Ice on Ramps?

[know1]

OK. Here's the report:

It was COLD! We were on the water at a little after 8 EST. NWS said the temp was 10° at that time. Fished the shadiest bank about mid-creek. Wind was pretty calm, but gusts of it did come up at times. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Only 1 other trailer in the parking lot and it was still there when we left. No ice on the ramp, but there was some that we caused when we pulled out at about 12:45.

We stayed pretty warm except for our hands. I had every sweatshirt and jacket that I own on. Guides on the rod would freeze up in about a minute or two.

Fishing was slow on the FnF. We only had 3-4 bites/pulldowns. Fortunately, I hooked up on one of them and landed a VERY fat 19.5" SM. This was my second biggest smallmouth ever in terms of length. The 22" was longer, but I'd bet this one might have been almost a pound heavier. My brother said it was the heaviest SM he'd ever lifted.

That being said, we did take a picture. Now I know that most fishing pictures turn out to be a bit disappointing, but this one really does not do the fish justice. I guess it was because he was standing up and taking the picture from above. If you zoom in and look at the size of its mouth compared to my hand, you'll see how big it was. Also, the fish was out of the water only 2 mins at most and you'll notice that the water was already freezing on its fins. You can also see the steam rising off the water.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mdv1234/...64818148234434


Michael

[MsgMills]

Nice fish, but I'm still staying indoors where it's warm.....

[DJD]

Nice Smallmouth! What was the water temp?

[know1]

Nice Smallmouth! What was the water temp?

Water Temp was 45°.

A week ago it was 47°.

I thought about jumping in to warm up!

Michael

[know1]

Oh yeah - we did not see a single other boat on the water...just the trailer in the parking lot.

[18'stratos]

I fished yesterday, put in at the dam. Went straight across and fished main lake points. Water temp there was 47.2-47.8. Water slightly stained. Could see fly about 2-1/2 feet deep. See post Back from Cumberland. Oh......no ice on the ramp. Those deep chanels on the ramp really did their job.

[Bassky]

Carry a 5 gallon bucket. The lake water is warmer than the ice pour on the icy spots. Be careful.
Bassky

[FlyLie]

Michael,
Nice fish. Also, sounds like you paid your dues.
Gary