jbcook

I've taken spots in areas where they are not very common and the smallie fishing is good. I've released them in the same places, the last one (actually it was a friend who caught it) was a fat 19in spot waaaay up a creek. I have tried to slow down the spots that way but not somewhere they are established. I think you are just fishing. If you decide to keep fish that's your business. I usually ski the rock bass in and give them a few choice words, usually accompanied by laughter, as I put them back in the water.

Well what do ya know..........I've got some family in franklin, KY as well. PM on the way.

Those spots are especially good because it is consistant spring-fall. Smallies will feed in fast water without or nearly without any current breaks. Could be a straight, skinnier and/or shallower, somewhat featureless spot or a small chute with ridiculous current. Fish will get right in that stuff and like you stated Tim, they are often dinks. During the right time however the biggest fish will be there. The stupid shad and minnows love to go up in that current and use it like a treadmill and some of them become lunch. A lot of fishermen miss out on them though because they think the water is too fast or it's too shallow, or both.

Extremely fast water is one of the most overlooked spots for smallies. I've seen folks time and again pass up that water and I've also fought, and sometimes landed, some of the beasts that like to get up in that current Dick. It can be especially good if there is some depth and the water below the surface is not moving as fast. I usually use a heavy weighted tube or heavy jig in this situation and keep it still on the bottom for as long as I can. The strikes are unsually brutal.

Sweet clip! The kids and I enjoyed it. Those baitfish look a lot like a fluke.

That fish wins in the pigbeast category. Don't matter how long it is.

That is one beautiful fish!!!! Fall makes for some good pictures. Congrats

What is a lunker installation? Erosion protection?

The school of thought that makes the most since to me is that they will travel as far as they need to find appropriate winter habitat. This may be in the same pool that they live in the summer or several miles downstream. As far as movments between pools during summer for feeding reasons or returning to a different pool than the previous year during the spawn and/or summer, I'm curious. I've noticed the same thing as you and you can't help but wonder.

1) I can't tell from looking at dorsal fins but I'll guess spot 2) SM 3) Spot with parasites 4) Spot 5) SM 6) SM 7) They say it's a SM 8) LM 9) SM

I think the "fall feeding frenzy" is most apparent in waters where the fish have been stressed through the summer with 90 degree temps, vegetation, and low water. Once the water cools the fish become less stressed and are very hungry. Brenden, the water you are fishing did not go through that so you are now feeling the "we where happy fish and now it's colder syndrome".

Norm, I'm glad it was caught in time and you are ok. Take care of yourself. I'm sure the smallies in that river are glad they don't have you around for a while sore jawing them. Their time will come soon enough. Advice taken.

Yes.

That's awsome Tim, I hope you can make it.

I'd like to invite anyone that would like to, to join us on a float the first weekend of November. This is a medium to small river that is great for yaks, odc's, and canoes. A handful of guys from the Indiana smallmouth site will be there and there are a lot of floats to choose from with many which are back to back to back........Location will be just north of Indianapols. It's always a great time. We'd love to have some of you Illinoisians or whatever you call yourselves to join us. Not sure if it will be the 3rd of 4th yet but I'll figure it out soon. JasonB

I can appreciate having a Mustang. I have an older vette and Z28 but I've got a high mile 97 malibu with a rack for the yak or canoe.. A yak is much more versitale. An ODC excels, over a yak sometimes, in medium sized rivers with plenty of current and very few slow areas. You can stop and turn much easier by putting your feet down while a yak will just float on by unless anchored, and that would be on the verge of DON'T ANCHOR. There is also a river in KY that has some white water where I could use an ODC when it's high or cold or both. I plan on adding one to the stable.

If it has to be an inflatable boat I would go with an ODC (pontoon). Then work on getting a regular kayak and an extra vehicle to haul it.

If I'm with someone, which is the only time I take fish pics anyway, I'll hand them the camera and dunk the fish until the camera is ready to minimize time out of the water. Using current to enhance "breathing" when possible. Of course, you do loose some of those suckers that way.

I would back up from where the camera man is and throw a fluke or other plastic around those rocks. Hit that wood on the left and then concentrate on the right bank, which should be the deeper side. If midriver boulders are present I would try those too. lastly I would hit the head of the pool concentrating on the fastest current and most depth. Basically I would fish it all with plastic and a topwater.

I caught a lot of smallies on Sat. in Indiana with a fluke, don't know if that helps. In my experience the fish let you know whether they want a fluke or not pretty quick.

I didn't get the idea from you that's for sure.

I'm partaking in not fishing a few flows right now. Too hot and too low for too long, not to mention one of them has a bad algae problem right now (possibly toxic). I'm a little worried and waiting for rain.

I added another to the list last weekend. Indiana Creek on a sammy 100 in shallow water.

Sindianner or Illinois, makes no difference to me. I'm on vacation in a few weeks. Plans are unclear as of now but I'll shoot you a PM soon and see what we can do. How long of a drive is it from Indy to your area?

Norm, can someone you are with have a camera on hand? I'd be more than happy to volunteer.