Sep 18 2023
Stephen Ford
Fingerling
Member Since :
2020
Number of Posts :
58
Reservation Number : 37249
Property Name : Wildcat Creek
Reservation Date : 09/17/2023 All Day - 09/17/2023 All Day
Total Fish/Sizes : 20/up to 6lbs
Lures Used : Variety, most success on speed worm, swimjig and squarebill
This was my first time fishing this property, so I don't have anything to compare on personal experience. All in all, though, I'd say it was a good day.
We had higher expectations for topwater upon arrival, but we only landed 1 frog fish.
It was a grind here and there, but we figured out a slight pattern of most fish cruising a few yards off the bank near drop offs around mid-morning. We put the swimjig and squarebills to work there. As the heat climbed, the action slowed but a few late bites came on soft plastics in the shallow areas.
Most fish fit into that 15-16” range, as mentioned by others. We culled 8 of the 20. Big was 6lbs even.
In the incidents where we pulled grass with our baits, we noticed a strong skunk-like odor on the grass. I'd be interested to hear thoughts about the cause from those who are more informed on aquatic vegetation than me.
Sep 18 2023
Joshua Massoud
Keeper
Member Since :
2021
Number of Posts :
485
Not sure what type of vegetation it was, but two common species, coontail and chara, often have a garlicy or musky scent to them (with the latter being known as ‘muskgrass’ by some).
Both species and others are ‘allelopathic’ so with a recent rain pulling nutrients into the water, plants will release chemicals to stop other plants from growing from this influx.
Other algaes and plants can have a smell to them as well such as lyngbya which is simply their natural state.
Nice fish!