Mike C, Jake and, I started the evening setting up on a wing dam looking for bait fish so we could go in search of the eluding (for me this year) Flathead catfish. It wasn’t long and we were on what I consider just the right size bait fish! It didn’t matter what we threw at them, they just kept coming to the boat.
Another just the right size!
It was just about time to set up for the cats when all of a sudden, Mike’s rod is doubled over, and the fight was on. With only 4# line, a 4.5 foot IM6 ultra light rod, something that resembled a reel (Flueger, about the size of a pocket watch), and a good 10 minute battle, Mike was final able to coax me into netting this thing and bringing it into the boat. This Smallie measured a solid 18 inches. I’m sure Mike will have to bleach his live well before we are able to use it again 
The first spot we set up on we had one swing and a miss. After being pulled off the anchors from the water displacement of a passing barge, we made a move, only to have another very subtle bite. Things were going just as good as they have been for the most part of the year. I’m sucking at this game this year! We made one last move to an area that looked very catty, with cuts between islands, deep holes around, and some current just being off the main channel. It was only minutes, Mike and I were both bit just to loose are gills. Yep, it was a normal night cattin’ for me this year. I’m going to keep my chin up though, having a hard time has made me find some other areas that look good and I know things should start to pick up here soon.
Good Luck Fishing People 
Bret
PS: All red eyed fish were released unharmed!!!!!!!!!!
Nice fish Mike 
Good thing I know you’re kidding about using those smallies as bait….seeing as they are illegal and all (<14″) 
Slop, of course he is…silly guy! Flatheads like bigger, livier bait!
Looks like you guys had a fun trip. But Bret, you might want to take out Watson as he seems to get you on fish with whiskers 
You did notice those colorful little footballs…didn’t have whiskers…right??? 
nice fish bret, I myself have caught some nice smallies off of that wingdam. Its kind of cool how there are some laydowns just above it to the side. I have caught 2 there that were 17″ers and a few little ones like the top 2. are the other wingdams (above and below) good at all? I never fished the other ones, just that one, before the cut over to the black river/ french slough.
The first wing dam to the north is a good one also Cade 
Quote:
I’m sure Mike will have to bleach his live well before we are able to use it again
All bleached and ready for the next trip. Great report Bret – thanks for sharing another great evening on our favorite river. 
Jake had a great time also. 
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
