The Bassassasins wanted to share a story about a trip they made to the Mississippi in search of bass...
A swift look, glaring at the maple tree that seems to be on fire with rich shades of deep red reveals a the bitter sweet truth, brother fall has awakened from his sleep.
He is here, he came fast this year, engulfing everything around him with all he has to offer. Its not a secret we love fall here in Ontario, it’s a magical time and one full of change.
The 45 min drive goes by too fast. The road to the Mississippi river is laced with gentle hills, little farms and vast fields. The sun just came up and an eerie fog covers the ground, spooky and mesmerising.
As we park the car down by the bridge and get ready for our adventure, Smooth asks, "Where do you think the bass have gone?"
"I think they are still here, scattered perhaps, but where they were all summer", I replied. "I think they are hungry, they must know what’s coming."
As we enter the river, geared up and with still a little chill from the crisp morning air, a school of small mouth spook away, right in front of our feet. "There they are" we both chuckle with laughter, knowing that this will be a great morning.
We quietly wade downstream, approaching the first pool after a long, fast moving stretch. We stop in awe, absorbing the pure beauty of this majestic river.
The first few casts fly by in excitement and anticipation, until Smooth’s copper “Belly Dancer” lands behind a big bolder, "There", he whispers, "see those two big shadows moving in?"
I reply with a silent smile, as I see the fly disappear in one of the shadows. Swiftly he sets the hook and in return, the water explodes a few feet ahead of us.
Fall bass are a different breed, they are harder to find, but the challenge is so very rewarding.
A vicious close combat fight unravels between Ontario's finest.
After a few minutes tormenting the 6 weight, a golden tiger striped bronze back throws herself in submission.
Robs hand glides under the belly, from one second to the other the wild beast turns in to an adorable little puppy. Well behaved like a trusty old friend, she is gently lifted out of the water for a quick picture.
Time for the release, as soon as she touches the cool running water, she resorts back to her savage nature.
With a big goodbye splash she’s darting back into the current as we both laugh and high five. What a morning, what a beautiful day, why not!
The morning goes by, as we keep picking up bass after bass, but the fishing is tougher this time of year. During the summer month when they are cruising along the deep channel edges, always on the hunt for food, its easy to run into them, but the cooler temperatures have slowed them down. They are glued to tight cover, big boulders, breaks and the bottom of pools. But they are there, if you know where to look for them and will always be willing to engage if the opportunity is given.
This truly is the time for quality fish, the competition between the bass heats up and it seems that the big bruisers are always the first ones to fall for our offerings.
"Enough bass for today?", I ask Rob as we make our way back upstream, "We’ll see" he
replies. One more cast at this honey hole, one more fight, one more splash, as we leave the Miss behind for another day.
Rob & Rob
We are two passionate anglers that combine the best of two diverse worlds.
Smooth an avid fly fisherman and Basstard as a versatile spin caster.
We have made wading our forte and are always on the hunt for the next hot spot.
Reaching places where no boat can go, quietly joining the fish in their home territory.
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