Passaic River 2/21: Sick-day Smallie

[Skunk City]

Well I decided to take a "mental health day" and naturally, spent it on the water. Launched at about 11am and began tossing a fire tiger rapala jerkbait in hopes of a Pike. About an hour in, I tossed my lure out, then grabbed my phone to take a phone call. After about a 30 seconds on the phone, I began reeling. I felt a pretty sturdy tug, set the hook for good measure, then fought this guy to my kayak. I was expecting a Pike, but was pleasantly surprised with this beautiful smallie. Really solid fish, about 17" long...definetly a future stud. Not a sniff of anything the rest of the day, but it was a nice to be not behind a desk.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h252/QuikSilverSRT4/IMG_20120221_121543.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h252/QuikSilverSRT4/IMG_20120221_121530.jpg

[catfishonthelake]

Good stuff man. That fish is a chunk. Smallies in February, can't beat it.

[Skunk City]

Only gonna get better from here.

[Diddersen]

Very awesome, I'm glad to hear the river is giving up some nice fish already!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nice fizz dude!!!

[ReelErIn]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/reelerin/thumbsupjpg.gifhttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/reelerin/thumbsupjpg.gif

[JeffM]

Nice fish!! In the yak too!!:D

[njfisherman1975]

Must have been really sick (cough...cough) to be in that yak!!! Way to go.

[acabtp]

Launched at about 11am and began tossing a fire tiger rapala jerkbait in hopes of a Pike. About an hour in, I tossed my lure out, then grabbed my phone to take a phone call. After about a 30 seconds on the phone, I began reeling. I felt a pretty sturdy tug...

Seems like the way to go. Saw this video this morning and thought of your post. http://youtu.be/U8a0emBuHhY?t=5m40s
On the other hand, Bass usually favor some variations of the stop and go retreive. In cool or cold water, it's usually best to reel the lure down, and then deadstick the bait for 20 seconds or more. Then retrieve agan and repeat the process.