07-01-2009, 09:00 AM
Like drumking, I too had managed to be up and about in the dark on my way to the river. On a whim, I stopped on the way to the cattin&#39; grounds and caught a dozen bluegill for bait. Used small ones whole and cut up the larger ones. Man oh man, it sure was nice to get out again. Been quite a while. My last adventure involved the concrete of nickajack dam.....................<br /><br />I drifted the nuke today to see if the cats were coming off of the spawn. The answer is - just beginning. The smaller fish, 1 to 2 pounds, are out in force, and small hooks and tiny baits will fill a cooler with the &quot;fry &#39;em whole&quot; size. I certainly didn&#39;t have a Southerncats day, or even a Spur/minner/Beep day, but it was a lot of fun in a very nice steady breeze this morning. I landed 16 cats (but was constantly harassed by tiny nibbles) and had a real shock when I cranked up a 16&quot; white bass on a bluegill fillet from the bottom in 42 feet of water!! This is a first for me, never have caught a white, hybrid, or striper on cut bait - although I hear it happens. I even snaped a pic for proof! I took a picture of the 24 pound blue today too.<br /><br />Nothing lost, nothing broken, not even any personal bodily injury. Great day!!! emoBig