I'm not even mad. . .

[Big Hands]

Snuck out for a few hours this morning and had about 3 - 1/2 hours to fish. Had a few quick bites that didn't convert because I always try to set earlier rather than later to see if they're taking it quickly (they weren't . . . again). Caught a couple early right off the bat, and then things got a little slow for a while. I was just working a single 200 yard stretch.

 

I made a move with an hour left to fish. Had several bites and finally got a little smallie, my third fish of the morning. Moved down just a little ways, and got another hit and miss, and then another hit. I set the hook and it was solid, and then it pulled back . . . . HARD. We went back and forth for a bit, then I think I felt it get wrapped in something and the hook parted from the 7 lb leader at the knot.

 

It was a still a little earlier than my deadline, but I just put the rod away, secured my tackle and headed home with a big smile. The strange thing was, I didn't even feel disappointed, I wasn't mad, and I didn't have any negative thoughts. I just grinned, knowing that I hooked into something big enough to pull like that.

[TnRiver46]

That’s a good attitude! Smallies in socal?

[Big Hands]

11 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

That’s a good attitude! Smallies in socal?

Yessir!

 

There are two lakes close to me that have 'em (Castaic and Pyramid), and probably a few others not terribly far away. Oddly enough, I don't think I have ever caught one in the lagoon below the dam at Castaic, but they are definitely in the upper (main) lake. 

 

I usually get them mixed right in with the largemouth. You can usually tell it's a smallie on the line when they are meaner than usual. They put up a great fight. And they're still mean once you get them in the boat. 

[TnRiver46]

1 hour ago, Big Hands said:

Yessir!

 

There are two lakes close to me that have 'em (Castaic and Pyramid), and probably a few others not terribly far away. Oddly enough, I don't think I have ever caught one in the lagoon below the dam at Castaic, but they are definitely in the upper (main) lake. 

 

I usually get them mixed right in with the largemouth. You can usually tell it's a smallie on the line when they are meaner than usual. They put up a great fight. And they're still mean once you get them in the boat. 

That’s awesome! 

[Alex from GA]

It's been 25 years since I was there but Lake Nacimiento had/has smallmouth.