Wading for JPP Hybrids

[jad2t]

Had some fun recently wading in coves for Hybrids in JPP with the occasional small bass thrown in. I never got there on one of the nights when it was really on fire, of course, but I still got a couple decent nights. I missed the majority of the good part because I was out of town for work.

Flukes were getting it done. Sometimes weighted, sometimes weightless. Just had to figure out what they wanted. I threw a walk to dog topwater a lot too because I wanted to see one of them smash it but it wasn't working. Man oh man do these fish have an attitude. I love the fight they put up. I never got into any real monsters but all the ones I caught were in the 3-4 pound range. The 18 incher may have gone a bit over 4 because she was quite chunky. I did have one get away that felt like quite a large fish. I'll never know because evidently I didn't get a good hookset.

I brought some home the other night to see if the wife and I liked them as table fare. We baked them in olive oil, sundried tomatoes, chopped basil and garlic, a little salt and pepper. After they were cooked, dropped some chunks of butter on them to let it melt. They taste fantastic!! So... I brought home two more last night for future meals.

Also, last night I caught two of my largest ones back to back in the same spot. When I re-entered the water I noticed a boat of immigrants (won't say which region) right on top of where they saw me catch them. Their boat was literally right on top of where I caught those two and they were casting all around, even casting their lures close to where I was standing. Some people just have no respect. I bet they had a livewell full of short and/or overcreel fish too.

[creekcrappie]

That sounds like a blast. And those cooked hybrids sure do look good. I had the same thing happen at Fate Sanders one day. I caught 2 crappie in a row and they were right on top of me when I went back.

[Heiny57]

Good job.

[jad2t]

Originally Posted by creekcrappie

I had the same thing happen at Fate Sanders one day. I caught 2 crappie in a row and they were right on top of me when I went back.

It's a shame but that's how they are.

[Reel Tune]

Nice Jimmy, I thought they were just getting started, but I went out yesterday and nothing. I had one blow up beside me throwing shad all over the place and then nothing else. I forgot my electronics, so I was blind and just going by what I had found in previous years.

[Alphahawk]

Nice catches Jimmy.



Regards

[jad2t]

Originally Posted by MidTNKayakAngler

Nice Jimmy, I thought they were just getting started, but I went out yesterday and nothing. I had one blow up beside me throwing shad all over the place and then nothing else. I forgot my electronics, so I was blind and just going by what I had found in previous years.

I could be wrong. This the first year I've ever caught those fish so I don't know much about them. I'm learning. My assumption is that we had another week or so at most but maybe it will last a bit longer into the month since we had a cold winter that doesn't seem to want to quite go away judging by the overnight temps we're about to have.

I'd like to land one from a yak so maybe we can hit some coves soon and look for them.

[Reel Tune]

Last year I was catching them regularly until almost May. Like you with the abnormally cold temperatures we had this year I was thinking they would be running a little later than usual. Granted I've only been doing this for 2-3 years (the Hybrid White Bass) run, so like you I don't have a lot of experience, but willing to put in the time to learn.

[fisher01]

Nice Hybrids! They are a lot of fun to catch.

[Travis C.]

Nice catch Jimmy. They sure can be addicting. Wait til you get one on the fly rod that is a lot of fun.

I struck out on my first swing at them this year but hopefully will get another shot at them soon. If I had shiners, then I would have caught some fish Saturday night. Still kicking my butt for at least not going to get some creek chubs.

[jad2t]

I wanted to bring the flyrod yesterday but I don't think 20 mph winds were best conditions for that! No need for shiners, flukes work just great! Sounds like me, you, and Jeremy need to get together in the yaks and chase them one evening before it's over.

[vincent]

Nice fish. Congrats!!

I went to JPP yesterday and surprisingly did not even catch a bluegill. I had purple haze and bison TMs.

I took my friend for fishing the first time, and he caught a 13" crappie. He's hooked and wants to go next Saturday too.

As I was about to leave for home, I tripped and fell on a rock. Hurts but hoping all will be good for fishing next weekend.

[GO-OKFISHIN]

I also think they are a couple of weeks behind. They have not shown up in my spots yet and I have been avoiding the crowded spot . I thought yesterday would be it after the sun and 20 MPH winds out of the south but I caught nothing.

[nomad60]

Nice fish but I like the last pic (dinner) the best

[jad2t]

Originally Posted by GO-OKFISHIN

I also think they are a couple of weeks behind. They have not shown up in my spots yet and I have been avoiding the crowded spot . I thought yesterday would be it after the sun and 20 MPH winds out of the south but I caught nothing.

I hope you're right. In that case, with the cold weather coming our way this week, it will probably be into May before the frenzy is over. The water is coming up though and the wading opportunities may be done by the time it warms up. Looks like it's time to land one from the yak!