9-6-2006 Riverpark Spots

[MrWiskers]

Went fishing with Bbass (as a backseat guide) from the Riverpark today. Billy wanted to see what all the fuss was about the Spotted Bass problem we have at the tailwaters. We started the day fishing down past Mocussan Bend. The bite was slow, and we boated 8 fish in that area, all spots. We decided to run back up closer to the Riverpark and fish some riprap (Madbomber would be proud). Billy managed to catch the largest spot I have seen this year. Billy's scales did not work however we estimated the fish at around 3.5lbs. Nice.

Numbers:
10 bass boated
2 bass hooked but not boated
all spots
4 fish over 12" with a total estimated weight of around 7 lbs.

AlvinC was fishing the same section of the river with his son. They boated 13 with 12 of them being spots. The other fish was a 2-2.5lb largemouth.

 

[Buoy-Master]

<p align="left">Thanks again for going Mike. I had a great time getting to know a different area of water. You wore me out on the #s but I still enjoyed the trip...and the BIG Bass!

</p><p align="left">We'll have to go again soon.</p>

 

[Fat Albert]

Nice report and even a better smile with the fish... emoGeezer

 

[MadBomber]

Great reports that still back up my theory that the population of small Lm & Sm is way down!!

 

[MrWiskers]

I forgot to tell what we caught these on. 9 out 10 we boated were caught on a black/blue jig with a Uncle Josh blue pork and one was caugth on a bone colored crank.

AlvinC caught most of his fish on a lizard.

Most fish came within 5 feet of the bank. Gotta love river fishing.

 

[Buoy-Master]

I see all the big fuss now. Unreal how many you can catch! </p>

BTW and just for the records...I did get one online, over the boat, then he shook loose, HIT THE DECK of the boat and back into the water. That does count as a catch and quick release....dosent it?

</p>

Looking forward to the next trip. Very Soon!</p>

 

[drumking]

MadBomber - 9/7/2006 6:27 AM

Great reports that still back up my theory that the population of small Lm & Sm is way down!!

MadBomber, if you are in town next week, what say we go down there and eliminate about 10 of those spots? What say ye? I feel like a Bass dinner. I won't get "spotted" fever from those fish will I?emoRolleyes emoGeezer

 

[MrWiskers]

I am having spots for dinner tonight. I would put them up against any river fish as far as taste and texture.

 

[flip1up]

Nice fish guys. That one dont really look like a Spot. I guess its hard to tell with the camera angle though.

 

[MrWiskers]

flip1up - 9/7/2006 11:58 AM

Nice fish guys. That one dont really look like a Spot. I guess its hard to tell with the camera angle though.

It had a realy large mouth but it did have the tounge patch. I thought it was a largemouth at first too. Could be a hybrid, not sure. I have seen hybrid smallmouth/spots that looked like a smallmouth but had the tounge patch. I believe they are called meanmouths.

 

[Fishheadspin]

i thought it looked like LM too. I have not seen any crosses with spots and LM but i am sure they are there.

Beetlespin and I have been calling those spot/SM crosses SPOTMOUTHS for years.

 

[flip1up]

I have seen fish that look just like a largemouth but had a tooth patch get turned down at tournaments a couple of times when the Lg.mouth limit was 15". Back when Mike Stubbs was running the PBF trail, that was something he looked for. Either way, its still a good looking fish.

 

[Buoy-Master]

That fish looks like a LM but the mouth didnt go past the eyes and the "spot" or "tooth like" was on the tongue. Its legit..LOL</p>

 

[flip1up]

Back in the winter the BigFishGuide caught a huge Spotted Bass below Nick. dam. It was pushing 6 pounds I believe. He submitted the fish for State record consideration. He told me on a PM that this fish looked exactly like a Spotted Bass, not anything like a Lg.mouth. The biology report came back to show that it had a few Lg.mouth genes and was turned down for the record. They do definently mix. If you do a post search there is some very interesting reading about the topic. Polo flaunted his 8-10 years of education trying to explain to some of us idiots all of the dynamics about this " Hybrid". His explaination left some of us scratching our heads, but I think hes right when he says that this fish should be recognized as a "Hybrid" officially. Look for Berry, BigFishGuide, to be stalking the BIG BRUISER SPOTS below Nick. again this winter. I believe there is no doubt that a State record is swimming in those waters and catchable during the winter months there.

 

[MadBomber]

drumking - 9/7/2006 9:42 AM

MadBomber - 9/7/2006 6:27 AM

Great reports that still back up my theory that the population of small Lm & Sm is way down!!

MadBomber, if you are in town next week, what say we go down there and eliminate about 10 of those spots? What say ye? I feel like a Bass dinner. I won't get "spotted" fever from those fish will I?emoRolleyes emoGeezer

Pick a Day!!! I put a fresh pack of spot filets in the freezer today. You will get "spotted fever" but it's primary symptom is the overpowering urge to throw a bandit at rip rap.

 

[drumking]

MadBomber - 9/7/2006 6:41 PM

drumking - 9/7/2006 9:42 AM

MadBomber - 9/7/2006 6:27 AM

Great reports that still back up my theory that the population of small Lm & Sm is way down!!

MadBomber, if you are in town next week, what say we go down there and eliminate about 10 of those spots? What say ye? I feel like a Bass dinner. I won't get "spotted" fever from those fish will I?emoRolleyes emoGeezer

Pick a Day!!! I put a fresh pack of spot filets in the freezer today. You will get "spotted fever" but it's primary symptom is the overpowering urge to throw a bandit at rip rap.

Tuesday 1/2 day. You pick am or pm. I'll take a shot for the spotted fever.emoGeezer

 

[MadBomber]

AM 7:00 Be at the Riverpark. I'll furnish lures and rods too, if you like.

 

[drumking]

MadBomber - 9/7/2006 8:11 PM

AM 7:00 Be at the Riverpark. I'll furnish lures and rods too, if you like.

You are so generous MB. I'll be there at 7:00 at the Riverpark. I'll bring 1 casting rod and 1 spinning rod. Probably fish with corndogs. I hear that they are deadly on spots.emoBigsmile emoGeezer