AL trout bum
Senior Member
I have been talking with Jason (ShoalBandit) for a while about trying to locate Bartram's bass. I am a confessing redeye bass fly angler. Yes, I purposely target and work hard for these tiny fish. After catching a lot of them in Alabama (mostly the flagship Micropterus coosae species), I wanted to broaden my horizons and catch another (hopefully soon-to-be) species based on drainage. It's clear that these fish are morphologically a little different than those in the Coosa, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, or Black Warrior River drainages. I am hopeful that genetic testing will reveal a suspicion that many have had for a long while that they're in fact a separate species.
On to the fishing. Jason and I went back and forth trying to come up with the best time to go and what waters we should fish. A time was set, and all I had to do was hurry up and wait.
As most of the southeast has been experiencing, rains were a little of an issue on the day we chose. The skies were a little dark and gloomy on the drive over along with some sprinkles on the windshield.
I met up with Jason and we assessed the situation. The water was a little off-color, but it still looked fishable. I was CensoredCensoredCensoredCensored-bent on throwing a popper, in less than favorable popper conditions.
We set out "kayaking" up the river to where the stream looked more favorable for redeye bass.
Oddly enough, I saw a familiar sight of spider lilies.
Jason caught several largemouth bass as we paddled up. He is no stranger to redeye bass or even Bartram's bass specifically. He was gracious enough to give me first crack at redeye water.
It didn't take long to connect with a familiar face. Although I have never caught one before, I know exactly what they should look like.
Being the fly fisherman that I am, I love learning as much about new water as possible. What kinds of insects are there? What do the fish eat? I started turning over rocks and looking.
Some caddis fly casings:
Some stonefly nymphs:
Some mayfly nymphs:
The presence of these guys means the stream is in good condition and no major water quality issues. Another check for a good redeye bass stream.
There were also crayfish, some big and some small:
The stream was absolutely beautiful.
A little further upstream I caught a nicer specimen.
I had a great day on the water meeting a fellow angler that shares my appreciation for these tiny, but very interesting fish. Couldn't have asked for a better fishing partner. Can't wait to do it again!
Celebratory beer:
On to the fishing. Jason and I went back and forth trying to come up with the best time to go and what waters we should fish. A time was set, and all I had to do was hurry up and wait.
As most of the southeast has been experiencing, rains were a little of an issue on the day we chose. The skies were a little dark and gloomy on the drive over along with some sprinkles on the windshield.
I met up with Jason and we assessed the situation. The water was a little off-color, but it still looked fishable. I was CensoredCensoredCensoredCensored-bent on throwing a popper, in less than favorable popper conditions.
We set out "kayaking" up the river to where the stream looked more favorable for redeye bass.
Oddly enough, I saw a familiar sight of spider lilies.
Jason caught several largemouth bass as we paddled up. He is no stranger to redeye bass or even Bartram's bass specifically. He was gracious enough to give me first crack at redeye water.
It didn't take long to connect with a familiar face. Although I have never caught one before, I know exactly what they should look like.
Being the fly fisherman that I am, I love learning as much about new water as possible. What kinds of insects are there? What do the fish eat? I started turning over rocks and looking.
Some caddis fly casings:
Some stonefly nymphs:
Some mayfly nymphs:
The presence of these guys means the stream is in good condition and no major water quality issues. Another check for a good redeye bass stream.
There were also crayfish, some big and some small:
The stream was absolutely beautiful.
A little further upstream I caught a nicer specimen.
I had a great day on the water meeting a fellow angler that shares my appreciation for these tiny, but very interesting fish. Couldn't have asked for a better fishing partner. Can't wait to do it again!
Celebratory beer:
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