BigBendFishing.Net

Hey, Flint River Pirate - you didn't tell me about the hungry Shoal Bass way up the Flint River! Gene and I learned a lot last week when we crashed through the rapids above Norman's Ferry Landing and fished the swift waters for those 1st cousins to the Small Mouth Bass. The channel catfish are up there, as well, and so are a bunch of bream. We put in at the landing about 7 a.m. and piddled around that area until the rising sunlight would show us all the dangerous, shallow rocks located in the rapids. A nice fisherman came along and "guided" us through the bad places. Up the river for a few miles led us to the beginning of the Shoal Bass areas. We found out that throwing small white & shad colored Bass Assassins and Trick Worms, weighted with 1/8-1/4 ounce worm weights, on 1/0-3/0 wide gap hooks, into and around the rapid flowing currents and rocky places really worked great to catch the shoalies! The area is quite remote and does not get a lot of pressure, except by the local fishermen. This type of fishing is not for the "faint of heart" as running those rapids amid shallow rocks is "pucker factor" city! I surmise, this type of river fishing is not to everybody's taste, too. Okay, but we will be back more often now that the initial process of finding this pristine environment has been accomplished. Now, Barry Bevis, where are you? We must talk! I need your help, sir.

Ha Ha, well Capt. you found out one of our best kept secrets!! That area is awesome for the shoal bass, it is also good north of Albany. I am glad you had a local to help you through that area, it is known as "Hell's Gate" to us. I know many folks who left the business end of their lower unit on that stretch. I used to fish that area for years but I haven't fished there in a couple of years. Those Shoal Bass pull like a freight train don't they?? I know of another wonderful spot too, PM me before your next trip and I will tell you where they are. That is a very unique style of fishing and I think the record is only 8lbs 3 oz? My Father-in-Law is a taxidermist here in Sylvester and he has had several at the 7.5lb mark this year. The next record will be caught soon I am sure.