Tuesday, May 28, 2013

A Nice Surprise While Bluegill Fishing

Fog and more fog was what met me and my buddy at the launch yesterday morning at Smith Lake. I hate to try to even get on the water when the fog is that dense. After waiting for a half-hour at the launch it was time to make my first cast. I could barely see my popper near the bank, and the only evidence of a hit would have been the sound on the surface of the water.
Notice how thick the fog is right at the water's edge
Nice largemouth to get things going
I only get to count one here, which was taken on the Betts Popper--still fishing with the 4 wt. here
The surprise of the morning was this nice Spot on my favorite popper of all time the Boogle Bug. I landed this male using my 5 wt.  9 ft. with an olive green Boogle. It was a blast landing this fish because of the runs he continued to make to try to break off. The 4X tippet withstood the runs he made mainly because I was able to get the fish on the reel soon after the fight begin. This is why I love fly fishing so much because landing a fighter like this Spotted Bass will certainly test your skills as a fly fisherman.

22 comments:

  1. Nice fish!

    It looks like the topwater bass bite is on!

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  2. Bill, that's a sweet spotted bass there and all the more impressive since you got it on top! Good work!

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  3. Congrats Bill, that's a trophy. And on a fly rod Bravo.

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  4. That is a great bass. I bet it was a blast seeing that guy hit on topwater. Did the fish just sip it in or slam it?

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  5. Joel
    This fish was in great shape for a tremendous fight--thanks for the comment

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  6. Jay
    It get better as the water temps warm more--the good fish are waiting on you guys! Thanks for the comment

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  7. David
    I love to land these Spots on top, especially with the fly rod. I usually use my 6 wt. for top water action for bass, but decided to go with my 5wt. to land big bluegill, and got this guy instead. Thanks for the comment

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  8. Alan
    I hope this is not my big fish of the year. I have hopes of landing one a tad bigger. Thanks for the comment

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  9. Kevin
    The hit was so light I thought it was a small bluegill playing with the popper, not aggressive at all. As I pull the rod up fast to set the hook all "hell" broke lose. He made numerous runs as I stated in the post. I was trying to get him on the reel as soon I could, because I knew he would pop the tippet without drag help. Once on the reel he made music with the drag system off and on for at least 3 or 4 minutes. I always go after the bigger Spots at daylight every time I fish Smith this time of year. This time I got lucky. They are one awesome fighting fish, especially on the fly. Thanks for the comment

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  10. All great fish Bill. What a riot that largemouth must have thrown while being hooked. Nothing beats the top water action!

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  11. The top water bite is in full effect! Way to go! That's a really nice bass!! Love poppin!

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  12. Bill, I don't know how you manage to keep count on your quest. Those are all nice, nice Bluegills. Never hooked or fished for Spotted Bass, so my friend I applaud what appears to be a great fish.

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  13. Trail
    It is always a blast to land one of those spot. thanks for sharing

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  14. Justin
    The bite will get better as the weather warms. thanks for the comment

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  15. Mel
    The Spot is somewhat like landing a big brown, a lot of runs and air jumping. Super fun!!! thanks for the comment

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  16. Hey Bill, great going. That's a heck of fish on a 5 wt!

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  17. Thanks Howard---the 5 wt. did get a work out--

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  18. Oh man, that spot is sweet! Bass are so fun to catch! I need to buy a fly rod NOW! haha

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  19. J
    If you ever start fishing with the fly rod, you will never go back to casting or spinning rigs. thanks for the comment

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