Coming out of the slump!

[Fishinfire]

Been on a slump lately with no quality fish being caught. Hit the Raritan close to my house the day before the rain. Water was way low. Found a picture perfect hole on a bend. Tossed the torpedo and started the twitch. After a while I said the magic words. "There has to be a fish in there! Last cast and I am done." Then the torpedo attack happened. Smallie blasts the Jumpin Minnow and takes off. Launched out of the water 4 times before trying to swim between my legs. Quick photo and a splash from the tail and it was on its way.



Next day went back after the overnight rain. River was healthier and still crystal clear. Between the faster current and the weeds running with it I got frustrated and called it a day and marked it up to another skunking from the Raritan. Got to my truck with the waders still on and looked at the D&R Canal. Decided that since I had the waders still on and since they are trash as they leak now, I would traverse the overgrown poison ivy path to the little cove we fished as teenagers. Got in there and scanned the weed beds. Dropped the wedless swim bait in and let it sink slowly. Didn't even see the fish or the moment it took the bait but it must have been just sitting there with it in its mouth. Went to twitch the bait and ended up driving the point home. Game on. Personal best LM from a spot I haven't fished in 20+ years! Again photo and release.



Seems the feed bags are on now that the weed beds are lifting and drifting!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nice Smallie and PB BUCKETMOUTH buddy! Good to see you got some fish to chew!!!

[GetANet]

Nice fish and always a great day when you shake off a rut!!!!

[AndyS]

Congrats on the PB !!! Got some nice SMB last week in Manville. Nice healthy lookin' fish !!