Stream Stalker

Super Bowl Sunday Smallies

Mon, February 06, 2012

Yesterday I was able to sneak over to the Vermilion River for a few hours.  The weather man let me down, as he predicted highs in the lower forties, but in Livingston County it only made it to the mid 30’s.  In addition, it was supposed to be sunny, but it was not.  Fortunately, the wind was very minimal and I actually was over-dressed for the conditions.  I fished from noon to 3:00.

When I arrived at my first spot, I was a little alarmed by the higher than normal river level.  I was hoping to do some actual wading with my new waders and wading boots.  With the amount of water in the river I knew I would be restricted to bank fishing.  In order to get into position for my first spot, I had to play “billy goat” and shimmy down a reel steep bank.  Unfortunately, my mountain climbing ability is not what it used to be.  I finally did get into position, but after about 30 minutes of fishing a prime eddy, I came up with nothing.

As I climbed back up the steep bank, I had a decision to make.  Head home or do a little exploring.  I chose to get in the truck and head downstream to a bridge I have never seen before.  I at least wanted to check to see if this bridge would allow me easy access to pull my kayak out of the river this upcoming season.  Upon arrival at the bridge, I immediately was pleasantly surprised that pulling a boat out would be a piece of cake.  In addition, there was plenty of room to park a vehicle on the side of the road.

Upon further inspection of the river, I spyed a couple of areas that looked like they might hold a February smallie.  Both areas that looked good were large shoreline eddies just off the main current flow.  The first area produced nothing.  I almost packed it in and headed for home, but there was one more area that looked prime.  In order to get there I would have to cross the road bridge and shimmy down the far river bank.  After a little pondering, I figured, what the heck.  In retrospect, I am glad I put in the extra effort.

While this area was not overly deep (maybe 4 feet or so), it was a perfect eddy right off the main current flow.  The bottom was littered with rocks.  After a few minutes I had a fish pick up the tube and I missed him - I was not happy!  Even cussed myself out loud.  But at least I knew there was at least one fish in the eddy.  A few more casts and I was “hooked up” with a nice, chunky 17 incher.  Shot a little video:

Of course, I continued to fish as now my blood was starting to pump.  On one particular retrieve, I could feel that my tube had accumulated a bunch of leaves and/or debris, so I began to reel the tube in fast to remove the gunk.  As the tube got within sight, I could see a nice smallie tailing the bait that was just covered in crap.  When I stopped reeling the bass took a swipe at the bait and missed it.  I twitched the bait trying to remove the gunk and he swirled and missed the bait again!  Next I just let the bait fall to the bottom and a few seconds later, the fish was on.  About 14 inches long.  The picture below is not real good as my camera was pointing the wrong way:

It sure is amazing how two smallmouth bass can really make my day!  I headed home about 3:00 one happy camper.

AS ALWAYS….....................HAIL TO THE SMALLIE

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