Launching before Sunrise
Jim ran his boat to the first spot and he was right on as far as where he thought the fish would be. We caught a lot of fish there including Sauger, White Bass, Freshwater Drum, and one Yellow Bass. Jim caught a couple real good fish there but it took me a little while to get into the swing of things. I left my jacket in my car and was concentrating more on the fact I was freezing than fishing.
One of my best Sauger for the day
Another Sauger about to be released
Jim wasn't about to be outdone and pulled another good one from that spot. As a barge passed us, I noticed lots of silver carp jumping out of the water next to it. I picked up the video camera and made an attempt to capture it. During the warmer months, boaters have to be very careful because the vibrations from outboard motors will send the Silvers flying into the air and they've been known to break windshields and injure boaters and skiers.
Another nice Sauger from the IL River
Jim wanted to show me one more spot before we headed back. Again he was right on. We caught fish, but I think the brief appearance the sun made, and the fact the wind died down helped to slow fishing. Even though it slowed the fishing (or more likely moved the fish), it was enough for me to unbutton the jacket and life vest I had put on the stay warm. We still managed a few nice fish though. I even caught a small Bullhead to make for our fifth species of the day. The Spirit of Peoria steamed by and we discussed running to one more spot to try for a Bass but decided we'd better hit the road instead. It was going to be an equally long drive back.
Another good Sauger
The day had gone from a cold cloudy morning in the mid 40s, to a partly sunny afternoon in the mid 60s. We drove through a brief rain shower as we left, but by the time I got home, it was still nice enough for me to wash down my boat from the last trip I took with it. My dog was glad to help with that task.
Afternoon Traffic
Thanks to Jim for inviting me out. It was a great day of fishing and conversation.
It sounds and looks like a great day fishing. I sure like the looks of those white bass. Do you eat those Sauger?
ReplyDeleteTight lines
A lot of people do eat them, but I'd be hesitant to eat anything out of that river as I've seen what goes into the water far upriver. I've had a lot of people tell me the fish are ok, but having seen some of the stuff leaking from barges and whatnot, that scares me.
ReplyDeleteNever seen a Sauger in a photo until today. Do they put up a scrap on the end of your line? I have heard of those flying Carp before. Looks like that could be an adventure if you were in the area at the right time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Sauger fight just like Walleye. The bigger ones are a lot of fun on a MH rod. Sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference between a sauger and their bigger cousins the Walleye, but the Walleye always have that tell-tale white spot on their tails that the Sauger lack.
ReplyDeleteThanks for information, Bill!
ReplyDelete