make my way down there sometime and check the area out.
ReplyDeleteThx Jeff! You'd have a great time fishing down here. The fishing is really good, but the scenery is special. Another blogger drove up from Baton Rouge and I gave him some areas to try. He has some cool photos...check them out at: http://mountainstomarsh.com/2015/03/31/bayou-desiard/
DeleteThx Jeff! You'd have a great time fishing down here. The fishing is really good, but the scenery is special. Another blogger drove up from Baton Rouge and I gave him some areas to try. He has some cool photos...check them out at: http://mountainstomarsh.com/2015/03/31/bayou-desiard/
DeleteDrew
ReplyDeleteGlad you finally make a connection and landed fished. Landing those bass on the bait casting reels really brings back memories. All those bass look pre-spawn which makes for some heavy fighters. You should go back and fish those oxbow lakes for the bluegill during spawning season, I know you would land some killer gills there. I use to fish the oxbow areas in the northern part of Mississippi when my wife and I live there. I landed some huge gills using the fly at that time, super fun. Congrats on the catch. Thanks for sharing
You're correct Bill, we're right at the end of pre-spawn. The bass are cruising the shallows and hitting hard. Full moon this weekend...you know where I'll be next week!! I'll have to get some tips from you on the gills. I catch them but never really target them....but they are strong fighters!!
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