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Bob and I hit the UP today. There was already a boat trailer there but we did beat John to the ramp! He arrived just as we were launching.
The 1st order of business was some top water, which Bob requested. He did get a couple of sniffs but they looked like teeny fish.
It was a chilly start but there was no wind...yet.
We got to chat with John before he took off up river.
We stuck around and fished close for a bit while it warmed up but we did not score. Maybe a couple of bites. Maybe not.
At our next stop, Bob was able to take the skunk off the boat!
But that was it there.
Still not wanting to run, we made another stop just up river.
I made a cast and got slammed! I declared a big fish! But after a bit, the roll gave it away!
Still, I had my skunk off too!
It was only a few minutes later that I heard Bob's infamous #@!*&! after missing a fish. But it was followed by a different kind of yell. One that hurts! It seems that he pulled something in his shoulder. The pain was evident. After settling down, I said that we could go in and call it but Bob wanted none of that. Somehow, he adjusted and was able to cast (kind of) with only 8 or 9 "ouch" hollers after that.
The next fish Bob caught was "only" 13" but weighed in at 1 lb 5 oz.
Fatso!
And I got my 1st smallie!
At this spot, we caught a few of our tally.
At one point, the smallies were chasing minnows and taking them right below the surface after they chased them. I had a bubble gum flat worm on so I threw up river and got hit. It was cool! And it spit up a live minnow! But we caught no more from that scenario.
Most of our fish were caught as we polished the rocks in the water. It was a slow presentation and you would feel weight and set the hook.
Lunch was uneventful as we both had sammies form Sheetz. However, mine was ham and pimiento cheese which I have not had in a long time.
Right after lunch, I made a cast with one of George's ball jigs paired with a Berkley Max Scent Flat worm and got hit!
This one went 2 lbs 5 oz and was 17".
Not to be outdone, Bob gets nailed by another feisty one!
He fought harder than his 14-15" size indicated.
We finally left that area. We had caught 9 smallies there plus the kitty.
Bob was up 6-5 and time was running out since I wanted to get home and chill before coaching a ball game later this afternoon.
Right before calling it, Bob got thwacked and he gingerly landed this 17"er!
He went 2 lbs 11oz so Bob got big fish plus most fish.
That was it. We were done and happy to catch a few without running too much. I didn't want to get too far from the ramp in case Bob's shoulder started screaming (it was yelling while he made his casts).
Good day on the UP!!
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Great job, guys! Sorry to hear about Bob's shoulder. Hope it's ok. I know all about shoulder issues. You picked the right spots. I ran up and it was muddier, except below Goose Creek. I started to fish that on the way back but decided to head leave after no bites. I really did not want to get caught in ramp traffic.
The good news was I was able to launch and trailer the boat with no real issues. I just installed bunk guide ons yesterday and a little ramp/ step for the tongue. Both were helpful. Unfortunately, I still had to get wet due to the ramp being so shallow. Good news was just to my knees, not my hips.
My fishing was tough. I caught 2 little 3 little ones up to 12 inches. 2 on a tube and one on a grub. Nice day, but more wind than I thought there would be.
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drxfish wrote:
I just installed bunk guide ons yesterday and a little ramp/ step for the tongue.
Bob and I admired your work while putting my boat away.
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Thanks. My brother-in-law helped me with those. I am done with my upgrades (I think) and will post it for sale soon. If river stays below 3 foot, I might not go there unless I launch elsewhere.
Here is the only picture I took of a fish this week. I caught it on Monday. It looks almost like a big rock bass.
I will also add a couple boat pics.
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When I woke up yesterday morning, the window was open. I wondered if you were going fishing and if you were, my first thought was major shrinkage. It was chilly.
If you need some more ball jigs, I poured a bunch recently. They still need painting, but will still catch fish in the basic grey lead color
Nice to see the numbers picking up with the active fish. And real happy to see rock fish are back - shows the river is slowly returning to health.
Nice boat John - why you selling it so soon?
I may be selling my 12' Jon soon. Thinking about a Hog Island? Only at the thinking stage now. Found one for a reasonable price. Day's drive away. I know, will need a new trailer. And a visit to James River Jet for stick steer.
Tractor Supply use to sell a set of rubber boots that went over the knees. When I ran a Jon allot I always carried a pair. They've dry rotted since then, but were cheap enough to buy a new pair every season if needed.
Last edited by hookup (May-19-23 7:05AM)
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Good luck with the shoulder Bob. Glad to hear you soldiered through and made a day of it.
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It's all about priorities, we went there to fish. Plenty of time for tears on the drive home. Another good day on the water, fishing with Ernie.
hookup wrote:
Good luck with the shoulder Bob. Glad to hear you soldiered through and made a day of it.
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That is a heck of a boat, George! I am selling because it is too much for me to handle solo and I cannot fit it in my garage. Miscalculation on my part. It will be perfect for someone else. I was going to use it more, but I do not want to run it out of Algonkian at lower than 3 feet at POR and I do not want to mess it up before I sell it. I might take it out to Fountainhead next week, unless we get a bump in the river. Boat runs shallow (maybe 1-1.5 feet) and is super stable. Gets on plane quick too.
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drxfish wrote:
It looks almost like a big rock bass.
One of us caught one with eyes that looked just like that!
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I've been looking at Hog Islands too. I really like my boat but the neverending leaks are stressing me out. Those Hogs seem like they'd pretty much be indestructible.
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Found this on my phone...
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Is that you Ernie?
Those Hogs seem like they'd pretty much be indestructible.
My buddy runs his on the Susquehanna. We've run up sand and gravel on islands and banged more than a few rocks. I check the boat out afterwards and other than minor blemishes and scratches - no damage. They are similar to a Yeti Cooler. Very tough boats.
If I bought one, I'd take it to James River Jets and have Jim install a stick steer and a solid platform on the bow to hold a trolling motor. Used ones come up allot. I'm assuming someone buys one then either decided to move up or they figure they bought the wrong boat. They put along nicely with a 50/35 jet (low to mid 20's depending on current). They are basic - no frills.
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The pic in post #11 is of John D. on his new rig.
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