striperchase, Hiwassee, Bass, 3/9/10, Friend

[FishNews]

Got out this morning for the first time this year. Got going late I didn't get to the Charleston boat dock till about 10a.m. to meet my buddy Stephen. Got the boat ready and our gear loaded and started down the ramp. As I got closer I noticed the ramp in my mirror and got out to look. The end of the ramp was only in about 1 foot of water. There was no way to launch a boat without dropping the wheels off the end of the ramp. Tied everything down and headed to B&B to try to launch. Had enough ramp in the water to launch the boat but the marina was only held about 3 foot of water.<br /><br />Eased out to the channel and headed up river. The water is way down probably the lowest I've fished it in a long time. Our first stop was the mouth of mouse creek. Threw cranks, Xr50's, spinner baits, shakey heads and jigs with no bites. Went up river to Olin and fished around the barges in 6 to about 15 FOW. Hooked up with a small fish that spit the hook and two cast later hooked a keeper. Fish went about 2 lbs and released. Kept fishing till 1:30 with no luck and headed back in. I was glad to get out today and have good company.<br /><br />Only fish caught was on a spinner bait shad color patern.<br />Water temp was 47 to 49 degrees.