CTFishTalk.com: Farmington River - Simsbury 9/18 - Connecticut River Reports ( CT River Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

So I hit the Farmington River solo today because I only had a few hours that I could go out but I needed my fix. I launched near Curtiss Park at 6:00am and headed down river toward Tariffville and I was off the water at 9:00am. The weather was nice for fishing with the overcast skies. I used the same Yo-zuri white minnow (red head) crank as I used last weekend. The only difference being is that I switched out the rear trebel to a larger hook (#4 I believe) and it made all the difference in the world. I didn't lose any fish this week. Early on I think the bass were still sleeping in and I picked up a small fallfish and a yellow perch off of some structure.

I slowly worked my way down to the power lines where there is a fork in the river and I picked up a few LMB on the way. An 11", 12", 8" and a 9". All fish were caught off grass, under cover or off structure. When I arrived at the power lines I noticed that most of the weeds had died back. I pitched the crank toward a small stand of grass and picked up this little 6"er who was barely longer than the lure. You gotta love the determination.

I approached one of my favorite laydowns near the fork and took a couple of casts, nothing. Then I turned so I could run the crank parallel to the tree and about halfway back to the boat...whack...a nice hit from a 15" LMB. I landed it measured it up and lipped it with the bright orange fish grippers I use so I could weigh it. As I was going to weigh it she gave a nice kick and with my wet hands she slipped right out of my hand and into the water grips and all Shocked

I looked down and saw the grippers slowly swim off under the laydown. I couldn't believe my eyes. Now I know why they have a wrist lanyard on there Rolling Eyes

I watched in horror for a few minutes hoping she would come out again but no such luck.

I finally gave up and moved a bit further down river and fished for about 10 or 15 more minutes with no luck. I decided to call it quits and head back up river. As I was passing the laydown that was holding my fish and my grippers I decided to do one more pass to see if I could see anything. I put on the polarized glasses and looked all around. When I got to the other side of the laydown I thought I saw an orange glow so I slowly paddled over to check it out. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my damn grippers staring back up at me. I moved in cautiously so I wouldn't spook the fish...luckily they were only a foot or two below the surface. The fish must have backed into a pocket and was just sitting there. I couldn't see the fish just the grips hanging out of the hole. I reached down grabbed the grips and pulled them up with the fish still on. I weighed the fish in at 1lb 13oz and took this pic and then released her back minus the grips. I was relieved and I'm sure the fish was too.

troutbum · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 18

hey Dawg, thats pretty cool ! Atleast you got your grips back. Nice report.

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

I'm happy. . . for the fish! Shocked

Seriously, though, I'm glad that you were able to get out on the water today.
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DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

Yeah I know. I was more worried about the fish to tell you the truth. I was picturing a bass skeleton floating down the Farmington with grips attached to it. She was a beauty and will now be much nicer when she gains a couple of pounds Wink

I still can't believe everything worked out OK.

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

I think I can actually see the reflection of your grips on the back of the fish in your photo.
_________________
Don't forget to wear sunscreen and don't litter!

DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

lol...that is my grips. There is an orange spot on the back of the fish. It is sitting next to my Plano Tackle organizer and I can see the blue hue of the kayak too. Good eye.

Fishface · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 308 Location: New Britain

Nice job Derek