2021 05 28 Nickajack TN

[coldfront]

went out at daybreak looking for bass.  they were few and far between today and the ones I did get were way too short.  longest of day might have stretched 10 inches (spot).
down below Chickamauga dam on Nickajack (tailrace).  TVA release rate was 10K cfs - practically nothing.  Water temps were 72° F.  Air temps were 71°F.  Wind:  none to start.Temps to get into mid-80's today and T-storms this afternoon evening as the frontal system comes through.  With the front, winds are picking up significantly.
Water clarity was good.  clear-green.

Most productive bait today was a rapala DT6.  but that's not saying much.  no interest in jig/chunk.  no interest in shakey head.  (really!?).
best fish of day?  over 60 inches of long-nose gar.  knew I was in trouble when the floating rogue had a big 'beak' rise out of the water behind it.  then it just loaded up.  belly landed her, but she got frisky as I was getting her over the gunwales and pinned me with one of the hooks (forearm).  good news is that the jerkbait was freed up from the fish, so I had a little time to study the situation and plan the removal process.
simple matter of grabbing the locking hemostats and getting a good grip on the bend and then just pulling it out with appropriate force.  no jerking, cause there are EIGHT other hook points to consider.
smelly fish.  first and biggest for me.  cool animals.

[Donald Garner]

Tks for sharing the trip with us.  Those gars are something else.   Mouth full of teeth for sure.

[Mike Cork]

Had to question you putting it on the deck, very smelly fish.... But first fish I understand, plus it's a bigg'un for a rod and reel

Hate to hear you took and injury in the battle, but you do get an entry to win a rod

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