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This is my last weekend to fish before shoulder surgery, so I decided to make the most of it. I got off work early Friday, but had to fix my trolling motor. Luckily, that went well and I was able to replace the switch and the seals. Got up early and hit the river at first light. Beat Ernie an d Luke by about 20 minutes. Decided to stay close and fish rather than run way up like a usually do. Started throwing the Whopper Plopper and within about 5 minutes I caught a nice 17"er that fought well.
Ernie and Luke pulled up and we floated near each other for a bit. I caught one dink on the Plopper and thought that bite was over. Ernie decided to run upriver and I stayed floating. I got to the push area of a ledge and saw there was some baitfish activity. I decided to throw the Whopper Plopper downriver and retrieve up. About three or four turns of the handle into my retrieve, a fish took it under with a swoosh. I set the hook and could tell it was a good fish. It jumped and it was a monster! I set the hook a couple more times to make sure I had it good and played the fish closer to the boat. I grabbed the net and, after a couple misses, finally scooped up the beast. It was massive!
I measured it and it was 20", but weighed around 4 pounds. I did not mess with a scale. I wanted to get her back in the water.
She swam away strong, splashing me as she disappeared. That was not my longest smallie (by 0.75"), but it was my biggest. It was the biggest one I have ever seen out of the Potomac.
I was pumped, but it was early, so I continued fishing. I caught a 14"er on a Fat Albert grub.
It slowed down, so I decided to run upriver. The water was low and much clearer. I was having a tough time catching anything. I finally decided to drift and drag a Little dipper after I ate lunch. After a few minutes, I caught a smallie about 12". The next fish was better and measures 17".
Then I caught a couple smaller ones. I saw Ernie heading back my way and we talked and I formally met Luke. He said they had not caught anything yet. We decided to drift and drag some more. Fishing was slow, but I picked up a couple more. After a while, Ernie headed back and I continued drifting. I hooked one bigger fish on the Dipper, but lost it as Ernie was about to go. I continued fishing and it was very sporadic. I caught maybe 5 or so before I called it quits. I got off the river about 3:20pm. It was a long and warm day, but worth the effort!
I saw 3 Bald Eagles, Several Ospreys, a Kingfisher and lots of geese, butterflies and dragonflies. Great day on the water. I will try to get out tomorrow as well!
Last edited by drxfish (Sep-16-17 2:40PM)
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Luke and I were saying that we were so happy for you with that monster! Plus, you caught 2 really nice ones along with the others.
We did not fare so well, making the long run up was definitely a mistake.
I will write up my report in a bit but suggest that folks look at this one.
One of those pics of fattie is really cool!
Congrats....you certainly deserved it!!
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You were on fire!
Nice reflection of the sun off that pig
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Beautiful smallie! I haven't done any river smallmouth fishing this year, man I gotta change that.
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Man....I really have to get a kayak or boat and fish the UP...
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Good lord .... that's a nice day (or two) right there. Congrats!
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