New kayak, 1st fish of 2009 and a personal best smallmouth! Pics and video added

Had to take up on the beautiful day. Decided to hit the Tuolumne River to test out my new T160. Oh man what a smooth easy ride. I am very happy with my decision to go from a P15 to T160. This is my first kayak with a rudder. No more one sided paddling to turn! I noticed water levels, flow and water clarity have not changed since I was out there a few weeks ago. I was afraid I was going to find a muddy river. Still crystal clear. I decide to head down river where I saw a lot of blue gill and small bass last trip out. I brought my fly pole to try to catch some blue gill. I tried for about 30 min to no avail. So I start heading up river. About halfway up to the spot I want to try a boat flies past me at about 40 mph. Wow! Idiot. Youre on a river with logs and stumps and rocks. In a fiberglass bass boat! I got a video of it  . I get to where I want to be and tie on a small broken back floating rapala. First cast, BAM! A fish slams it and starts peeling line. The fish jumps and I see a nice fat smallmouth. My heart starts pounding. After I get it close to the yak once I see it has both trebles hooked good so I knew I wouldnt lose the fish. I decide might as well get a video clip of it. I get a horrible video shot of it in the water and land the fish. I'd say it's close to 3 pounds. Not huge by any means but biggest one I have caught. I keep thowing at the same spot and get a few more hookups but the fish kept coming off. Then all of a sudden the same idiot comes flying down river around the bend. Sees me in the middle of the river, swerves around me without letting off the throttle. Once again, idiot. After he flew past I could not find the fish so I decided to call it a day. When I get back home I will upload the pics and video. So untill then you are just going to have to be patient. 

Jeff


UPDATE, here are the pics, why is it after you looks at pictures the fish looks smaller haha. Maybe 2 pounds. Still my personal best 













Here are the videos, I have more but they need to be edited, I will put them all into one tomorrow




Here is the smart guy on the way up the river, good thing I was on the wide spot lol.

No patience here - I gotta throw down congrats for the PB smallie and the new ride.  WTG.   

Oh, and the idiot powerboater - hopefully he'll learn his lesson without killing someone or himself...  Keep the video rolling.   

Thanks, I had the exact same problem last time. Oh well, karma is a beotch

WTG on the smallmouth Jeff. So how do you like your new ride compare to the P15? I know that the t160 is faster but, how about the stability comparison/

Jedmo

WTG on the smallmouth Jeff. So how do you like your new ride compare to the P15? I know that the t160 is faster but, how about the stability comparison/

Jedmo

There was definitely some stability loss, but not enough to scare you easily. But the comfort is so much nicer and I can still make it better. I hated the molded footwells in the P15. Adjustable foot rests are the way to go.

Jeff

Congrats on a good fish and your latest new yak!  Waiting for video of the retard that only knows two speeds..........

Nice goin' Jeff. 

Nice smallie Jeff, you gotta love those bronze backs!  You new ride looks real sweet.

Hope we can hook-up soon.

Bryan

Jeff and his new whip!  What a day for her maiden voyage.  Nice fish, nice yak, nice report.

Alright, pics and video are up. I have some more video of paddling and of a tortoise someone let go, I saw three different types of turtles, stripers, carp, bluegill, suckers and bass. Lots of cool birds and some stupid people. What a variety. I think I may go back out there tomorrow. Havent decided yet.

That S.M. is a true hog for that area!!!!!! Glad to see you are enjoying your new yak!!!

Badog

Nice fish man! Lucky dog... fishin on a Tuesday.

Jeff welcome to the T160 club my brother! Thats is an awesoem looking double hatch. Congrats on the smallie also.

Jeff-

Sweet looking red eye there. Looks like another great day on the water. I bet that 160 feels like a speed demon too.

Freddie

Hey Jeff,

Looks like you are out having fun again. Nice looking fish and I like the new ride. I guess I will have to paddle harder to keep up with you now!   

I am glad spring is approaching, I really want to get out there and pursue those LMBs and SMBs with you. I have been busy every weekend lately and unable to get on the water and try out my new fishfinder. I am itching to go!! Take care and hopefully we can hook up sooner rather than later.

Ray