Wheeler Blues 10/28/2006

[Southerncats]

I went fishing twice today the water is really moving and that's usually a good sign.......The wind was a killer though blowing straight up river too....we caught three this morning, the first one we hooked into was a nice one, it was really difficult for my client 81 years young to fight him against the current......It turned out to be a 44 incher, but man was it fat...34inches in girth.......next stop we hooked into another hawg, it two put up a heck of a fight in the rolling river current...it ended up being bigger than the first one a 48 1/2 incher and again a fat 34inches in girth......we then caught a 13 pounder and they were ready to call it a day by 12:30

Round 2

I went out for two hours before dark this evening with an outdoor writer.....we caught 4 the biggest being 24 lbs......it was allot calmer, but I just couldn't get that hawg to bite when the heat was on.

 

[shsimons]

Mike,

Nice big blue man! Congrats on showing that a guy a great time. Think I would have wanted to stay out all day with those hawgs biting!

Sam

 

[fisherpal2k]

Good job there Mike. Nice pic and looks like the gent enjoyed it, glad ya'll had a good day..Thanks for the report..emoThumbsup

 

[foodsaver]

man thats a good fish. Any idea how much it weighed?

 

[Southerncats]

They were both heavy fish, I couldn't believe how fat they were...expecially the 44incher, I would guess it around 63 lbs.....the one in the pic was 48inches and I would guess it right around 70lbs............I'am gonna invest in a 100 Lb portable digital scale soon........The fish in the pic was caught by Billy who is taking the Picture.....We got pics of the other fish but only on 35mm film.

 

[Bprice]

Way to go Mike!

 

[minner]

Nice fish Mike, glad to see they are still biting. Looks like you could use a handle on that net thoughemoScratch .

 

[Southerncats]

Allen....I'am bad about taking the handle off the net when I get a big fish in the bottom of the boat.....just seems to get it out of the way and makes it easier to get the fish out as well......if I weigh fish, I leave them in the net and take the handle off so I guess part of it is just habit.

 

[DHaun]

Great report Southerncats! Sounds like they are still biting strong down that way. How deep were you fishing? Were you all drifting or anchored?

 

[Southerncats]

Anchoring.......30 ft in one spot and 50 ft in another....I only fished two areas all day due to wind.....I fish all winter long, it's the best time to catch a true trophy blue.....I wish I could go everyday right now.....I had a trip booked for this Sat. but they canceled.....my wife won't let me go unless I'm getting paid...lol.....I love it....it makes a trip when someone catches the biggest fish of their life, and has some good quality fun with friends or family........hopefully I'll get a few more folks hooked on catfishing.....Not bragging, but I hope I've helped get a few people on this board hooked.

Mike

 

[DHaun]

Yep, I like that no-crowd peaceful Winter fishing myself - I caught my second largest blue in December and there have been a few other nice Winter time cats posted here as well. That fattie above just went into the CFF HOF - Thanks for the report!

 

[Fishing machine]

Super report Mike. emoThumbsup Those are some very good catfish. Congrads on your trip emoToast What bait were you using?

 

[minner]

Southerncats - 10/30/2006 5:16 PM
.....Not bragging, but I hope I've helped get a few people on this board hooked.

Mike

I'll give you a vote MikeemoThumbsup

 

[Southerncats]

Skipjack.......always.....I dont even take other baits..........unless I want to try and catch a flattie, channel, or some eaters.....sometimes I'll use shad if I'am out of skipjack.......other baits will work for big blues, but I use what I have the most confidence in.

 

[shsimons]

Well Mike,

I have to tell you I have the most confidence in Skipjack as well. After a few trips with you, between Josh and I, we have caught about a 25, 30, 38, 43, 62, and a 70. I'd say Skipjack works just fine. We also fish with skipjack in Indiana and can personally say that the skipjack outperforms shad. Josh has already been asking me when we are going out fishing with you again. The only bad thing about him catching that 70 is I never hear the end of it how he has the biggest blue cat now!

 

[Southerncats]

Sam....Honestly after that first trip I had with you and Josh.....I didn't expect to see yall again......I'am glad yall gave me a chance to redeem myself.......You are gonna have to sneak on down here by yourself and see if we cant beat Josh's 70.

 

[tarheel]

Nice pictures Mike. Do you only guide on Wheeler or do you guide on a lake closer to Chattanooga? Drop me a PM, I may want to take my 12 year old on a trip with you.

 

[Bprice]

Tony, I tell you what, if there are catfish that swim in those waters Mike can find them!

 

[tarheel]

Brandon, I believe you buddy! I would love to see Bradley hooked up with a 70lb catfish.emoTongue