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#1 Sep-16-17 1:50PM

drxfish
Patagonian Toothfish
From: Sterling
Registered: Jan-04-14
Posts: 2975

UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

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.
https://i.imgur.com/u5jMZLd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tOabEBs.jpg
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!
https://i.imgur.com/fLJUfLR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4qtWLKc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TL50OeS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LVrpQv0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/urghbsI.jpg
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.
https://i.imgur.com/ypL697g.jpg
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.
https://i.imgur.com/m8yhSA9.jpg
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".
https://i.imgur.com/YE55GaM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/S1NzUkh.jpg

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)


Always wishin' I was fishin'

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#2 Sep-16-17 2:41PM

Ernie
Administrator
From: Ashburn VA
Registered: Feb-03-06
Posts: 15564

Re: UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

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!!


Time to go fishin' again!

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#3 Sep-17-17 5:26AM

hookup
Patagonian Toothfish
Registered: Jan-31-12
Posts: 2301

Re: UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

You were on fire!

Nice reflection of the sun off that pig

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#4 Sep-18-17 5:12AM

Bryan
Patagonian Toothfish
From: Bealeton, VA
Registered: Mar-18-11
Posts: 1194

Re: UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

Beautiful smallie! I haven't done any river smallmouth fishing this year, man I gotta change that.


tight lines

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#5 Sep-18-17 6:27AM

Junger
Northern Snakehead
From: Potomac, MD
Registered: Aug-14-17
Posts: 720

Re: UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

Man....I really have to get a kayak or boat and fish the UP...

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#6 Sep-18-17 7:40AM

Houli
Northern Snakehead
From: Leesburg, VA
Registered: Dec-09-10
Posts: 252

Re: UP 9/16/17 Got the Big One!

Good lord .... that's a nice day (or two) right there. Congrats!

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