Upper James float this friday 6/8/12

[YaknVa]

Myself along with a few guys from work ( who are in a jon boat) will be meeting up at bremo to float down to columbia this friday around 8 am. First time down there looking foward too a loooong day on the water. Anyone looking to join is more than welcomed. PM me if interested

[oubassman]

Good luck. I love fishing the James when I can make it. Need to get down there this summer!!

[YaknVa]

Here is how our trip went today from Bremo - Columbia. We put in a little later than we wanted to at 8-8:30am, finally making it on the water at 9:15. This was my first time there or on any river in a kayak before. It was also the first time my new WS Commander 120 was out!. Temp was aroun 65f when we put in, water about the same. Did not take long to get warm out for sure. I felt like the first mile went by really quick as the water was MOVING! I hooked one on a tiger fire rattle trap but came unbuttoned shortly after jumping. ( Little guy) After that I threw out a small spinner with two willow blades and a black and blue skirt. Nothing happening on that either. The other guys were using small crankbaits ( crawfish, minnow) They switched to top water about the same time i threw a pop-r on. No top water bites. About 2 miles in we stopped to regroup and stretch. By this time I had gotten the hang and felt very confident standing in the new yak. while we were stretching one of the guys hooked up while wadding out on the first smallie of the day. About 12 inches on a crankbait. The next three miles we hooked into several yearlings. I switched to a black and silver rooster tail ( not sure what ounce ). They really liked this and it seemed unbeatable today. After the 8.5 hour trip the count came to 14 total smallies and one bluegill. I landed 8 smallies and the bluegill also the largest of the day at 14inches. Seen quite a few nice size smallmouth under the yak but had no interest in what I was throwing. The water was crystal clear and pushed along. It was A LOT of water to cover and at times I felt like I missed so many good spots I wanted to fish harder. A shorter stretch would have been a lot better. I am not complaining because to me 9 total fish In the kayak ( and the largest of them absolutley flipping out and completely sliming every inch of the kayak he could in the process) I would consider that a good day. Next week I plan to hit Sandy Res, Powatan Lakes, and maybe bear creek if I can find someone to go with. All in all, a lot of fun, a LOT of water and broke in the new kayak with some fish.

[YaknVa]

Oh I forgot to mention, I have pics but can not find my cord to load them off the camera so once I do ill post some. And I also came home to find my fathers day gift waiting on me. A yellow hawg through from HOOK 1

[flyfisher]

Sounds like a great day to me . Nice job on the fish and new kayak. It also sounds like you have a good plan for next week too!!!

Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing the pics.

[oubassman]

That is the only problem with a longer float, you have to keep moving and not work over good areas as much as you want. You learn to focus on the "prime" areas with appropriate lures.

[YaknVa]

That is the only problem with a longer float, you have to keep moving and not work over good areas as much as you want. You learn to focus on the "prime" areas with appropriate lures.

Being this was my first trip to the river I was not sure what to expect so I did some research and reading on the KBF forums. I started out beating the banks but after 2 miles of nothing I changed my approach and tied on new lures and hit the middle of the river. That is were all of my success came from this day. Every fish I landed came from water that was moving behind a rock or downed tree. The water was really clear however only one that I caught was I able to see hit. The rest the water was moving so fast I never seen them hit. Again i am green to the river and the ways of smallmouth so I felt like I was pretty smart using this approach since it was working. Anything extra you could tell me to target in on them would be great for the next trip out this august.

[YaknVa]

So finally got a cable of all places the dollar tree! Here are a few pics of the float.

Getting ready for the maiden voyage


A view from the rocks about half way through. Where we stopped for lunch


The average size caught this day ( one of 6 other like it for me)


And the days big fish ( if you can call him that).

[Hanover_Yakker]

Come on out Saturday to Sandy River Reservoir from 3-6pm and help out with the Heroes On the Water outing that is planned. I'll be there pretty much all day fishing for myself, then helping a vet or two try and get on some fish.

If you are interested, send an email to: kayakfish@verizon.net

I'm sure Tina would love to have you. We currently only have 2 people (one being me) committed to helping that day.

[YaknVa]

Come on out Saturday to Sandy River Reservoir from 3-6pm and help out with the Heroes On the Water outing that is planned. I'll be there pretty much all day fishing for myself, then helping a vet or two try and get on some fish.

If you are interested, send an email to: kayakfish@verizon.net

I'm sure Tina would love to have you. We currently only have 2 people (one being me) committed to helping that day.

Man I would love too however Im on shift that day. As a matter of fact I have already contacted her an after looking at the HOW schedule of events, I looked and I work every one of them for this year with the exception of sept when my son is due to be born. If anything changes I will be at one. Speaking of sandy Ill be there thursday ( if the weather permits)