Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Bob and I hit the UP today. There was already a boat trailer there but we did beat John to the ramp!  He arrived just as we were launching.

The 1st order of business was some top water, which Bob requested. He did get a couple of sniffs but they looked like teeny fish.

It was a chilly start but there was no wind...yet.

We got to chat with John before he took off up river.

We stuck around and fished close for a bit while it warmed up but we did not score.  Maybe a couple of bites. Maybe not.

At our next stop, Bob was able to take the skunk off the boat!



But that was it there.

Still not wanting to run, we made another stop just up river.

I made a cast and got slammed! I declared a big fish! But after a bit, the roll gave it away!



Still, I had my skunk off too!

It was only a few minutes later that I heard Bob's infamous #@!*&! after missing a fish. But it was followed by a different kind of yell. One that hurts! It seems that he pulled something in his shoulder. The pain was evident. After settling down, I said that we could go in and call it but Bob wanted none of that. Somehow, he adjusted and was able to cast (kind of) with only 8 or 9 "ouch" hollers after that.

The next fish Bob caught was "only" 13" but weighed in at 1 lb 5 oz.



Fatso!

And I got my 1st smallie!



At this spot, we caught a few of our tally.



At one point, the smallies were chasing minnows and taking them right below the surface after they chased them. I had a bubble gum flat worm on so I threw up river and got hit. It was cool! And it spit up a live minnow! But we caught no more from that scenario.

Most of our fish were caught as we polished the rocks in the water. It was a slow presentation and you would feel weight and set the hook.

Lunch was uneventful as we both had sammies form Sheetz. However, mine was ham and pimiento cheese which I have not had in a long time.

Right after lunch, I made a cast with one of George's ball jigs paired with a Berkley Max Scent Flat worm and got hit!



This one went 2 lbs 5 oz and was 17".

Not to be outdone, Bob gets nailed by another feisty one!



He fought harder than his 14-15" size indicated.

We finally left that area. We had caught 9 smallies there plus the kitty.

Bob was up 6-5 and time was running out since I wanted to get home and chill before coaching a ball game later this afternoon.

Right before calling it, Bob got thwacked and he gingerly  landed this 17"er!



He went 2 lbs 11oz so Bob got big fish plus most fish.

That was it. We were done and happy to catch a few without running too much. I didn't want to get too far from the ramp in case Bob's shoulder started screaming (it was yelling while he made his casts).

Good day on the UP!!