Bass On Their Beds

I hate the time of year when bass spawn. It makes the fishing lousy. Pre spawn is great, but when the males are on their beds, it really sucks. I went out and hit a great looking pit on Sat. April 24th, and although it looked great, I did not get into any big bass. I hit a couple of small ones, but that was it. I was over cast and rainy. A perfect fishing day, but the fishing Gods did not smile upon me that day...such is the life of a fisherman.

So I am gonna lay off the lakes and ponds for a bit, as far as bass are concerned. ..I am gonna focus on the Catfish and the Carp. Which is what I do this time of year. When the bass get lockjaw, I go after other game......Now I am not saying I won't try to hit one here and there....we will see.

I know that at some point this month(May) I am gonna set foot in the rivers around here....

Tight Lines.

Video 2, Cohutta wilderness TroutPacking Trip

Here is the second video of our series of videos we have put together from out trip into North Georgia. The Cohutta Wilderness. Just a fun little video. But I must warn those out there that have sensitive ears, the is a bit of foul language in this video....I know it's hard to believe that a couple of guys fishing used some bad language, I was shocked myself...haha......

Video Of Our Drive Into The Cohutta Wilderness

A few weeks ago my buddy Marshall and I went to North Georgia to hike into the Cohutta to do some trout fishing on the Conasauga River. I blogged about this, but at the time no video was ready to post. Now I have it ready, or should I say I have Video part 1 ready. I will be posting the other videos soon. You can check out all our videos at youtube. www.youtube.com/riverhunters
Oh, by the way, there is some bad language in this video. Might not want kids to hear some of this foul language.

Little Miami River Canoe

I just wanted to post this little video I put together of oour trip down the river. This was a lot of fun.

Little Miami River Canoe Trip April 18th, 2010

Yesterday was awesome. We got an early start about 8am and decided to take a canoe trip down the little Miami River. It was a bit chilly, not cold but a bit of bite to the wind. Just enough to let you know that it was spring and the smallmouth bass should be active. Now as it turns out we were right, the bass were on that day. I had originally thought that it was gonna be a bit over cast, but there were not to many clouds in site. Once again those weather guys got it wrong here in Ohio. We had mostly blue bird skies, which usually isn't any good for them bass. But, we got into them anyway.

We drove on down 42 and stopped in to see Rhett at RiversEdge Outfitters. Now this is a top notch Canoe and Yak rental place, Located in Waynesville Ohio, 3928 U.S. 42. Rhett was there to meet us and got us in a great canoe, right away. Give them a call (937) 862-4540.

We did a 9 mile trip down river. Water was about 60 degrees F. Which was perfect, ten wind not bother us at all. Great day to get out....

Upon arrival at the launch site, we ran into two other anglers(steelheaders). These guys were launching a Yak and a Pontoon style float. Which was a awesome contraption for a float trip. They were in their waders and ready, as we were. Once in a while we run into other anglers who are rigged and ready to burn up the the river in pursuit of these Ohio fish....I got some pics and a few videos as well. We floated with these guys for a bit and watched them nail a few good fish.....

Get out on the water. Go, now, get up and take a hike. Find a sweet place, enjoy the out doors.

Tight Lines.

Mad River, Small Mouth Bass

I told you I would be getting going on the spring fishing scene here in Ohio. I got a late start but have been on it the last week or so. My buddy, the other River Rat has had a bit of good luck this month on the Nad River. Most people think of Trout when you mention the Mad, but it also hold a lot of nice Small Mouth Bass as well. Check out the videos......

Also in the Morning we are taking a canoe trip to fish either the little Miami river or the Stillwater river in the morning....will have a update on that when I get back....

Quick post

Not much going on right now. I did hit a small pond this morning in Kettering, Ohio. Caught a few small bass. Not anything to speak about. I have not been in full blown fishing mode since I got back from Georgia. I have a lot of stuff going on around the house right now, kinda keeping me busy.....will get going on the spring fishing in a few days....

Spring SmallMouth Bass Fishing

I Ran across this article and thought I should share it here on my site, very informative, good article.



Spring SmallMouth Bass Fishing

By Juan Veruete


From top to bottom: Yum Houdini Shad, Zoom Fluke, Slug-Go 3 inch size




From top to bottom: Yum Houdini Shad, Zoom Fluke, Slug-Go 3 inch size

One of the most popular yet, maybe, least understood baits for smallmouth is the soft jerkbait. These little gems are among my go to baits for spring smallmouth bass. In addition, they see a lot of “water time” during the summer. As we head into spring full speed here in the north east, I thought I’d throw out a few brands of soft jerkbaits along with their strengths in terms of fish “attracting” and “catching” abilities. In a nutshell, this article is part instruction and part product review BUT all about catching more smallmouth!

Soft jerkbaits are most noted for their unpredictable and erratic action. Most likely they mimic a fleeing baitfish which triggers old mr. smallies instinct to attack. lets take a look at three different jerkbaits and the subtle differences that sometimes can make or break a day on the water.
3 inch Slug-Go

About the bait
The Slug-Go brand name and style of bait arrived on the scene during the mid 80’s and created the soft jerkbait craze. That craze is now a standard in bass fishing circles. The three inch model is the smallest in a line of baits offered by Lunker City LLC.

Key properties
The extremely slender profile of the three inch Slug-Go is ideal for mimicking small minnows and other soft finned baitfish. The slender profile of this bait also creates a distinct “darting” action after a jerk. In addition, the bait offers a very slow fall rate that drives smallmouth crazy. A 3 inch Slug-Go is fairly light so lighter spinning tackle would be the best choice for tossing the bait.

Application
The smallest Slug-Go is great for river and creek smallmouth. The bait offers a subtle slow fall presentation that is best suited for shallow water applications. It is also my bait of choice in very clear water conditions when a delicate presentation is necessary. The slow fall rate of this bait is a key strength. The fall rate can be slowed even more by using a light wire offset worm hook that Lunker City produces specifically for the Slug-Go.

Rigging
Texposed is the most common rigging convention for this bait. Lunker City produces a light wire hook that has been designed specifically for the 3 inch Slug-go. My preference, however, is a size 1 offset extra wide gap worm hook. I find my hookup percentage is slightly higher with this style of hook.
4 inch Zoom Fluke

About the bait
The Fluke is produced by one of the top plastic bait companies in the country, Zoom. The 4 inch model is part of a family of baits with the “Fluke” name. Flukes are available in a variety of sizes and colors. You can check out the baits on the Zoom website.

Key properties
The 4 inch Fluke is a great bait for mimicking medium sized baitfish. The wider body creates a larger profile and displaces more water. Properties that say “hey..hear i am!” to any smallmouth in the vicinity. The split tail design gives the bait an even more realistic profile and creates more forward “glide” or “drift” when you pause the bait after a jerk.

Applications
The bait is slightly heavier and less boyant that the Slug-Go so it can be fished a little deeper. I will typically go to this bait when I need to fish in the 3-6 foot range. The larger profile also makes it my soft jerkbait of choice when the water has a slight stain or color. Most importantly, it is great for matching the size and profile of medium sized baitfish.

Rigging
Like the Slug-Go, the Fluke can be texposed rigged. I always use an extra wide gap offset worm hook with this particular bait due to the wider body. Again, the main goal is to increase hookups and successfully bring the smallmouth to hand. A size 2/0 or 3/0 hook will work perfectly with the 4 inch Fluke.
5 inch Yum Houdini Shad

About the bait
The Houdini Shad is produced by Yum Bait Company. There is less size selection in the Houdini Shad than some other soft jerkbaits but this bait certainly has a place in any soft jerkbait fisherman’s tackle box. The bait is enhanced with Live Prey Technology (LPT) fish attractant.

Key properties
The first thing you’ll notice about the Houdini Shad is it’s big bulky profile. It is great for imitating larger baitfish when smallies are really on the feed. The Houdini Shad can be cast long distances and it sinks faster than most other soft jerkbaits on the market. As mentioned previously, the bait is scent enhanced with LPT so fish tend to hold onto it after the strike. The last and most notable feature of this bait is the paddle tail which gives it a distinct circular glide after the jerk. The Houdini Shad slowly circles to the bottom with a subtle tail wag that I have not seen from any other soft jerkbait on the market. The paddle tail is perforated so you can convert it to a split tail or even just knock out the middle of the paddled creating a diamond shaped hole. This in turn, changes the action of the bait as it falls.

Applications
The bait can be used when trying to match the size and coloration of larger baitfish. Because of the baits bigger and bulkier profile, it also does well in stained or even muddy water. I’ve used the bait under these conditions with excellent results. The bait can be fished shallow or deep. I’ve fished the bait down to 8 feet with success and patience. When fishing deep, I typically count the bait down to depth. I will also throw this bait when I’ve established that the fish are in a neutral feeding mood. The unique tail action sometimes entices fish to bite that are refusing other baits.

Rigging
The Houdini Shad can be rigged a number of ways but texposed is probably the most common way to fish the bait. Again, due to the bulk of this bait, I typically rig it with either a 4/0 or 5/0 extra wide gap offset worm hook.

Sweet Article.

Here is a article I found on a site called "Canoe Camp Fish". Pretty basic but great article none the less.


To Contact this author contact@canoecampfish.com



River Fishing For Smallmouth Bass


When river fishing for smallmouth bass, I have a standard approach I use for a new river.

Start Paddling Upstream.

Yes I said upstream! If you float downstream, you are likely to get very far away in a hurry, without getting a good feel for the river. After exploring upstream, you can then check downstream. Troll a small floating Rapala if possible, weighted down with a small split shot about 1.5 ft ahead. If there is too much current or if it is too shallow and rocky, you may not be able to troll. You may find some good spots on the way to your destination. If you have 2 poles, try trolling a different bait on the 2nd pole, provided it won't twist your line too much.

Identify "Likely" Spots

Likely spots include

*

Any place where there is an eddy (dead spot), back current , behind large rocks, or below falls. This is the fish's perspective: They, like us, strive to do the minimum amount of work for their supper. They would rather sit in a dead spot near the edge of the current and wait for the nearby current to bring supper to them.

*

A shaded spot. They also like to hide in the cool darkness provided by large rocks, weeds, or submerged trees & logs. They just sit and wait for unsuspecting prey. Since Smallmouth Bass prey upon crayfish, and crayfish like rocks, bass will also be in rocky locations.

*

A spot where fish bite while you are trolling. I have found certain "unlikely looking" stretches of a river to consistently produce by trolling through them. Often times these will be quiet deep stretches of a river with possibly some underwater structure like rocks or logs.

Fishing Techniques

Here are some of my favorite methods:

*

Cast small #0, or #1 Mepp's Spinners into or in front of the dead spots.

*

Cast sinking 1.5 inch Rapalas and "twitch" them in, reeling in the slack. Also try a weighted down floating rapala.

*

Try a jig with a twister tail. I like a chartreuse or pearl colored tail with a chartreuse jig, but in some places I have found a bright orange jig with orange tail to work well.

*

Try night crawlers or leeches on a hook with split shot or with a bobber. I always try this type of live bait before leaving an area. In some cases it is the only bait that will produce.

*

Try other baits like small spoons, spinner baits, etc. I fished one naturally turbid river where the best bait was a small blue and silver imitation Little Cleo made by Viking Tackle (now out of business) that I bought at a local gas station. Every river has its lure!

Keep checking up river as far as you have time or desire.

Fish Your Way Downriver to the Landing

OK, now only spend your time again stopping at places that produced fish when you fished your way up. If the current is not too extreme you can also troll your way down river.

Fish Downriver From The Landing

You will do the same thing you did as you fished upriver except you now have a feel for what is a "good" spot and you also know what is a "good" bait.

Try to avoid going to far! If you find a hot hole about 2 miles down and you fish it till dark, you may have a very interesting time paddling back home against the current! I've been there ;)

Gear Review

Well, I said I had some new gear I was planning on using on my hiking/fishing trip into the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. This was by far the most comfortable trip I have ever taken into any back country trip and there have been many trips. I was geared out for this trip, and it made it one of the most enjoyable trips I have been on because of all the right gear.

Wading Boots

I had a hard time making up my mind with the style of wading boots I wanted to pair up with my new waders. Their are so many choices out there, and with so many choices comes with with bit of some confusion.

I knew I wanted a pair of boots that would last, so I set out looking for a pair made from synthetic materials. All leather boots don't last that long. I also did not want felt soles boots for two reasons, 1) felt soles harbor invasive species that can easily be transported from one body of water to the next, possibly contaminating a watershed. 2) I do a lot of hiking on these rivers I end up fishing. I do not want to have to always be replacing my felt on the boots. Plus I wanted comfort while walking all day, I can hike upwards of 10 or more miles in a days fishing trip. So I did not want any felt soles.

After looking at my options, I decided I wanted to get what I was looking for at or about the 100 dollar range.....So off to Bass pro shops it was. We hit the shop in Cincinnati, which could have been a disaster because I can never get outta that place without spending 300 bucks. So I was focused this time. Ya, right.

This is what I found:

White River Fly Shop® ECO-CLEAR™ Wading Boots for Men

And here is what it says about them on there website.

" Around the world, fish-bearing streams are being compromised by invasive species introduced into new environments via boots and waders. That’s why we created ECO-CLEAR™ soles. Their unique construction—crushed walnut shells and a dynamic rubber compound—helps keep unwanted organisms from latching onto your gear, so you can fish any stream with an ECO-CLEAR conscience!

White River Fly Shop® ECO-CLEAR™ Wading Boots for Men are equipped with eco-friendly ECO-CLEAR soles for stream protection and slip-resistant traction. Color: Green/Brown. Imported."

* Features: Tough polyurethane upper with nylon inserts
* Reinforced toe and heel
* Lightweight EVA midsole
* Removable insole
* Pull tabs
* Drain holes



I am gonna say these boots are as good as they say, and they performed better than I had hoped. I was able to hike all day, and I mean, all day, in complete comfort. While in the water I was able to fish and not worry abot much slipping because I was amazed at how these boots gripped bottom. Really, just a sweet pair of boots and kept me from slipping and sliding all over they river. I was never, upset with this purchase. a recommended buy to anyone looking for a good pair of boots. They list for 89 bucks, got mine on sale for $69.99 plus tax. Sweet deal.

And here is the best part, that day at Bass Pro, I got outta there and kept mine spending in check and kept it below the 300 dollar mark. I was so happy, but I still bought a bunch of crap I probably did not need. But it was fun anyway.

Waders

To go along with those sweet new boots I purchased I need to get a new pair of waders. In the past I always have used(since I was 16)the chest high rubber/3 ply construction type waders. Which are really durable, but really heavy, and not really comfy at all. Plus the boot foot kind slip all over the darn place, miking wading streams a bit of a challenge and at time dangerous.

So I wanted a pair that was light weight,and durable, since I am always going thru the woods and bushes, sometimes sliding down the banks of rivers, trying to get to those perfect spots. I also wanted them to be breathable, because I hated how my older waders would keep all that moisture from sweat in. At the end of some of these long days I would be drenched in sweat. So I found a pair of waist high waders, pants, that I thought would be perfect. Here is what I ended up buying from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Caddis Deluxe Waist-High Breathable Waders-Men's (Taupe 2-Tone)

Product Summary
Manufacturer: Caddis
Mfg Part#: CA12909W-S
Size: Small
Buy.com Sku: 203882977
UPC: 00879730000556


The Caddis Deluxe breathable waist-high waders for men utilize CaddisDry(tm) Breathable Technology to give you a heavy-duty polyester fabric that prevents abrasion leaks, yet affords complete breathability for your fishing comfort. Reinforced knees and seat provide an extra layer where you need it and attached gravel guards with lace hooks keep gravel out of your boots.

Features

* Model Number: CA129
* 100% waterproof and breathable construction with CaddisDry(tm) fabric technology
* Durable polyester outer shell
* Double-layer knees
* Stitched and taped seams for added strength
* Generous cut for expanded range of movement for easy on/off
* Comfortable and warm neoprene booties
* Attached gravel guards with lace hooks

These by far are one of if not the best investment I have ever made in terms of creature comfort. These so far have been top notch. I took these back into the Blue Ridge Mountains to hit the trout and I hiked, climbed, fished, fell, slipped down banks, and they performed top notch. All I wore under them were a pair of long johns and I was more than comfy. Best of all, no leaks. I stayed dry, and sweat was not an issue, because they are breathable. These things were awesome. I would also like to ad how it was just like wearing a pair of thin pants, I could move around and do what I wanted and was never unhappy.....Really Sweet.