Chestatee River/North Georgia
Had a fairly easy day at work, plus it was much cooler today than it has been, so decided to go hit one of my favorite bank fishing holes before dark. Water was fairly muddy (less than a foot visibility) from a few scattered showers and I am guessing about 70 degrees, or maybe a tad cooler. Today I decided to throw a Storm Kickin' Stick in the Blue Steel color, with of course an added on tail in place of the rear treble(I always add a tail to all my hardbaits). Here is what it looks like (after hitting lots of rocks and chipping some paint):
About the 6th or 7th cast I was getting discouraged(not a big area to fish and usually get hit in the first few casts or not at all), but then there was a huge boil and it was on... This one really was in good shape and went downstream so fast the line whizzed as it cut through the water. I thought I has lost it as it was coming downstream towards me and I couldn't reel fast enough, but then it turned upstream and went back up to the shoals, peeling drag the whole way. Got it turned again and it made a few small runs but managed to get it in without too much problem (50 lb braid with 10' 25 lb test Fluorocarbon leader tied line to line using the Albright Knot with 5 extra wraps). Didn't have scale but fish was 36 inches and about 20 lbs I would guess. I was by myself and these phone/camera pictures do not do this fish justice.
Not a monster but not too bad for a lure, from the bank. I was doing my usual cast up into the rapids and dead drift it just trying to keep the slack out. Fish hit right at the end of the whitewater, which is where they seem to hang out/feed the most, at least on the rivers I fish. Dawn is definitely the best time to be striper fishing in the rivers right now, but it wasn't too hot today as it was overcast all day and sometimes they feed well in the evening too. That was the only bite I got, but I am not complaining. Tight Lines. Dirk
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