Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Ernie · Oct-02-25 9:51PM

We (Chris, me and George) weren't sure what to expect with the cold snap overnight (it did get in to the high 40s) and blue bird skies but we were going for smallies today...no matter what. Oh, the water levels are really low. Deep holes are now shallow.

We agreed to do a float and give it a shot and then do Big Belly’s. It's better than sitting at home.

After we did the shuttle shuffle, we met George at 7:15a and were on the water shortly thereafter.

It was a bit chilly (for me) at the start with the temp at 47dF. I was hoping for more clouds but they didn't appear until the end of the float.

These days, I am traveling light. I carry 2 rods and my expensive tackle bag.

I have just about everything I need in that gallon bag and if I need something else, Chris has a supply of stuff. BTW, some of which I have given to him!

Today, we could not find Bruce's 21"er but man, we had some action! At least George did! Three times, he got blasted (we saw one of them) and each time the fish went deep (we were in <2' of water) and rubbed him off on a rock. Breaking the line. Unreal!! The language and the screams!! On one of them, I thought George fell in. It was an adrenaline rush for sure!

We did catch some fish (a dozen)...

...but nothing to write home about.

The senko worked well, the fluke was so-so and the ned caught a couple.

Towards the end, I hooked a nice fish on a ned but it was one of those with a small hook. On the fish's 2nd jump, I knew it was over. The fish looked at me and spit the rig up!

It was a day of stories, laughter and some catching. Very fulfilling!

Speaking of fulfilling...we did stop at Big Belly's and Shah, the owner. was there. He thanked us for coming back and we told him that this was part of our fishing deal. No Big Belly's...no fishing! He appreciated that for sure.

Chris had the Nashville Chicken, George had the Smash Burger and I had a Mushroom Steak 'n Cheese.

We didn't time it but it wasn't but a few minutes and all we had left was this...

Great day out! We saw a few eagles and kingfishers. The fish were definitely not active and were hard to find but we had enough catches and misses to keep us satisfied.

hookup · Oct-02-25 11:30PM

It's better than sitting at home.

You got that right! Had a blast solving all the world's problems, laughing, and even catching fish. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much with the first cold spell of the season and the low water but was pleasently surprised

Saw Chris drop off the boat at o'dark thirty at the put in. One look at him reminded me we did fish together. He must have been a teen ager. I remembered the float and we shared a minute until he took off to pick up Ernie at the take out.

Speaking of low water, the raft performed better than expected. Chris' skill behind the oars was evident and gotta love youth for his ability to keep on the oars all day and keep us harassing the fish,

Chris has a supply of stuff. BTW, some of which I have given to him

I recognized some of the stuff I poured. Chris loves it and a little horse trading took place at the ramp.

These days, I am traveling light

You're not kidding. Saw you walk out of the car with a zip lock bag and now, I was the gear 'ho with a tackle bag and my customary green dry bag full of rain gear.

Was trying out some new line - Saguar PX 8E. Some of the thinnest stuff I've ever fished. Cast line a dream. Sensitive. Just not abrasion resistant. I have a use for the spool of line but next time I'm buying a heavier test hoping for a little better abrasion resistance

Big Belly's

What a great dive. I'll be back there f'sure. So full, I didn't even eat dinner.

drxfish · Oct-03-25 12:22PM

Good job getting out and catching October smallies! I always like the way the fog looks on the water in the morning. I will try Big Belly's for sure my next time out that way.

I have not caught a smallie since August. We need some rain bad.

Oubassman · Oct-03-25 5:55PM

Way to go guys, sorry for the heartbreak George. It happens to all of it that's for sure

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Oct-02-25 9:51PM

10-2-25, UP

#2 Oct-02-25 11:30PM

Re: 10-2-25, UP

#3 Oct-03-25 12:22PM

Re: 10-2-25, UP

#4 Oct-03-25 5:55PM

Re: 10-2-25, UP

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