Fishing Forum

The winter weather hasn't totally ended, but most of the snow melted and I launched on Chickamauga Lake Saturday with Ross Malone. It was a brisk 27 degrees and the initial water temperature we found was 39 DEGREES. Eek!<br /><br />Ross and I managed two quick keeper crappie but then the fishing went cold (literally). We ran around the lake, dodging the CBA crowd, in search of warmer water, and crappie, without success. Then following a report from CFF's enmreal, about 10:30 we headed for (slightly) warmer water (41 degrees).<br /><br />Bingo! Ross and I had to slug it out to catch keeper crappie -- there were lots of yellow bass and short crappie -- but in time we pounded out 18 slabs, both white and black crappie.<br /><br />My hot lure so far this year has been a pink/chartreuse Crappie Magnet affixed to a 1/16th oz. chartreuse Road Runner head. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO EVIDENCE.<br /><br />We had the pleasure of crossing paths with Tenncrapie pulling his famous planer boards. Of course I'm pulling a pair of them myself these days. Love them... it really helps with line management when long-line trolling.<br /><br />On Sunday I headed for the Riverpark with Dr. Randy Holder (GulfBum4) in search of smallmouth. I can honestly say that Sunday was one of the worst days fishing I've had in years. emoBawl I've had some great trips this year, but as jimwarden said on Facebook, "Richard's 'Fabled Fishing Fantasy Ride' has turned back into a pumpkin."<br /><br />In spite of Tuesday's success, the F&F failed me. emoBang We fished from 8 am until 4 pm .. Float & Fly, Live Shiners and crappie jigs. Our total catch was one drum, one catfish (lost at the boat) and three measly striped bass. <br /><br />Oh well, there is nowhere to go but up, and that means life is good and gettin' better everyday.<br />