Feeling like Big Sky

[VAspeedgoat]

Well after drooling over pictures of the fish that Big Sky catches I finally have one of my own. This was a brook that I figure was a breeder put into the stocked section of the famed Smith River of Va. Its a tailwater stream famous for its wild brown that regularly go 20" plus. This one was 21.5" and the largest trout I've ever caught by over 3 inches. Sorry its got leaves on it, I couldn't hold him still. The kids all caught some rainbows for the frying pan and even caught a few browns. The browns were all released because there's a 24" minimum.

I haven't gotten my jigs yet but I did take Big Sky's advise and cast to the fish that surfaced. I doubt seriously.it was this fish but either way it worked. I did notice a pair of guys using jigs and doing well. I just need to call Kits and get some picked out.

 

[50bowhunter]

I fished the Smith once years ago. I remember it was July and that water was still ice cold. I wish it wasn't such a long dive to get there

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Here he is.

 

[mdunc8]

Nice one. I grew up fishing the Smith. Fun water for sure.

 

[Coyotes-R-Us]

nice fish

 

[Festus]

Wow, beauty!!

 

[duckhunt]

Very cool

 

[7mm08mo]

Nice!!!

 

[Matt/VT]

Nice Squaretail!

 

[fishing4sanity]

Great looking trout & hat! I'm sure not all breeders get messed up fins from the raceways at the hatchery, but I've caught some that did, makes me wonder if that fish might be a native to the river, either way congrats on a great fish. Shouldn't you be out farming instead of fishing?

 

[JohnCushman]

Excellent fish!

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Great looking trout & hat! I'm sure not all breeders get messed up fins from the raceways at the hatchery, but I've caught some that did, makes me wonder if that fish might be a native to the river, either way congrats on a great fish. Shouldn't you be out farming instead of fishing?

Good point!

I was able to block out the world for the weekend. Kissed the kids goodnight last night and told them that this was probably it for a few months. They understand but that is the only part of my life I don't like. So, I try to always go pre planting and post harvest and spend some just family time. Stayed in a park that has terrible phone service so the world just has to do without me for a few days.

 

[Big Sky]

That is a total stud brook trout and actually worthy of the wall. If that's a brooder its fins are in awfully good shape for brood stock. Man, that's a nice fish!

 

[Jwill]

Nicely done! I haven't fished the Smith in a while, but the state has recently changed how they've been managing it and I've heard good things.

 

[50bowhunter]

What kind of jigs do you use for trout? I've caught a few on jigs but nothing consistent.

 

[publichunter1]

Awesome trout! Congrats.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

What kind of jigs do you use for trout? I've caught a few on jigs but nothing consistent.

Big Sky is the forum expert. He rescently posted a you tube clip that is extremely helpful. Can't remember the name and am not savy enough to post the link if I could find it. Just do a quick search of the fishing hole forum.

 

[mdunc8]

The Smith used to be one of the best streams for big trout in the East. Unfortunately fish don't grow that big on their own anymore. Still a fun place to fish.

 

[Big Sky]

50bowhunter here is the video VAspeedgoat mentioned. Hope you find some useful information in it.
[video=youtube_share;ECOJGqtHPsk]https://youtu.be/ECOJGqtHPsk[/video]

 

[50bowhunter]

Thank you big sky. Very well done. I'll try to put this in to action soon.