aut0

Thanks. I always think the spawn is hitting earlier than it does. It looks to me like she was still getting ready to do the deal, but water temps are pretty high, right now. We had a good week of sun, about 45 days ago, then about 2" of snow, so it really did a number on everyone's predictions for the timing of the spawn. Worked out for me, though.

Having closed my electronics business, and now working weekends until something better comes up (and I give away this swim team I'm in charge of), I get to fish Mon-Thurs. :-P I took the Kayak on Monday and Tuesday, to Kee Reservoir, which is behind Mercer Mall, in Bluefield (kinda). Got 1 (one) bite on a jig, which he came to the top, and shook off. Little guy. Wednesday, I hit James P. Bailey Lake. This is a Stocked Trout pond. I felt like the Bass King, because nobody else was doing very well in the evenings I went, and I was landing 6-8 bass in an hour before sunset. Here's the best. (Yes, for those who remember me from a few years ago, I have a shirt on. You're welcome). I am usually found in rivers/streams (Bluestone is my fav, followed by the New River and Wolf Creek, in VA), so Largemouth aren't really commonly found on the business end of my line. This is unquestionably that biggest LM I've caught, to date. I'll be bringing scales and tapes with me while I'm bank fishing, now.

Awesome feedback. Glad I was at least in the ballpark.

Hmm... The outside-of-the-gills on that pickerel look funny; striped-ish. Wonder if that's a factor in identification.

Niiiiice, nice, nice. He was quite yellow, in color. I know the pic doesn't portray that, but you know. Definitely looking similar. I think the Pickerel and the Muskie must be pretty close relatives.

So, full disclosure, I have no idea why I never posted this in the forums. I caught this thing in Indian Creek, WV, about 3 years ago. Anybody know what species this is? My GUESS was a Tiger Musky, but I honestly have no idea. It could've been a dragon for all I know. Strange looking thing, when you've caught almost-exclusively smallmouth all your life. Thanks!!! -aut0

Was stationed there, back in 03-06. Not that I ever got to fish it, but I used to live on N. Basilica Ave, which is at the North end of Goose Creek Reservoir. A decent little 20-30 min drive from the college, if I had to guess, but if I ever catch myself back in the lowcountry, I'm going straight to my old house, walking across the street, and throwing a line. -aut0

GoTakeANap: No, I'm wading (in street clothes). The New River has a lot of places that open up wide and shallow. In that particular area, it's chest-high all the way across. Piece of cake. retiredbosn: My buddy and I have talked about floating a stretch of the New and one of the Bluestone, too. Maybe we'll get to it some time. Probably not this year, it's about to turn cold on us.

Hahaha, I'll try harder next time. I didn't really land anything significant. Maybe when I do, it'll be a spectacle. I kinda like having the camera running, though. Wish vimeo hadn't degraded the video. much clearer on my pc.

First-Person-View style: https://vimeo.com/49045148

The weather yesterday was extremely warm for February. Today's too windy, but I'm gonna go out within the next week or so.

I fish creeks/rivers almost exclusively, here in WV/Southwestern VA... Question is, with a winter that has been VERY warm, I wonder what it's going to do to the movement/life of the smallies here? Hoping it doesn't adversely affect them, especially if we have a cold snap later. after being in the mid/high 50's for a while, I begin thinking I need to be out... It's February. This should not be. lol.

Thanks. Yea, had been catching redeyes and <12" smallies all morning, so that one hit me like a sack of potatoes. lol.

OOPS! lol Guilty as charged. In my defense, it was RIDICULOUSLY hot yesterday. lol. Sorry. hahaha