Monday, March 19, 2012

Maiden Voyage


The Diablo Chupacabra grew restless all fall and winter as it picked up cobwebs in the garage. I grew restless all fall and winter longing for a steady supply of carp and a relaxing paddle down a lake. Our paths intertwined on a hot afternoon session, where both of our needs were fulfilled, thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures.

The temps have caused the trees and flowers in Delaware to begin blooming in late February and stripers and shad are currently being caught in the lower Susquehanna. I am sure there are spring hatches enticing large wild browns but I haven't had the chance to see that yet. These early signs of spring culminated in seeing the signs of staging/spawning fish at my local carp flat.

The shallows were muddied and erupting with carp as I eased my way into the water. As I got closer I could see packs of fish charging into certain areas, swirling around in tight circles and causing other fish to scatter violently. I was quite surprised to see this happening but it made sense with the prolonged period of high temperatures we are having and the likelihood that the water temperatures are probably getting into the right zone. But, it is still so early...

When I began catching the fish cruising off the shallows, many of them exhibited battle wounds and swollen egg-filled stomachs, other signs of spawning. This is turning out to be a weird year, but I definitely am not complaining so far. Just rain every now and then, and I'll be a happy man.














4 comments:

Mark Kautz said...

I like the photo with the blue reel, the clear webbing of the net and the carp the best. Great photo's though.

Mark

Gregg said...

Very nice pictures! It is snowing outside this instant here, but the ups and downs are leaving some ups very soon, low 40's to mid 60's in 2 days, we'll see. Looked like your egg tie in one picture, I may be wishful as I use them much.

Gregg

Devin Angleberger said...

Fantastic, great fish and cool sup.

Feather Chucker said...

Looks like a pretty successful trip. Youre pictures are amazing. I don't know how you get such clarity.