About Me

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Raleigh, NC
Born in Richmond, Virginia, grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina, and now reside in Raleigh. I attribute most of my fishing prowess to my father, who took me fishing often as a child. We would regularly do float trips on the James River in Virginia, which is where I learned to love canoeing and river fishing. Unfortunately, my father has passed, but he lives on through my passion for chasing fish from my canoes. I intend to pass this love for fishing and the outdoors onto my children and can't wait to share these experiences with them. I currently have 4 canoes: Customized Old Town Guide 119, Customized Mohawk 16 Royalex, Coleman Scanoe, and 12' Indian River Solo.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

How to Make the Most of a Vacation Day

My friend Steve sent me a message mid-week asking if I could fish Friday.  After confirmation that I didn't have anything pressing at work, I decided to take the day off and we made plans to meet at a local flow for a little riverbassin' action in our 119s.

I'm sure glad Steve planted that seed, because today was one of those special days.

We launched at daybreak with cool 70 deg water and perfect ambient conditions. No bugs, partly cloudy, and very few leaves on the surface.

We started throwing topwater right away and that would continue all day with great success. Things started a little slower than expected but the action was hot and heavy from 11 am - 3 pm. I caught a 5 lbr, 5 @ 3+ lb, and ~20 others counting the dinks. Most of mine were caught on Walmart Luck "E" Strike buzzbaits with trailer hooks. Black was hot, but I lost the skirt, then used firetiger and was just as successful.

Most fish were caught right on structure and close to the bank near deep water. There were also several caught in pools near swift water.

Aside from the 5 lber, the highlight of my day was an unconventional double with one caught on a buzzbait and one caught trolling an x-rap at the same time.  Both fish were hooked within seconds of eachother.

A long but most excellent day on the water. Thanks Steve!













Oh yeah, Steve managed to catch one too