In just 4 days we will have more daylight to enjoy our outdoor hobbies! Don’t forget to turn those clocks forward on Sunday March 10. What will you do with the extra daylight? We are looking forward to more time on the Spearhead trail. We are also one week closer to Spring Turkey Season! Our .410 shotguns, especially the youth models, are going fast!
The weather the week has been all over the place – with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low teens! The gauge for the Clinch River at Cleveland (per USGS) has looked something like a wild rollercoaster ride! As of this morning we are looking at a flow rate of 2450cfs, which is still too high for most activities. The water temperature is currently back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, after reaching a high of 52 this past Thursday. This has made the fishing a little more challenging, but our guide Billy was still able to slay them!
Fishing:
That leads us to our featured lure of the week: The Luck-E-Strike Rick Clunn Classics Stickbait. Billy went to a private pond this week in Russell County and was able to land this 21” beauty.
He was using the popular Rick Clunn jerkbait when she just couldn’t resist! Check out this short video Billy got when reeling her in.
This classic jerkbait is used for a variety of fish, from smallmouth & largemouth to walleye & musky. It can be used in the lakes, ponds or the river and is just as deadly in each setting. We carry a variety of colors and have several new colors expected to arrive any day. The trick to this type lure is to get a good pattern of pauses and jerks. Considered booking a trip with Billy to learn about this method as well as many others.
Here are some of the local places stocked this week according to the DGIF Trout Stocking Schedule: Bark Camp Lake, Lincolnshire Lake, Pound River/N. Fork Pound River, Cranesnest River and Indian Creek. Remember, we do offer guided fly-fishing trips to all these locations and many more. We also offer fly-fishing lessons for those of you interested in the sport. Give us a call, or come by, to book your lessons and trips today!
Firearms:
This week’s featured firearm is the Henry US Survival AR-7 22LR. This firearm weighs only 3.5 pounds and packs down into its water-resistant stock and is only 16.5” long when packed. This firearm is very handy for backpacking or long canoe/kayak trips. Priced at only $259.99 it would make a great addition to any survival bag.
Unique Find:
This week’s unique find is a 1 7/8” green enamel bottle made in Italy. It features a Maltese cross stopper and was made in 1953. This bottle held .2oz of Prince Matchabelli’s “Wind Song” perfume. Although “Wind Song” perfume is still around today, these colored crown bottles are highly sought after today by collectors.
Q&A:
Q: When fishing for bass in muddy water, what color jig do you prefer and why?
A: A darker color jig, such as black & blue, with a bright colored trailer, like a blue craw, would be my pick. With the density of water, the fish will react to big and bulky. The bright trailer will help make the bait more visible. Adding noise, such as using a chatterbait, will also help. – Billy, CLO Guide
Join us next week for more new finds and products. Don't forget to submit your questions and you may be featured as our question of the week. Until next week, get outside and "Clinch Life!"