I have no clue why I didn’t wander to this creek in September or October, especially with the outstanding weather we had all fall. Those are the months where a 100 fish day is a definite possibility. A somewhat mild day in November wouldn’t be the same, but I had to make a much delayed pilgrimage.
The water was clear, but the deeper pools were stained enough that I couldn’t see the bottoms. There would be fish there, but in no great numbers or size. I scaled down to a small jig and a 2 inch twister in pearl and gray. Most bait fish aren’t much bigger than this and everything eats them.
The little taps of fish came immediately and even this diminutive offering was too much for them. Eventually a hand sized smallie was hooked.
If all you saw was the fish with no size reference, it’s perfect shape and color would have led you to believe it could be much bigger. The largest I’ve caught from this creek was 20 inches, this one had possibilities.
The high limestone bluffs lining the creek topped with a canopy of trees seemed to protect some of the leaves from shedding and disappearing. This first week of November still offered fall colors both reflected on and floating on the water. The frosts of night seemed to have skipped over this spot temporarily.
In between the floating leaves I cast to small pools. I would swim the bait a few inches below the surface. Hordes of river shiners would follow along with schools of baby bluegills nipping at its tail. Every now and then a baby largemouth would try to inhale the 2 inches of plastic.
Many years ago in the fall I noticed a lot of bluegills mixed in with baifish all around in the river and in the creeks and ditches. A fisheries biologist told me that the gills and baitfish migrate up the river and creeks in the fall. Many years ago I read a fishing tip from the river god Dan Gapen. In the fall fish the lift before a set of riffles, this is a typical fall holding spot.
At the mouth of this creek, just down stream, was a lift before a set of riffles. Based on the fish migrations and the fall holding spot , you couldn’t have created a better fishing location in your dreams. Initial casts into the lift went untouched, then a hard thump was felt and something was trying to get to the middle of the river while hugging the bottom. It never jumped, just kept bull dogging along the bottom. Even at my feet it just kept turning and running, not a single jump.
The fish looked big, but it’s mouth didn’t keep up with its length.
It wasn’t till I lifted it from the water that it’s size became apparent. It’s gill plate was the size of my fist, but that mouth was deceptively small. I thought of getting out my camera, setting it up on shore, setting the timer and getting myself in the picture, but that seemed like a form of torture for the fish. I held out my hand and took the shot. Held it up against my rod, marked the spot and got the fish back in the water.
A few more casts produced a couple more fish, baby brothers of the big one. Then the sun went off the water and the bite died. On the other side of the river were more bluffs sitting drenched by the sun. The slow moving pool in front of them was inviting. Getting across the river was impossible, unless I felt like swimming. I estimated in my head how long it would take to drive and walk to the other side. The sun would be gone by then. Another day perhaps.
I used to diligently measure the fish I caught, but gave up on that years ago. Now I guesstimate, I have nothing to prove anymore. Catching the fish is enough. Till you get one this size. When I got home I ran the tape measure to the spot I had marked on my rod, 19 inches. But then I didn’t straighten out the fish, close it’s mouth or pinch it’s tail to get an official measurement. It could have been bigger, but I’ll settle for a 19 inch smallie in November.
Mike Savlen
23 Nov 2010Nice story and pictures, theres something about shots looking into the water with the reflections of the trees in some areas and others when you see right to the bottom. Nice smallie too, 19 inches is certainly worthy of summing it up as a great day of fishing
Ken G
23 Nov 2010Thanks Mike, I have a lot of shots like that waiting for me to do something with them. And the big smallies don’t hurt, especially out of the creeks.
Ken
22 Mar 2011Ken,
First have to say, wonderful writing…I felt like I was there…
Second, beautiful pictures…I felt like I was there…
And lastly, the little fish is just cute and ambitious! Of course, the big brother is impressive for all his own reasons. Thank you for sharing this post I would have other wised missed!
Rebecca
Ken G
22 Mar 2011Thank you Rebecca.
I think one of the big issues with blogs, forums even, is how do you get the older ones some attention.
You can only read so much. Things like work and life get in the way on a regular basis.
The River Damsel
23 Mar 2011Enjoyed the pictures immensely! Nice fishing!! I don’t know why that small fish would want to grab such a big bait…but, ok!!
Ken G
23 Mar 2011I’ve actually caught smaller ones only I couldn’t find the pictures in my collection fast enough. I guess fish don’t have a gag reflex. Thanks RD.