1st smallie trip in Commander 5/30

[oubassman]

After getting my hours in at home yesterday, I loaded up the new Commander and hit an area of the Shenendoah I hadn't been to in over 2 months. It was good spot for the first river trip, as there was current from upstream rapids, but nothing super strong.

It turned out to be a pretty decent couple of hours, as I landed 13 smallies and 4 gills. The biggest smallie went 14.75" & had a couple more at 12.5". Most of the smallies were caught in the two areas of faster current by working a Rapala Flat Rap FAST & ERRACTIC. I was giving a couple of short pauses, but mainly just working it back to the kayak fast. A few of them were downstream of the current, but around rocks that were just under the surface. I got a couple each on Winco Predator Craw, Mann's 1-, and Winco 3" stickworm working the banks and mid-river rocks.

I have a confession to make, as a result of the trip. The Tarpon might get a little bit more neglected than I realized I LOVED standing and working the jerkbait, as it felt alot more comfortable then sitting in the Tarpon. The height difference made seeing the mid-river rocks just under the surface easier and more accurately.

No pics, as I left the camera mount back at the house.

[MidTNKayakAngler]

Sounds like the Commander is growing on you.

[DT]

I have a confession to make...The Tarpon might get a little bit more neglected than I realized

First trip on the river, eh...that didn't take long

Glad you got the C140 out and put some smallies in it!

[ReelYankee]

So the C140 does pretty well on lazy rivers? might have to get mine out on the Red River this summer.

[elkriverangler]

Not a bad start for the Commander.

Eli

[mcca78]

I can almost see a tarpon going in the bassified's as we speak

[oubassman]

I can almost see a tarpon going in the bassified's as we speak

Not going to go that far

So the C140 does pretty well on lazy rivers? might have to get mine out on the Red River this summer.

I think so. Wouldn't be best in faster water, as not as quick to turn as the 12'. But it does ok

[Hanover_Yakker]

Sounds like you are honing in on where to use your new toy already.......I bet it would be pretty awesome for some froggin as well.....just saying....

[archeryrob]

Don't ditch the Tarpon, you can take it on the bay with us. I am trying to see if I can get someone to chase Stripers this weekend. My depth finder is BO and I need eyes below the water.

Nice to see you're enjoying the Commander. Did you take out the three phase seat yet? Greg uses his sometimes, but I find I just kick it with my heals while on the Captains Perch.

[oubassman]

Sounds like you are honing in on where to use your new toy already.......I bet it would be pretty awesome for some froggin as well.....just saying....

I had the one trip & it was

Don't ditch the Tarpon, you can take it on the bay with us. I am trying to see if I can get someone to chase Stripers this weekend. My depth finder is BO and I need eyes below the water.

Nice to see you're enjoying the Commander. Did you take out the three phase seat yet? Greg uses his sometimes, but I find I just kick it with my heals while on the Captains Perch.

I'm out this weekend, probably just a short trip before church on Sunday am for me. I took the Phase 3 out when I got back. I did hit it also & it was just extra weight. I'm either in the perch or standing.