This entry was actually printed weeks ago in the Kings County Record and I apologize for not posting more blogs lately but it is tough for me to find a balance between writing, working, and playing so I have something to write about. Maybe work and writing should be considered just one if I truly want to blog more?? Hope you enjoy.
It is all over. It went by in a flash. Before it was over I t was able to send it off with a bang…or maybe more of a blub. The season finale was similar to my season opener in the fact that I was out with the same wingman. Like the season premier I was relying heavily on my wingman on making the season send off a success. Oh in case you didn't figure it out, fishing season ended September 15th and before it past Robin Doull and I made it out on the river one last time.
I would typically fish a river by wading and casting a fly line looking for trout. Robin had been trying to get me out in a kayak targeting some bigger fish for quite some time. With warm water the trout needed a break so I took Robin up on some smallmouth bass fishing off Darlings Island from my kayak. (Note: The smallmouth bass season actually doesn't end until October 30th)
We didn't get an early start but the day was overcast and not overly warm so we we're hoping the fish would be active. This would be my first time casting lures from a kayak in hopes of catching a bass or pike. I was unsure as I cast my lure out a number of times as I let the kayak drift down the river. Suddenly I watched as a couple of perch chased my lure towards the kayak.
From my seat in the kayak I was amazed at how far down I could see into the water column. It was cool to watch fish chase my lure and made the anticipation of catching a fish more exciting. Robin was rewarded first as he landed two fish before I hooked one. Ironically I didn't even see my first perch take my lure as it took the hook well away from my craft. The fact that I had to reel it in some distance meant that the modest size perch had a chance to pull my kayak for a bit. I snickered as I thought about my drag setting on my reel; I guess it wouldn't have to be set to tight.
I landed a small smallmouth bass before landing my biggest fish of the day, another smallmouth. It was fun to watch the fish jump a number of times and to hear my reel whine a bit as it pulled my boat around and downstream at a surprising pace. I laughed as I finally got the fish to my kayak and unhooked it from my Rapala lure. It took no time for it to dive deep back into the channel after I let it go.
The leisurely pace which we floated down the river was enjoyable and it possibly had a negative impact on my casting rate so I was not able to catch as many fish as Robin. That is my story at least and I'm sticking to it. Before long Robin landed a pickerel and once again I had to bow to his superior tactics. As I was bowing to take a photo of him and his catch my camera went blub. I dropped it in more than 10ft of water and even though it was a waterproof camera, I didn't think I could find it so there it lies along with the photos I had from the day.
As noon rolled around we decided to call it a day and started the paddle back up river to our take out point. The wind was light and in our face so the paddle back up was a bit different but no less pleasant that the trip down the river. I struggled with my desire to cast the lure out a few more times but I had a conference call early in the afternoon so I kept paddling.
It was a great way to end the fishing season and I hope that next season I can expose a few more people to a similar experience. Until then I'll start planning my ice fishing trip.
See you in the woods or on the water.
No comments:
Post a Comment