I work in the Factoria area and wanted to hit Enatai Park after work throwing the Bobber Jig combo. I had picked up 4 different species the night before( Perch, Pike Minnow, SMB, and Rock Bass) but the wind was to strong to even get a bite. I noticed that Luther Burbank Park seemed to be much calmer because of the protected from the wind so I jumped in the car and made the short journey over there.

Having only been the LBP and got nothing casting lures I started off at the first cement round area coming down the hill.

Tossed the Bobber Jig close to the wall about dead middle of the circle. I could see my jig thru the wripples of the water and then I see something headed for it. Bobber down and I quickly have the best Smallie of my life on. With 2lb test and a St. Croix Panfish UL 6’ rod paired with a 20 sized President XT I could not get the fish to the bank especially using a barbless jig. I’m guessing 2lbs range. I got two more strikes in the same area but missed one and the other came unbottoned quickly.

I moved to the other cement circle and casted parallel to the shore line just past a log. I shorted up my depth to about 3’ and again on the first cast I hook into a very good fish that I had trouble getting it past the log and it’s branches. I finally did and it’s another nice Smallie. Again my set up was little match for these fish as I got near the shoreline it came off.

A few tiny SMB was it for the rest of the day plus a few snags that made it evenful to get my Bobber back as it was my only one. Pretty exciting week having caught or had some very nice fish on for my ultra Lite outfit. It’s great to have a few locations close to work and one close to home to explore what Washington has to offer.

nbculver

5/19/2019 9:24:37 AM

Thanks for the detailed report. Perhaps, you should consider using fluorocarbon of 4 to 6 pounds test to give you a better chance with those smallies.

TMBob

5/19/2019 6:20:41 PM

I run 2lbs main (first time trying it as I usually have 4 Mono or 10 Braid on this UL set up) to a 6lb 18” leader. Lost another nice one today at Enati. The 2lb main is not the problem to me, the barbless 1/64th jig doesn’t stand a chance when they jump and shake. Now if I wanted to target these strong fish I “would” up the ante line, rod reel and at least a #6 Hook. Like 1000 Shimano Stratic C a St. Croix ML rod and at least 15lb braid. Something to keep in mind for next spring.

TMBob

5/19/2019 6:30:19 PM

NBCULVER, I hear what your saying, thanks. I have not been broken off yet, but that’s next. I was not targeting fish this size because in the past two years I have not gotten anything to big. With 5 of my biggest LW shire fish on the past 6 days, I think I’d better change ASAP! I hope to have a report of the one that did not get away next time. Thanks again for making think a different way.

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