I got this wild idea.......

Captwalleye 06/08/2004 - 21:09 I hope I'm doing this right.Here goes.

I got off work this afternoon,and have been contemplating taking my yak up to the north branch of the Patapsco River.This is the one that drains from Liberty reservior.I should have gone yesterday (more water flow),but wussed out.Today,I went for it.

Packed it up and took off.To my pleasure,when I arrived I found the conditions to be worthy of a try.I knew I'd have to wade alittle and drag,but I was up for adventure.Just to get started I waded and pulled,than hopped on and took off.(I forgot my lifevest got to bring my average up better than fifty/fifty)The current was'nt too bad,and the water clear.It was beautiful.It turned out that I only had to get out two more times.There are a couple long pools that make you just stare and wonder.It really didn't take long to get there,and worth the effort.

I tryed a large tube a couple times in the likely looking spots as I went up,and got no takers.I tried the same lure all over the pool below the dam.The walls,wing dams,the giant current line in the middle,and even the face of the dam.I got one tap,and that was it.So I down sized to a bitsy tube with a 1/8oz jig head inside.I tried the east wall,the face,and that current line again,with the same results ZILCH! Then went over to where the water tumbled off the wall on the west side.I cast to the edge of the falling water,closed the bail,turned my head to check my surroundings,and almost lost my rod.Wham! Something big was trying to jerk me from my yak.It all worked out line strength,drag setting,and raw power,that I enjoyed my first "Nantucket Sleigh Ride".This fish was towing me around,something I haven't had the pleasure of since 1997,when I had a boat in the lake above me,and got free rides from the Stripers,I hooked up there.My ride lasted close to two minutes,and my adversary really showed his stuff.I'd like to say it was a trophy bass,but that wouldn't be true.It was a nineteen inch Carp.A Buglemouth Bass.I got my disposble camera out and took it's picture,measured it,removed the hook,and thanked it as I let it go.That was icing to an already terrific trip.

I fiddle around awhile longer,and tried a Senko worm too,but no takers.I know there are fish there,cause I walk up there and have a good time,almost evey trip.I wonder if their gorged on Cicadas.I'll go back again when conditions allow it,as soon as possible.As I started back down out of there,I had the notion to tie on a 1/8 oz.buzzbzit.That proved to be a smooth move.I caught my first ever buzzbait fish on the way out.One smallmouth 10",a largemouth 11",and one 5" sunfish with an attitude.Kept slapping the lure till he got hooked,on the fifth try.

This was a great evening,and thought I'd attempt to share it.So far this year the fishing has been tough.Maybe,it just pacing itself,for the long run.We'll see... be cool and go fish! Capt.

You got one on me Captain!!

smalljaw 06/08/2004 - 21:34
Great story!! The way it should be done...go out and have some fun. It's not about the biggest or the most it is all about what you described Captain.

I have caught catfish on tubes but NEVER a carp and a Nantucket Sleigh Ride. That sounds like fun! To steal a phrase from my little ones "I want to do it, I want to do it!!"

Mike is right about them buzzbaits too. I've been fishing them the last couple of trips down to the pond and I think I might need to check into rehab.

Thanks for sharing Capt.

Thank you!

Captwalleye 06/09/2004 - 05:43 I was still wound up from it all,could you tell? Definetly,a unique
experience.Next time I want to go earlier,so I can spend more time prospecting that current seam.I know theres gold in there,and I will find it.
That's the most different water condtions I've dealt with so far in my short time wielding a yak.Current,wind,and I guess you could call them swells (small ones)The other thing was the initial high pressure loading of my rod,when the fish took off.That adrenalin rush was cool!
My mind was racing,what is it? Will the line and hook hold?What is it?
Yes,It was all good.
Jeff,when your turn comes,you'll love it.The ride is great.The brown rocket is sure to please.Make sure you thank them,as you let them go.
I've gone up there on foot awhile ago,and caught a couple carp on a
# 7 gold floating rapala.(Seriously,they were hooked fair and square in the inside of the mouth)That was a really good evening too.You could smell fish in the air.I caught smallmouth,largemouth bass,crappie,bluegills,redeyes,yellow perch,and carp.That was another unique trip.
The buzzbait was another mile stone for me.I've tried them,but never really had any confidence in them.That was corrected last night.
They work,and it's a visually stimulating techique.Also took a picture of that first fish smallmouth bass.I need to figure out how to carry a digital camera,so I can record,and share my adventures.
To be continued.... Be cool,go fish! Capt

Nice job Capt!

muskalungee 06/08/2004 - 21:18 Capt, it's great to see you posting a story! That is fantastic about the buzzbait, it's such an exciting bait to catch fish on. Be carefull though it's adicting!
And a carp on a tube? Wow, these cicada's must really be driving them crazy! I must say though, you are crazy for going out with out your vest. Trust me, it's that shallow water that can put you in a world of hurt in a hurry. We like having you around Capt, so be safe....and keep the stories coming!

Muskalungeeeeeeee!
-Mike

I didn't go vestless intentionally

Captwalleye 06/09/2004 - 08:27 Thank you,Mike.I've already implimented a cure for no life vest.Wrap the straps around my paddle.That should solve that.I was watching the bottom get further and further away from the surface,when I realized my error.I just whipped it into extreme caution mode,and paddled on.Have I mentioned that,I'm a hardhead!I was more worried about meeting the dreaded "Strainer",but to my surprise there were none.
Yes,the cicada are providing plenty of chow for all the fish.I was fishing above the dam uplake over the past weekend,and observed the carp cruising the shoreline like sharks.I also catch one on a # 3 gold sinking rapala rigged on ultalight gear.That was a battle too.That fish was about nineteen inch too.I thought I had a striper,and was going to get spooled again.(Hate that!)
My buzzbait initiation,means more confidence,and upsizing.This is going to be wild.I'll keep you posted.
Hopefully,I'll be able to post from time to time,and even get some photos too. Be cool,go fish! Capt