The third episode of Top Hooker aired tonight, shot on location at one of my favorite fisheries in California.
Those who have followed my writing know I've written about the Kern River a lot over the years, and if you've never had an opportunity to fish out of Kernville, Calif., here are a few nice background pieces I've written about the Kern River drainage along with a photo gallery:
The first episode of Top Hooker aired last week, and I loved every minute.
But I have to question the approach of some of the anglers on the show.
Zdifa Glymin, for example, using a large fly rod on a California bass fishery? Questionable. If you're looking for a quick hookup, to land a fish and get back to the main dock, you have to go with the lightest bass tackle on hand.
I would have gone with the smallest rod and reel I could get my hands on, 2- to 4-pound test line or tippet, and the tiniest lure I could find. I don't care if it was a bass, bluegill, crappie or shad that I hooked up with, for that challenge it was all about speed ... not the size of the fish you were going after.
Additionally, I have to question Ian Esterhuizen's approach to landing and retrieving his fish.
Anyone who's ever caught a trout, particularly a large one like that, knows the fish is going to freak out when it's pulled out of the water. And for him to set down the net, when that fish was the only thing standing between him and elimination, was crazy. When he allowed that fish to flop out of the net, and fall into the water, I instantly paused the TV and ran to my computer to see when they were casting for new competitors again.
Because if this was the quality of anglers they were bringing on this show, I knew my vast experience and well-rounded fishing background (those of you who know me know I'm a Jack of all trades when it comes fishing, having split my time fishing both fresh and saltwater) would give me a huge advantage over these highly-specialized anglers.
Let's hope I get my shot in season two!
In keeping up with our ginormous fish theme this week, I'd be overlooking arguably the biggest prize of them all this week if I didn't mention to the new land-locked, striped bass world record caught in Arkansas.
James Bramlett caught the world-record striper back on Feb. 28 but just recently learned his 69-pound, 9-ounce striper is the new International Game Fish Association World Record. The previous record stood at 67 pounds, 8 ounces.
Bramlett caught the monster striper on the Black Warrior River near the Gorgas Steam Plant, a battle that lasted more than 20 minutes.
Now imagine catching that fish on a fly.
The Freedom to Fish Act has passed both Houses of Congress and is now awaiting the President's signature.
The legislation was geared toward removing access restrictions on the Cumberland River in Tennessee.
On a larger scale, the Freedom to Fish Act, according to its Facebook page, "ensures boater access to river tailwaters will continue for sportsmen and recreational fishermen."
Tailwaters affected along the Cumberland River and its tributaries include Cheatham Dam, Old Hickory, Percy Priest and Center Hill fishing areas, which are among some of the most popular fishing destinations in Tennessee.
