EricM, Nuke still comatose, catfish, 4-22-10

[EricM]

I spent a couple of hours at the nuke discharge area on the Chick this morning. There were 8 - 10 boats in the area, and I saw a total of ONE fish being played, which came off before being landed. I had one *tap* in the area and that was it, using skipjack for bait. There may have been more action than that, but I sure didn't see it. I tried several places, and finally had one 7 pound blue cat pick up the bait while I was jiggling it.</p>

I cruised the area, and saw no bait balls with the side scan. It appears that the shad are not in the area. I saw no surface activity except for a couple of buffalo jumping. I saw no schools of fish except where I would expect to see the buffalo and the paddlefish. No schools of white bass or skipjack or spotted/largemouth bass, but without shad there is no reason for them to be there. No birds were working the area. Seems the gulls have not been there much at all this winter.</p>

If anyone has seen the schools threadfin shad, would you let me know the general areas - shallow bays, channel edges, main river, etc.? This is rather odd for this time of year. They are apparently finally showing below the dams since there is a fair action there right now, but still........</p>

Sorry for the poor report, but it is still valuable info for those who like to frequent the area.</p>

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[Kfish]

I went yesterday got up there at about 10 am fish til noon end up catching 14 cats on weighed 13 pounds

 

[Cathooker]

Very valueable report my friend...thanks very much. Sorry they did not bite for you today.

 

[hazzzardcounty]

thanks for the info, better luck next time

 

[tie1on]

The threadfin are just starting to show up below the Chick. They are still pretty deep and the ones that I saw come to the surface, being chased by fish, were very small. Probably about 2" long at best.

 

[shsimons]

I made a ton of anchors in march with only a few small fish, the bait definintely can't be there. I mean if you fish that area enough it's a just a matter of time. Sounds like you better get below the dam until that nuke shapes up. Crazy how each year is different.

 

[Bigger Cat]

Great report Eric. Thanks. I hear skipjack are showing up below Watts Bar?? Haven't verified yet.

Maybe this rain coming will fill the lakes up and they will start pulling some current. Can't wait. I wanted to visit the nuke today but the wind hates my toon.

Don't catch them all but do catch a bunch.