USELESS thread....But not to me

[Barry Dye]

After a long hiatous from fishing, I couldn't stand it anymore, so even though they were calling for wind I loaded up the boat and headed out to the Hill on Saturday. I forgot my camera....even went off from the store and left my minnows and had to turn around and go back to get them. I had gone down to check the ramp on Friday evening and there was JUST enough ramp left in the water to launch. Got lines in right at 7:30 and the first fish over the side of the boat was a hefty 13" slab. Then the real fun started....I ran into a school with racing stripes Hooked a couple that nearly broke the rod holder and the 6 lbs. line was no match for them. Finally got a pretty good one in the boat and decided that with the wind and no help I would pull away from them. Caught a couple of nice green carp and one BIG one that broke me off, too. Ended up that spot with 5 more crappie, three of them being real good slabs (two whites and a black). I moved and switched out to tight line poles, but the wind was screaming by now, so I put them away and committed to pulling back against the wind. Caught another real quality fish and several small ones before making my last move. Caught 5 or 6 in a flurry in 7 FOW and another real good slab in 16 FOW. Fought a bad wind all day, but not one phone call and only 1 other boat all day!! Talked to a real nice couple fishing off a big toon and it was slow for them, but they'd just gotten started. I fished from 7:30 until 5:00 and absolutely NEEDED the peaceful day. I kept 6 real good crappie (12-14"), one green carp, and one striper. Turned loose 15 or more smaller fish. Stopped by Mama's and dressed and then cooked the day's catch and watched the second half of Georgia's UGLY victory over Florida (I'll take beating the GATORS any day....any way). Finished off the left-overs for lunch today. A blessing from the Lord with bad, but PEACEFUL conditions and a great day to be alive and on the water.

[Jay_Hawk06]

nice report. I haven't been to the hill in a month. Where were those stripes schooling at? I plan to start next week.

[Barry Dye]

JayHawk, I tried to send you a PM, but the text section is blacked out?? If you can send me a PM, I'll reply to you on where I ran into the stripers. I don't want you to have to elbow your way in there...and if I post it on here, the "lurkers" on the site who never post, but always show up at the "hot spots" will make a bee-line to it.

[Timk]

Thanks for a great report

[STUMP HUNTER]

Good to hear you were able to spend the day on the lake. Had to be nice even with the wind blowing. Thanks for the report.

[Eatmorecrappie]

Thanks for the report Barry I enjoyed reading it. I didn't know the Hill was that low but then again I have never been there. How low is it from normal?

[Crappie Buster]

Great report Mr. Barry. Sounds like much needed day of peace and relaxation. I know the wind made for some tough conditions, but it sounds like you made the best of it and caught some quality fish! Congrats.

[gabowman]

Great report Barry, and it's good to hear the bigger crappie are feeding again.............finally. Glad you was able to get out again to feel the pull & get a little stress relief. Maybe that is what I need too as it has been several weeks now since my last trip. Shoot me a PM and tell me about those short boat ramps though as my boat probably backs into the lake a little more than your does. I dont NEED that kind of problem in the cold water. Congrats again on your catch!

[Papacrappie]

sounds like a good trip

[bearclaw]

Congrats Barry on a nice "mixed bag" catch.Thanks for sharing info with JayHawk.I do understand exactly about the "lurkers" and feel the same way you do.Thats pretty much the reason you dont read any lake wateree striper post here anymore.