Catfish on the Flyrod

 

This past Friday was another epic day fishing for bluegill using my 7 1/2 ft. 3 wt. Flyrod fishing Walker County Lake. While fishing for the big bull bluegills, I landed the largest catfish ever on the flyrod. The fish hit a size 8 orange popper fishing near weed pads on the lake's levee. I knew it was big as soon as the fish made its first run. Little did I know it was a little over 8 lbs 26 inches. This catfish didn't top my carp last year, but it came close. Who knows, I may land one of their elusive Walleye next year. I never fish this lake with anything above a 2 and 3 wt. Flyrod. Let's say I like the challenge. 

Looking closely, you can see the popper hooked into the catfish's whisker. It's a miracle I landed it, considering the 15-minute fight he put up. I gave the catfish to the gentleman in the background fishing near the lake's edge. He was as excited as I was landing the fish. 

Getting Primed For The Bluegill Spawn

 When it comes to fishing, the thrill of landing quality bluegill on a lightweight fly rod is unmatched. The fly rod I'm talking about is either the 2 wt. or 3 wt. If you're looking for the ultimate enjoyment of landing bluegill, these are the rods to use. I personally find the 7 1/2 ft. length perfect for small bodies of water, and an 8 1/2 ft. to 9 ft. length ideal for lakes. When I'm fishing at my home waters of Smith Lake, I rely on my 9 ft. 3 wt. for the best experience. 

During the Easter weekend, I used Jason's lightweight 7 1/2 ft. Redington 2 wt. fly rod. The small 15-area lake, nestled at his house in Greystone Farms Hoover, offers a tranquil fishing experience. You can reach the water's edge in less than a minute from his back porch, making it a convenient spot for anyone who enjoys fishing, whether with traditional gear or a fly rod. 

The lake has four walk-way bridges across four of its nooks, and the bluegill spawns on the upper or lower side of the bridges during the prime spawn season. I've only seen a few individuals fly fish in the lake, so the fishing pressure is very limited. Cathey and I like to walk the mile-long walking trail when we are here. The Game and Fish Department manages the lake, which does a great job of checking water quality and fertilizing.  

My fly fishing season will begin on Smith Lake in a couple of weeks, so today's trip was a warm-up to start landing the super-sized bulls on the rock walls on Smith: I can't wait!!!

Spring Break with Grandchildren

 Cathey and I enjoy the Grandchildren each year during Spring Break, and this year was special because we got to share it with our little "Hallie." She will be two on August 25th. The kids love fishing and always want to go to Walston Bridge pond, close to where we used to live, so that is where we spent one afternoon.  

The pond temp was 58 degrees--no bites on artificial lures, so the kids enjoyed landing bluegill using redworms

Searching for the perfect polished rock in Pop's rock fountain

Nothing like spending time with Grandchildren!!!

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What is Fly Fishing

 

Hi Guys

Sorry, I've been out of the loop of blogging for a while, mainly due to the weather, cold temps, rain, and water temps. I've made a few fishing trips, mainly for the outdoor experience, to the Sipsey Tailrace and Walker County Lake, with limited success. In other words, I'm glad I was using my 2 and 3 wt. Fly rod becasue the bend in the rod produced by a couple of small bluegill and one 5" rainbow was a hoot. 

As most of you know, I am into watching fly fishing videos. When one thinks they know everything about fly fishing, someone proves you wrong. This individual is one of the numerous fly fishermen I follow on Utube. He recently filmed a video titled What is Fly Fishing, I thought why would I want to watch this video but once I started watching it I realized he shared some interesting points about this great sport. Take a look and see what you think? 

Video-What is Fly Fishing

The Most Realistic Nymphs Ever!!

 These nymphs have to be the most realistic nymphs I have ever seen. I ordered both patterns. I can't wait to give them a try on the Sipsey and Smith Lake. 

The bodies of these nymphs are hard body and have weight. 
 

Fly Fishing the Streamer on Lakes

 

Guys, I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas Spirit. I was scanning through my blog the other day, viewing past posts. March was when my fishing season always started, which is 70 to 75 days from today. Mid-March is when the spawn begins for the spotted bass on Smith Lake. They start moving into the lake's nooks. Unlike largemouth, the spotted bass usually spawns in water 4 to 6 feet deep. They are in the mood to hit almost any lure this time of year because they have been dormant during winter. The streamer is my favorite fly to toss during the early spawn, moving it with a slow drop-retrieve and waiting for that savage hit to occur! I feel I'm not the only fisherman counting the days to feel the tug of that first fish on the popper, nymph, dry fly, or streamer. 

Here's wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!