Decided it was time to hit some river smallmouth this
weekend. Went close to home Saturday evening around dusk fishing from the bank.
Had 5 massive blow-ups on a top-water popper in twenty min’s time. Caught two
of the five fish that hit, with the biggest fish pushing 3lb. That fish jumped
six times!! (the other was in the 2lb.
range)
Got up Sunday and hit the French Broad early, I think we
were paddling downstream by 7:45am. Fish turned on around 8-9:45ish and we
ended up catching 9 smallies total and one good sized rock bass. We were off the water by noon. The fish took
jigs (both all plastic and skirted) and a bright yellow (black on tops) med. size
Rebel crawfish crank bait. (Fished w/ stop and go) Most fish were tight to
shore near rocks, or in rock ledges near runs. Water had 3-4 foot visibility
but still was stained looking in most spots.
