Old Hickory May 17, 2012

Cruising down I 40 at 5 am on Thursday with Jack Neal looking forward to a day on Old Hickory. Nothing, but nothing prepares you for a blowout on your left front tire at 70 mph. Don’t know if I hit anything or the tire just blew. Don’t even know if I heard a pop. I just felt the lurching whomp, whomp of the tire as I quickly de-accelerated and gained control as I pulled to the side of the interstate. Luckily it was at an exit just past the airport exit. We had a lane between us and the main interstate. With big semis roaring by, we were glad to have that cushion. Jack did all the heavy lifting, he is younger and a nice guy. While he was removing the tire (I did jack the Suburban up), I was manipulating the ingenious but devilish spare tire suspended by a cable underneath the truck. In about 45 minutes we were back on the road although Jack said my spare tire was really ugly. I think the early morning experience influenced my fish catching ability because it was really tough. I am very thankful that we didn't lose control and have a really bad accident. I think blessed describes it well.

We fished some grass canes in Spencer Creek with no hits. Saw fish moving the reeds but they must have been carp, bream or maybe tarpon but no bass showed interest in our buzz baits, poppers, jigs or plastic. On to the river near the mouth of Spencer on the logs. Again no fish. Headed up river to the island on the right past Flippers. Finally hooked up a 1.5 pounder on a KVD 1.0 but he threw the hook before he was boated. Did I mention that we set a goal of 30 fish for the day. Needless to say, the goal was adjusted numerous times before the day was over. I finally caught 1.5 lb bass on a ring worm (Tornado). 

Headed down to the power lines. No fish, not even a bite. What’s happening here. Spoke to a man and his son in a Champion at the entrance. Said he caught ‘em really good yesterday but today they were not cooperating. Go figure bass. And boy have we all heard that before, “they really bit yesterday”. 

We were in an exploring mode today. Since I had never gone up the river further than the powerlines, we headed up. Fished a couple of pockets on the way. Finally reached Bledsoe Creek. Fished here a while. Still no fish in the boat. Fished a couple of more cuts going back down river. I caught (almost caught) a shad the size of the KVD 1.0 and it wasn’t snagged. Before we could get a pic it came off.

Next stop, the Steam Plant discharge. Jack scored with a jig and then scored again. I didn’t score. A quick stop in the discharge near Flipper’s. No cigar. On to Flipper’s for a hamburger and to lick our wounds. 

Headed back to Spencer Creek, fished some docks but again, same result. Finally, fished a bank about midway in Spencer. No bites, heard thunder and said I think it’s time to wave the white flag. A total of 3 bass in the boat and 1 crappie (Jack). We sort of undershot our original goal. Jack and I are thinking of hiring Rob K. as a guide on OH.