We've had highs in the upper 70s over the last 3 days with lows in the mid 50s.  Perfect recipe for jumpstarting the fish.

I've been trying the small river here at work since the time changed, haven't had any luck.

Came in a little early this evening and hit a spot I'd been saving.  First cast I got a bite.  Three casts later the Rocket Shad got hit like a ton of bricks.

The fish put up a good fight before surrendering to the power of the St Croix.

The result?  A nice 12" superfat pig of a smallmouth.  They rarely get bigger in this river.

I know we'll probably have a cold snap or two before spring really sets in, but I am really loving this warm weather.  Now if only I could manage to get the boat out.

No photo of the fish, but this is a photo of where I was fishing.  I was standing on the big rocks to the left.

Wow that is a beautiful spot, what river were you fishing?

Guest River in SW VA.  Very small river, about 30 miles long and it doesn't get much bigger than pictured above.  The lower river holds a good population of smallmouth and redeye.

Wow, that spot looks sweet and nice fish. Have you fished the powell? I've seen some big smallies and caught a big redeye

Never fished the Powell.  I only fish the Guest because I live and work less than 500 yards away.

I've caught several 10-12" redeyes out of one 1/4 mile stretch of the Guest.

I usually only fish at my grampa's even though I live just a few miles from the south holston and have a pontoon on it. My mom works all the time so she doesn't have much time.

If a property isn't posted can I legally get on it? I found a great pond 50 yards from my new house but it is on some guys farm. My neighboor snowboarded there and didn't get in trouble o the guy may not care.

If it isn't posted, verbal permission is required.  If it is posted, then written permission is required.

It never hurts to ask.  The worst thing that can happen is you'll be denied.

looks like a sweet little spot. Is there a little hole there?

The flat water to the right of the big rocks in the foreground is anywhere from 6' deep (right against rocks) to 1' deep (far right of stream).  There are numerous large boulders scattered in the channel.

I've caught several good smallies holding right against the large rocks.  Hooked one last summer that would have probably gone 3 lbs., threw the hook though.