3 lb bass from a private pond.
Caught my first bass of the season this past weekend. Jacqulyn’s uncle owns a pond that sits smack dab in the middle of a nice subdivision, and it’s full of big catfish and carp, plus a few bass and bluegills. I was after the bass, armed with my South Bend #47 and stealth bomber foam diver. I hooked a couple and lost them before landing this one. I was okay with the trade because this was the nicest of the lot. It went about 3 lbs. I also managed to entice a couple of the big carp to inspect the fly before they decided it wasn’t fit to eat. As you can see from the photo, I ended up buying that Fishpond vest. This was my first test of it. I like it so far, but this really wasn’t much of a test. On the advice of David Knapp, I also picked up a lanyard from which to hang essential tools, and I really appreciate it so far. It makes everything so handy. On some trips, I’ll just take a small fly box in a pocket and wear the lanyard for all the tools. I believe contributor Jason Kelley made his own lanyard. Being lazy concerned for the economy, I just bought one. Maybe I can convince Jason to put together a tutorial for us (hint, hint…).
The next day I got on a private pond in North Georgia for a few minutes. I missed two small bass there. A subtle way to begin the season certainly, but at least the ice is broken. Most of the fish acted a little sluggish with my topwater offerings. A couple more weeks, and the fish will probably be in full spring mode. Flint River Matt claims he caught a smallmouth on topwater over the weekend that would have gone at least 4 lbs, but I’m not sure whether to believe him. I haven’t seen any photos.
The release...
James Marsh over at Fly Fishing the Smoky Mountains emailed last week. During our conversation, I mentioned that I love reading his stories about fishing even more than his how-to material. He obligingly posted a couple of stories that might be of interest to locals here and here. Whether you’re local or not, they’re pretty darn entertaining, covering everything from playing hooky to Jerry Lee Lewis. Make sure to check out his sites often. He updates them pretty much every day with either useful fishing information or interesting anecdotes.
Fly Fishing the Smoky Mountains
Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park
Take care,
Nathan
You question me? Guess I’m gonna have to go back and hook her again, as I know where she is.
I’d thrown a topwater upstream and floated it back over a small pool. She came out of the water, knocking the plug away, then I saw her fin right back to her spot. I cast about 6 times, watching her swat at it a couple times before finally getting mad enough to just eat it. Assuming no one’s found her, I’ll take another stab this week (if I can dodge the coming monsoon).
Nice bass, BTW. In the top picture he looks like he’s saying, “I can’t believe I fell for THIS thing..I mean, LOOK at it!”
Lol…I bet he was mad at himself for eating that monstrosity. The way the fish hit was humorous. Two bass ran out at the fly and just finned there, looking at it. I kept twitching it, and they’d inch ahead a little. This one finally…I don’t know…sort of licked it. Really. It wasn’t like he was actually striking it. It was like a kid hesitantly tasting pistachio ice cream for the first time. Then as he began chewing it, I struck. He didn’t fight for a moment. It was like he was saying, “Oh crap, I honestly can’t believe I just did that.”
Nice bass! I’m getting the urge to chase some bucketmouths myself soon, maybe even this afternoon. Were you sightfishing to individual fish or blind fishing? Also, glad you’re enjoying the lanyard so far. I’ve really cut down on the amount of junk I take fishing with me by using mine. There are a few times I want the vest but by and large the lanyard forces me to keep things simple.
David,
I was blind fishing. The water only had half a foot or so of visibility. I could see the carp and catfish swimming just under the surface, but the bass remained hidden until they swam up to show interest in the fly. I was surprised that I couldn’t get any of the cats interested. They completely ignored me. We’ve got some incredible bass fishing around here. I’ve neglected it for the last three or four years, but I’m planning to make up for that this time.
I was wearing the vest and lanyard together, which sort of defeats the purpose a bit, but I was testing them. I liked the lanyard so much for how accessible it made everything, that I’ll probably continue using it even when I need/want the vest.
Nathan
Don’t worry Matt, we don’t know that this is really Nathan in the photograph….
Whoever is in the top picture has a sweet looking vest though!
Sure we do, Insane. I’d recognize those feminine, manicured hands anywhere…
Don’t hate me because I have beautiful hands.
LOL, i’d be willing to bet that his right index finger is blistered on the end from all the mouse clicking at work…
Nathan,
I have that same bass! Did the singing mechanism short out when you put him in the water? I’m a little worried about that but the compulsion to obey his call to “Throw me in the river” is getting stronger. Can you believe SWMBO dislikes Billy?
Reed,
Don’t worry about the water. Nothing stops Billy from singing. Even when he stops, you’ll still hear him in your head. Forever.
Nathan
BTW,
Went to river at lunch today and caught a few striped bass.
It seemed every time the wind would pick up….I could almost hear Billy singing….