Labman, Chickamauga, Crappie ++, 12/20/09, Solo

[FishNews]

Had some interesting fishing today. Started about 8:30 and the first dock I hit caught a nice 13 1/2' crappie on the second cast, next cast 13", next cast 13" and next cast 14 1/2 tarp. Man I thought this is too easy, going to kill em today. In 15 minutes on that dock I caught 9 Crappie and the smallest was 12 1/2. Then they abruptly stopped cold. I kept trying and switched baits for another 15 minutes, but no more fish there. All were caught on a BG Shad in bluegrass color on 1/16th oz jig head. Water was about 12' at front of dock.<br /><br />I moved on and tried a couple more docks picking up 2 more good crappie on one dock and a single on another dock. I think the fish were there but just not feeding actively. The water was up and was still rising all day. The main river was very muddy, but some of the bays/sloughs were not nearly as bad. I caught no fish on the main river channel. I made a stop in a marina up river and got no crappie, but had some interesting action. First I caught a small drum that got me thinking I had another TARP, but no go for that. Then I had a hit at the back of an open dock. Up came the largest LM Bass that I have ever hooked. A true bucketmouth. I got him up again and had a good look before he went down again. I was trying to move him out of the dock and he dove under a crossbar that was about 4' under the water. I was fumbling trying to get him some slack, and could feel the line sawing, 4# line won't take much of that and he was gone as the line broke. I guesstimate him at 7-8#, but they always look bigger in the water, lol. I have pics of the crappie, but the bass is just a fish story about the one that got away.<br /><br />I ended the day at 2:30 with 15 crappie the smallest 11.5 and the largest 14.5. After that first dock it was very hit or miss the rest of the day. Did catch a couple of nice ones on a brush pile in 16' and all the rest from docks. All fish released, including the bass I almost caught. Water was 47-44 degrees, and current was strong. I tried to fish a couple of bluffs, but too hard to hold boat and keep bows out of the line. I sure would love some stable water levels and lower current. I am still working on my one handed picture taking.<br /><br />Regards, Labman