Big Smallie on the Big R 7/23/16

[Lard Almighty]

I've been salivating over all the reports I've been reading about smallies crashing topwaters in the early morning on the Raritan. I made the drive this morning to see if I could join in the fun. After about an hour I only had a few small fish that slashed at my bait and didn't hook up. Then I made a cast to the tailout of a long pool. After a few twitches a giant bronzeback unloads a savage strike on my hapless Pop-R, and the fight was on! As I brought her in closer I saw that only one of the rear trebles was stuck in the corner of her mouth, and I couldn't help but fear she'd pull off. But the hook held, and I lifted my prize out of the water. Didn't get any measurements, but she was pushing 20" and was very well fed. After I admired her for a few moments, she was back in the water, and swam off strong.

That was the only fish I landed all morning.

Tons of life on the river today. The shallows were LOADED with baitfish, and the weed growth was more lush than I have seen in many years. Egrets, herons, and kingfishers were patrolling the shallows and partaking of the bonanza. Saw numerous nice-sized carp, including a few that were having very rough sex in the shallows. FastEddie was there as well, hucking his big topwaters in his quest for The Godfather. No love from the Capo de Tutti Capi, but I did see him score a cookie-cutter on a wacky-rigged senko.

Set that alarm and head on down to the Raritan. There's a topwater party, and the smallmouths are crashing it!

[kcritch]

Daaayyyuummm Lard...gotta call me next time you're headed to my neck of the woods. Slept in this morning cause of the impending heat but woulda got up for some of that smallie action early if I had a little push. Glad you got a nice one dude. Didn't see the vid yet but will later when i get a chance.

Talk soon buddy.

[AndyS]

WOW, you got up early !!! Nice SMB and video, thanks !!

[Bill Willix]

I do have to say I really enjoy watching your videos. I have always felt that the smallmouth fishing in our rivers has been overlooked by so many. But I guees that is good for us that love to fish the rivers for them

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good to see you out there dude! I really thought it was going to be game on now that the big scary full moon had passed! Managed 2 of those cookie cutter Smallies on this trip! Found some better action at the Lamington later in the morning!

If your gona catch one make it a big girl! Beautiful BRONZE my man!!!

[KenBeam]

Beautiful Smallie!! Very good clip too -

[Chrisper4694]

Originally Posted by FASTEDDIE29

Good to see you out there dude! I really thought it was going to be game on now that the big scary full moon had passed! Managed 2 of those cookie cutter Smallies on this trip! Found some better action at the Lamington later in the morning!

If your gona catch one make it a big girl! Beautiful BRONZE my man!!!

That moon is still bright as hell! Was out last night. Came up at around 11:30 and I thought someone turned a spotlight on!

Nice fish and clip

[NorthJerzyG]

Great job!! Love them topwater strikes. Great fish and video!!

LA again a great video! Keep them coming! Could hear the heavy breathing while you were reeling in that beautiful small mouth! It's the great part about fishing, you can be fifty years old and still get as excited as a child when you hook a trophy fish. I hooked a nice fluke during a tournament this weekend and I was actually shaking when I got it in the net! Wasn't as big as I initially thought but that didn't matter, it's the feeling we all get when it all comes together. Keeps you coming back for more! Great job on the Big R and as always great narrative. Top water actions is as exciting as it gets, especially with a big bronze backs and the aerial acrobatics once hooked! Awesome stuff!

[23cardinal]

The Raritan is nicer and nicer every year from all the attention Andy and co put in. A million thanks. Nice video!- also glad I'm not the only one getting the river itch- might have to re-break out my waders b4 fall