Hello members! Today I had the pleasure of fishing with my favorite moderator(no offense to RW, LBH and Fluke ). Fivebasslimit drove down this morning to meet up with me for a little fishing on the New River. Before today, I had only known Scott through his posts and our ongoing personal messages. He showed up here in my hometown at 7am and we were fishing our first spot by 7:30am.

Let me brag on him a little so you guys can appreciate what a first rate fishing partner he is. He showed up right on time and ready for whatever might come. He's easy going, laid back and he knows his fishing. I took him to stretches of river that he was unfamiliar with, but he dialed right in and started catching bass right away. Great guy, excellent fisherman and I look forward to many more outings with him. OK...I've embarrassed him long enough!

Now about our trip. We were faced with 40 degree water temps. and heavy stain. River was high and rising. I honestly can't remember how many smallies Scott and I caught. I'm pretty sure it was just under 20. I fished with pig-n-jigs and a jerkbait, while Scott dragged a crank through every spot reachable. He really showed me a thing or two about cold water cranking! Great guy to fish with, and if you ever have the opportunity to go with him, jump on it.

Here's just a few of photos from our trip...

Fivebasslimit with a nice smallie

Me(Craw) with a jerkbait eating bronzeback

FBL workin' that crank

Pig-n-jig pays off

This smallie acted like a 5 pounder!

Rising water, wind and my trolling motor battery giving out put an end to the day just before noon. I had a great time with Scott and many thanks to him.

Great job guys.  Those are some nice looking fish.

Great report!

Congratulations to the both of you.

5BL workn' the crank ..... imagine that. ;D

Nice work guys.

Nice smallies!!!

Looks like I need to make a little drive up 81.  

Nice January SMs! GOOD JOB men!  

Ronnie

Nice brownies!

Great lookin fish dudes!!  Keep it up 8-)

Jason

Well,it seems that Craw is being a little shy about what really went on so I'll let you in on his secret......he knows his stuff,plain and simple. He could've taken anybody out and they would have caught fish,40 degree water or not. The first stop we made the fish immediately started bitin' and that partcular hole produced over 50% of our whole catch. Craw knew where they were and they couldnt hide.  

Craw has a real nice boat and the jet motor is the only way to go on the river,I'm conviced of that. I was very impressed at how well we floated down and never got turned around,we were always in position to catch a fish. Thats not the easiest thing to do in a river with strong current. He's a master at boat control being in such current,going up and down falls,the fish have no chance really. For such a nice guy,he really puts the hurtin' on some smallies. At one point during the trip,the bite just shut off. Craw says "I gotta find a black jig",about 4 casts later,there was a smallmouth flopping at the boat and another and yet another. The guy can flat put 'em in the boat with the jig!

And the next time my phone rings and Craw says "Lets go fishin"....I'll be going. I dont pass up a free guided trip. Believe that. It was a great trip all the way around.

Hopefully he'll be coming to Smith Mtn in the spring for a little largemouth action and I'll probably try to talk him into a tournament once he gets down here. ;D  We'd make a good team no doubt.

Thanks for taking me Craw,I enjoyed it.  

The pleasure was all mine, believe me! See you soon.

Sounds like you guys caught them good, even with the muddy conditions!  Good job on your "haul"  ;D

Sounds like a great trip. I cant wait to get back out.

Wayne

Awesome! That's what I'm talking about!  

It's great to see two members getting together for a great day a fishin. Good job guys.

That's the heart and soul of it right there!

nice fish

Just like LBH said, thats what it is all about.  Thanks for the storys, good read.

Looks like you guys had a great time! (except for that cold weather gear  ;D)

Al

Cold temp, heavily stained cold water? Im guessing there wasn't much competition for good spots : 8-) Way to go guys.