Wading creeks
Got out for a few hours yesterday and had my best creek wading trip so far of the year. Smallies in size and numbers were caught. Water was WAY up, but running clear, which seemed to have the fish relating to tops and bottoms of pools. The only pattern I could really gather was deeper holes with significant current, right up against the bank. Fishing with jack's worms, senko's, stiko's, brush hogs. Senko's in natural color seemed to be the ticket. I fished slider heads for years, but recently switched to the Gamakatsu Finesse jig head in 1/8 or 1/16 oz- they have a version that has red or green fleck imbedded in the paint. I think the red fleck is what really sets off your presentation, but who knows.
Since the fish were aggressive I tried a crankbait for a few minutes and had a nice little suprise with a longnose gar. I've seen and hooked up with them several times over the years, but this was my first time handling one.
Took a tape to first smallmouth, measured 17.5'', the second was 16''. For the size of the creek I'm fishing, these are trophies
I fish about half a dozen creeks around middle TN and all are fishing great right now! Hopefully won't have to wear the waders for too much longer
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