Making Memories | Son Catches PB Smallmouth
🎥 Location: Little Sugar Creek | SW Missouri | Private Access
🎣 Target Species: Smallmouth Bass
🌧️ Conditions: High 80’s - Beautiful Day in May with Clear Skys
💬 Drop a comment: What’s your favorite streamer pattern?
The Backcast (Episode Overview): Where do I even begin? It was simply an incredible day of fly fishing and exploring the Ozarks. On this adventure, the smallmouth spawn was beginning to wind down, though we still spotted a few fish on beds. We made a point to stay well clear of those areas, focusing instead on faster runs and current seams while avoiding the slack water where spawning fish were holding.
Conner and I hadn’t enjoyed a long day on the water together in quite some time. Between work schedules and dodging spring storms, life has been a little hectic around the Ozarks. We headed north into southwest Missouri and checked a few of our usual spots. Along the way, I noticed a gentleman on a tractor. When he stopped, I politely asked if he would allow us access to the creek through his property. Without hesitation, he agreed and even took the time to show us exactly where to go.
There are still good people in this world who enjoy sharing access and helping others enjoy the outdoors, and we were fortunate enough to meet one of them that day. We enjoyed visiting with him, his wife, and their dogs before making our way to the creek. It turned out to be one of those days that will be permanently etched into memory—not just for me, but for my son as well.
Conner landed the biggest fish of his life while testing a streamer pattern he had recently learned to tie himself. We never put a tape measure or scale on the fish. We didn’t need to. The moment it came to hand, we both knew it was a giant and one we would never forget.
Conner has also started using one of our older GoPro cameras to help capture photos from our adventures. Most of the images will be featured in this episode's blog post over on our website. If you’re interested in the camera grip setup we use with our GoPro 9, be sure to check out the Amazon Store link below.
As for me, I managed to catch around ten fish during the outing, but this day belonged to my son. Watching all the hours he has invested in learning to tie streamers and improving his fly-casting skills finally come together was something special. Seeing that hard work rewarded with a personal-best fish is a memory I’ll carry with me forever. This was a Proud Dad day.
Flies | Bugs | Streamers
SCHMIDT’S MINI VIKING MIDGE | OLIVE & YELLOW | SIZE 2
ROO’S DECEIVER | CHARTREUSE | SIZE 1
CONNER_TIES | FRANKLYONE | SIZE 1
Rod, Reel and Fly Line
Conner’s Setup
Cortland Line Crown Series Fly Reel (5/7)
Cortland Line Guide Series Fly Rods - Freshwater (9ft-6wt)
Cortland Line Specialty Series Bass Float Line (WF6F)
Dad’s Setup
Cortland Line Crown Series Fly Reel (5/7)
Cortland Line Moonshine Drifter II Blackout Limited Edition (9ft-6wt)
Cortland Line Kelly Galloup Series Top Shelf Float Line (WF6F)
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Attention: Please remember your responsibilities as an ethical angler. Please obey and respect all posted signs. In addition, please help us keep these areas open to the public by picking up trash to help keep our water clean and safe for you and others. *Disclaimer: This video is NOT sponsored. I use Amazon affiliate links. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. We receive a small percentage of the sale which helps support our channel. Thank you for your support!
