DAY ONE
Was down at my folk's place for two days earlier in the week (Monday and Tuesday), so decided to search a stretch of the Rideau for some decent bass. Launched on the river at 6:45am to a glorious morning of sunshine and calm waters..
Headed north up the river to where I had previously discovered some new water that looked promising - it had also coughed up a 4lber on a previous outing. Began working some flats and deeper water, tossing bigger baits, including the Double Wide Beaver, flipping jigs, cranks and Spooks.
Although the water looked mint, the fish were not willing to play. Eventually got the first fish in the boat 1.5 hours in, that fell for a Zoom Toad in two-feet of water. Began to wonder if it would be a tougher day than I imagined.
With the sun beginning to really beat down, I headed to some new slop/scum areas that appeared productive. Boated six fish over the next hour, working the edges with a Booyah flipping jig, and probing deeper inwards with a Texas-rigged Peca Craw. This was my first time using this bait, and I was very impressed! Awesome action in the water!
My Dad called on my cell at this point to join me on the water, so back to the launch ramp to pick him up. Told him the new slop was holding some fish, so back up we went.
Didn't take my Dad long to get his first fish of the day..
You can see the heavy scum we were working in the background.
One of my better fish of the day..
A good shot of the jig and trailer I was using..
Lots of loons on this stretch of the Rideau, and these two juvenile birds let us get really close without being bothered..
Also came across an interesting sight - a solitary Tundra Swan! We saw a pair of these this past spring, making a stop on their migration route. Sadly, couldn't get close enough for a decent picture..
Decided to head over to some pad and slop areas that consistently hold fish. Picked up some fish on the Peca Craw and jig..
Working the area over with my favourite bait..
My Dad was having a tough time putting the fish in the boat, and ended up losing 5 or 6 decent fish. Sadly, for the day, he only landed one fish. (he got a bit of ribbing out on the boat in regards to his fishing prowess! ha ha)
I put 16 largies over the gunnel for the day, but nothing of any great size.
Was hoping for some bigger fish, but who can complain about a sunny day, good numbers of largies and even better company?
DAY TWO
Headed back out on the river the next day, arriving at the launch at 10:30am. Brought my Mom along for the boat ride...she gets quite scared of how fast the boat goes (it only has 20 horses!) and doesn't like the waves that other boats give off. ha ha Of course I had to hit some good waves, just to put a bit of fear in her...
Headed back up to the slop and scum from the previous day. Sadly, most of it had blown away and broken up. My Dad was quick off the mark, however, and put the first fish in the boat within 10 minutes. Didn't take a photo as I figured we'd have a banner day - sadly, such as the previous outing, it was his only fish he put in the boat.
Went in search of new water, and found some nice slop and docks back south down the river.
A typical fish from this stretch..
And another one..
Fished for 4.5 hours in total, and I put 12 largies in the boat. My Dad got to hear good-natured ribbing from both my Mom and myself this day!
All in all, a fun two days on the water. 28 largies, and although none were overly big, each and every one was fun!
The big girls will be turning on soon!
Until next time..
Good Fishing,
Justin
I wish it was that easy!
