Can't help what bites the lure!

[Blue Raider Bob]

I know this is a Smallmouth forum, but can't help what bites the lure! I was smallie fishing in the Cumberland yesterday and hooked a PIG! Last thing I expected was a big largie in current. It just goes to show how unpredictable bass can be. Caught 29 little ones and one big mama! She ate the Zman TicklrZ in Smelt Color and weighed 5 lb 3 oz. I'm already a member of the 5lb Largie club but it was fun to renew membership! Water temp was 72 deg. Hopefully this is a sign of real good things ahead! This is only the fourth Largemouth I have caught from the Cumberland, and by far the largest. I was really surprised she was hanging out with the Spots and Smallies.

[TnRiver46]

Nice fish! They all eat the same thing therefore hang out in the same places 

[Tennessee Boy]

What lakes do you fish on the Cumberland?

[Blue Raider Bob]

12 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

What lakes do you fish on the Cumberland?

I just fish the Cumberland River from below the Old Hickory dam to Nashville. I guess that would be the head of Cheatham. I got into river fishing a few years ago and just like it better than lake fishing. I catch lots more fish in the river but they average much smaller than lake fish. The frequent action more than makes up for the lack of poundage in my view. Also the variety of fish is interesting.

[Tennessee Boy]

59 minutes ago, Blue Raider Bob said:

I just fish the Cumberland River from below the Old Hickory dam to Nashville. I guess that would be the head of Cheatham. I got into river fishing a few years ago and just like it better than lake fishing. I catch lots more fish in the river but they average much smaller than lake fish. The frequent action more than makes up for the lack of poundage in my view. Also the variety of fish is interesting.

I've never fished that stretch of river.  I've always heard good things.  It's not that far from where I live.  I'm just afraid that someone will borrow my truck while I'm fishing.  

[TnRiver46]

4 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

I've never fished that stretch of river.  I've always heard good things.  It's not that far from where I live.  I'm just afraid that someone will borrow my truck while I'm fishing.  

I would worry about it more out in the middle of nowhere, that’s where all the boat ramp vandalism I’ve personally witnessed occurs. Where nobody is watching 

[Blue Raider Bob]

7 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

I've never fished that stretch of river.  I've always heard good things.  It's not that far from where I live.  I'm just afraid that someone will borrow my truck while I'm fishing.  

The ramp at the Stones River is right by a heavily used city park. It is only a mile from McGavock high school. It is about as secure as any ramp can be. Take Briley Parkway north, turn right on Two Rivers Parkway. Turn left on McGavock, go two streets turn right on Fernbrook. Ramp is 1 mi on right. The ramp at the dam is more isolated but still fairly heavily used. The ramp at Lot 2 is more isolated and can only be used when the water is up. The ramp at Shelby ave. is in bad shape and that is where I would really worry about a borrowed truck!

[Tennessee Boy]

24 minutes ago, Blue Raider Bob said:

The ramp at the Stones River is right by a heavily used city park. It is only a mile from McGavock high school. It is about as secure as any ramp can be. Take Briley Parkway north, turn right on Two Rivers Parkway. Turn left on McGavock, go two streets turn right on Fernbrook. Ramp is 1 mi on right. The ramp at the dam is more isolated but still fairly heavily used. The ramp at Lot 2 is more isolated and can only be used when the water is up. The ramp at Shelby ave. is in bad shape and that is where I would really worry about a borrowed truck!

Thanks.  I've looked at that ramp before on google maps.   I'll have to give it a try sometime.  I usually fish during the week when there are fewer people around.   I probably worry too much about ramp security.

[Blue Raider Bob]

On 9/9/2022 at 9:50 AM, Tennessee Boy said:

Thanks.  I've looked at that ramp before on google maps.   I'll have to give it a try sometime.  I usually fish during the week when there are fewer people around.   I probably worry too much about ramp security.

Have you been? If and when you go I'd like to hear how you like river fishing. I try to get to the Cumberland once a week and usually catch several. Did a float trip Sunday from the dam to Old Hickory Bridge. That's about 4 miles. Bite was real slow and water level was down. Still caught twenty with big smallie over 17". The section around Stones River usually produces better for me. And boat traffic is light this time of year.

[Tennessee Boy]

4 hours ago, Blue Raider Bob said:

Have you been? If and when you go I'd like to hear how you like river fishing. I try to get to the Cumberland once a week and usually catch several. Did a float trip Sunday from the dam to Old Hickory Bridge. That's about 4 miles. Bite was real slow and water level was down. Still caught twenty with big smallie over 17". The section around Stones River usually produces better for me. And boat traffic is light this time of year.

I drove down there without the boat to check it out on a weekday.  There were no vehicles in the parking lot and no one around which concerns me.   Maybe I’m too paranoid.  

[Blue Raider Bob]

15 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

I drove down there without the boat to check it out on a weekday.  There were no vehicles in the parking lot and no one around which concerns me.   Maybe I’m too paranoid.  

I have been when there was no one there as well. Usually there are one or two trucks and trailers. This time of year it is less crowded. I don't blame your concern. We live in an age with no accountability. Still I make the trip. Less so now that the sun sinks earlier because of the traffic I deal with returning to Christiana. I will still hit it some Sundays throughout the fall and winter. My weekday fishing from here on out will be the Tennessee river at South Pittsburg. Less fish but better size. You might want to circle back and ck it out on a Sunday.

Good Luck!