Yesterday was the 3rd time I've been on the water all year...1st 2 trips didn't deserve a report This trip wasn't great, but not seeing many report, so decided I'd throw it out there.

Hiwassee River. Temp 74*. RIVER RATS AND BATTLESHIPS EVERYWHERE. Seriously almost came off the deck of the boat about 4 different times. HATE FISHING THIS RIVER ON WEEKENDS.

Started at around 2pm, finished up FRIED and SEASICK a little after 5pm, trying for deep slabs, anything and everything in 25+ FOW. They are STILL checked out, nearly nowhere to be found (in numbers, or size). Did manage 2 keepers with one at almost 13".

I threw BG shad (threw every color in the book, BTW...started with 1/16oz but ended up with a quarter OZ., over the TSUNAMI-wake LOL). I did catch a short toothy-critter, so decided to upsize to a DK TAILWATER SPECIAL (ZOOM swimmin' super fluke JR in white ice) rigged Texas style on a 3/8oz bullet. 5 casts produced 2 fish, and the first Sauger I've seen on this river in almost 20yrs., 15+ inch'r at that! Was glad to have him as a guest on the boat. Then his cousin came on board as company. 17 inch'r.

ACTION DIED after those 2 bites.
Not much but did get a little workout for the electric fillet knife. Hoping cooler temps upcoming will improve things!!

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