Rockfish in the fog with Fat Albert-Tues. 11-14

[DHaun]

Al, one thing I know about tailrace fishing is its unpredictable at times. I have in several cases been the one to catch most fish and other times been a victim of multiple bad luck drifts watching others reel in all the fish. I have been outfished by total rookies I had in the boat when the striper were running below Nickajack and at other times felt sympathy for those dangling broken lines in the wind as I reeled in fish after fish...so I can relate to this particular situation. Your time will come buddy. I figure the more you go rockfishing below the Dam the better you get at understanding all the variables (especially with the King) and I almost always learn something new each time I go.

You all are a riot to read but I know one thing for sure. You got up early and got out there in the fog and cold and fished Watts Bar in your PJs while folks like me sat in a cubicle on conference calls most of the day so I'm happy to come home and have some enjoyment reading about your adventure. Hats off to all you you guys who get out there during the week and post your reports - I really enjoy them emoThumbsup

 

[drumking]

DHaun - 11/14/2006 9:35 PM



You all are a riot to read but I know one thing for sure. You got up early and got out there in the fog and cold and fished Watts Bar in your PJs while folks like me sat in a cubicle on conference calls most of the day so I'm happy to come home and have some enjoyment reading about your adventure. Hats off to all you you guys who get out there during the week and post your reports - I really enjoy them emoThumbsup

David, MB, FA and myself have known each other for ages. I went to school with MB and worked with FA for nearly 40 years. So we are old school buddies. Love to get in the gig every once in a while, but it is all in fun. Al and I had a terrific time of fellowship this morning and I treasured every moment.

Cheez, what a lousy time to go to Mo. See what you missed? Next Wednesday or Friday after Thanksgiving sound alright to you? I still have to get Gator up there after you.emoGeezer

 

[foodsaver]

Fat Albert Im glad you finally got to go. It makes me feel better that I wasn't the only one to just watch DK reel in the fish

 

[Guest]

Yes Dickie it is not the best time to be in MO. They are calling for snow tonight. Wednesday and Friday sound good to me. emoLaugh
Oh you said Wednesday OR Friday. Either day is OK. Just let me know. I might need a lesson or two myself as I haven't striper fished in 5 years or so.

Cheez

 

[TennesseeTalker]

Gosh I love this place!!!

It's not even about the fish although they're exciting to see .. but the people are priceless.

emoGrouphug

TT

 

[Fat Albert]

David, your kindness and kind words are much appreciated. It is almost bearable to continue to live and fish again. It is the rest of these hooligans that have given me multiple complexes. I will survive to fish again.emoWorthy

 

[Gator]

Man, what a fun report. I'd rather read FA, MB, and DK post than watch Andy on TV. I know you guys had a great time. I'm looking forward to a trip up there soon my ownself.
Gator

 

[TheFisherman]

FA in pj's? I expected him to be in shorts and a sweatshirt (even if it's freezin')!!!!! Maybe he doesn't have any long pants or jeans!!!!!! Good lookin' fish though and all that matters is that you had a good time with a good friend - and can laugh at yourself some!!!

Where's Shocker when I really need him? Somebody's gotta take me up there striper fishin' - Only been once, below the Pickwick Dam. We caught some 10 to 12 pounders, nothin' huge.

 

[Liveliner]

I am assuming that you guys were below Watts. I have not been there for years and I was not the pilot then. I am planning a trip up there toward the end of next week to throw some bait at the rocks. I was in the last map study at R&L on 153 and was made aware of the rock piles. Is there a map or chart available that shows the area of the rock piles. With all this water do you think by next Thursday it be normal enough to give it a shot? At what water level does the rock piles start to create a problem?

 

[fishinvol]

MadBomber - 11/14/2006 4:11 PM

Ha, I wasn't even there and got bad-mouthed anyway!!! I only called twice and it was to DK's cell phone. And, 12 lb Berkely Big Game is TOO big enough for striper fishing. I have NEVER had a striper break me off using 12 lb test!!. Of course, I don't hammer my star drag down as far as it will go either. I asked FA why he had his drag set so tight and he said "SO I CAN GET A GOOD HOOK SET". Big Dummy!!

FA and Clint make a good team "It's all about the hook set"!!emoBigsmile

I landed this 15 lb'er on 8 lb test. What do you think about that, big boy??

Hey M.B. last fall I got into the stripe really good below Chick. dam and all I ever used was 8lb test. I never had one fish break my line,now I had 4 or 5 break my lure but never my line. I just let em run a while.

 

[drumking]

Liveliner - 11/16/2006 8:36 AM

I am assuming that you guys were below Watts. I have not been there for years and I was not the pilot then. I am planning a trip up there toward the end of next week to throw some bait at the rocks. I was in the last map study at R&L on 153 and was made aware of the rock piles. Is there a map or chart available that shows the area of the rock piles. With all this water do you think by next Thursday it be normal enough to give it a shot? At what water level does the rock piles start to create a problem?

The rock piles and steel are not a problem if TVA is running 5 turbines. Winter level and low flow is the time to be extremely careful. There are 2 rockpiles that are below the power lines that are easy to see if they are running a lot of water. If they are not, you may see a blue heron doing his Bible imitation of walking on the water, when in reality he is standing knee deep on one of those rockpiles. Please don't run over there if you care anything about your motor. There is one more subtle rockpile below the power lines that is more out of the current flow and is the one that MadBomber hit and ruined his motor. The eddy water around it is very faint, but the rocks can obviously cause damage.

The steel I-beams are near the wingwall and slightly downstream on the calm water side. The safest way to run if you don't know exactly what to look for is to run the Rhea Co side and within 10-12 feet of the bank all the way up to the dam. This may spook some fish that are on that side but at least you won't hit anything. Again, winter level water and low flow is the time to be extra cautious. Hope this helps, Liveliner.emoGeezer