Was going to hike into the Chattooga again yesterday, but work called halfway up the mountain. Was able to go for a few hours to the Chauga in the afternoon though. Also, I've been tying some parachute blue wing olives since those still hatch in the fall.
Got out last Saturday and found a big school of over slot reds. Had a buddy get out yesterday and they were still there. Love going with my kid, but his attention span still isn’t great and he’s not exactly quiet. Managed to get out alone this morning. Only brought the 8wt. Got to ramp while it was still dark. Only one other trailer there. Perfect conditions. idle out from ramp and jump up on plane for about 5 minutes and go to turn right and up on to the flat. Felt a snap and then nothing. Don’t know if it’s the cable or steering box, but had to idle back and steer by pushing motor back and forth. was home by 8. Now trying to figure out if this is something I can do myself pics from last wknd:
It's always something with a boat. I was fishing an artificial reef in a bunch of chop a few weeks ago. It was dumb and my instinct told me to leave. My buddy wanted to fish it. We got anchored probably 30-50 yards from reef. He was fishing it. After not very long I noticed we were getting closer to the reef, the anchor was dragging. Told him to get his line out of the water and pick up the anchor. He didn't do that all that fast. Before we knew it we were pushed up against the reef. Could hear the concrete structure of the reef gouging into my boat. Engine wouldn't start because it was on structure. We ran around trying to push against the reef etc. I tried to deploy the trolling motor. Quickly realized it was going to just snap the trolling motor off against the reef. Ran to try and get the trolling motor up. My friend tried to start the engine, it started, he reversed. We got out of there. Scratches all up and down the hull and some deep gouges. First estimate was $7600. THen they found more damage on the bottom. Good thing I have boat insurance. $500 deductible is all I pay. But boat is in the shop for the next 3-4 months. There is a really long waiting line to get the work done.
that sucks I’m out $160 right now. YouTube videos make it looks straight forward, but I’m worried about how tight it is under the counsel
Took the middle kid to the river this afternoon. She caught 4-5 small browns on dry flies. I was able to land 4 chunks along with several small ones. Had a bunch flip off the line too. Overall a good time. Have also been tying some blue wing olives
Love seeing the pictures of kids learning to love it as much as we all do. Some of my best memories are fishing with my family
Not sure. Maybe down near Double Branch/Spider Valley since that's hike in location. I imagine they would stock that far down. Or it could be up in the delayed harvest section below Hellhole. Yesterday was at Grapevine and we hooked over 10 chunky ones along with a bunch of 3-4 inch ones.
I've been making some clouser minnows. Took them out on the Chattooga proper and East Fork and the Chauga for a test drive. Worked really well, caught 7-8, should have landed another 5-6, and had a bunch of strikes and chasers.
Anyone shore fish NorCal? Took my boys crab snaring at Muir Beach today. Fishing for dungeness and only caught a rock crab. Ordered a crab pot and gear for kayak fishing.
Sounds good. I was actually planning on fishing in the morning too. You wan company or prefer to fish alone?
Chose to work yesterday and today bc of sweet holiday pay and I have time off next week. Absolutely beautiful fishing weather yesterday and today and supposed to be hell next week. Not happy
you’re definitely welcome to meet up with me out there. i can guarantee that i will wander off to try a few different runs. think it will be after 10 before i can get out there
Ah, so maybe not a lot of overlap. Was planning on leaving the river by a little after 11 to get back home for football. But I'm sure we'll run into each other out there. If you make it there, I'll be the guy with an Echo rod and no waders.
i’ll keep my eyes out for you. i will have waders on just in case i want to cross a few times. should be able to get a good stream report before i get started if you’ll be finishing up.
Caught a few trout including this one. Ran into HOOSINSC as I was finishing up and watched him catch a decent rainbow. A few of the flies I've tied recently
Wading boots (for over wader feet) recs? Mostly small Freestone stuff, don't need felt. I have a pair of simms for warm weather, non wader duty that are nice. Had considered just getting another pair of those 2-3 sizes bigger, but didn't know if you guys had any input.
Boat is still in the shop waiting to be repaired. Guess I'll have to bust out the kayak at some point. Hard to get motivated to kayak fish once it starts getting cold. Yes I realize it doesn't get real cold here. Might just live vicariously through yall for a bit longer.
Finally going to get a good extended period of cool to cold weather. Need the water to temps to drop and clean up big time. Hopefully I can get out next weekend with the new 6 weight for some reds
Went again today. Caught about 22 fish. 10 reds, 5 flounder and 6 trout. Also caught a whiting way back in a creek. Back to back slams after not getting one in 1.5 years
Just doing my part. I've put in some hours in my stretch of the water and it finally paid off. Was awesome thinking "there should be a fish here about this time" and then landing it. I have a shot in my go pro calling me about to catch a trout.
Story on trout stocking by SC DNR http://scnaturalresourcesblog.com/h...s-of-helicopter-stocked-trout-runs-through-it
RJF-GUMP Tarpon Nole and other saltwater guy. I'm about to buy a 1000 size reel as I'm mostly catch and release and looking for a bit more fun. Any suggestions on rods? Currently using toadfish rod with diawa saltist 3000.
Yeah only kayak fishing. Like my 3000 is just manhandling these fish. I love the reel though. Survived many of dunks in the water
Gonna try to land some crappie some time this next week. Trying a new lake with a lot of standing timber. We shall see.
My other question is what is a recommendation for colder weather footwear. I've been wearing my llbean boots but they aren't comfortable at all in the water. I was either gonna grab some insulated deck boots or a neoprene SuP booty thing.
I've been wearing neoprene socks in my shoes while wet wading in the mountain streams since it's gotten cold. They've done well.