Top 4 Fish You'll Catch in Creeks in The Shoals (using top-water bait)

There is beauty all around us in The Shoals, and one of my favorite ways to explore it is with a fishing trip. Whether I'm out with my family, friends, or on a solo adventure, there's nothing like the thrill of a catch. Here are the top four fish that I personally catch regularly, using top-water poppers.

1. Bluegill (Bream)

Description: Bluegill are fairly small, known for their vibrant colors and quick hits. These fish are sight predators, often found in shallow waters near vegetation such as lily pads and overhanging trees. They also lurk in grassy shallows, waiting to ambush their prey. A lot of the time, bream are too small to fully latch onto bait that I use. I'll often feel bites but unless it's a decently sized individual, I'm unfortunately hooking most bream in undesirable places.

My Experience: Using topwater poppers for bluegill is a blast. I usually fish in the early morning or late evening when they are most active. The sight of a bluegill breaking the surface to strike a popper is almost funny. They may be small, but they fight with surprising strength.

2. Rock Bass (Rock Perch)

Description: Rock bass, or "goggle-eye," are commonly found in the clear, rocky streams of The Shoals. They have a robust build and are often confused with some sunfish species.

My Experience: Catching rock bass on a top-water popper is straightforward. They tend to hang around rocky structures and underwater vegetation. They're especially reactive to any bait leaving an active bubble trail, achieved with most revolver top-waters. Often, I catch rock bass simply reeling in without intending to. They strike the bait with a surprising amount of force, providing a strong fight for their size.

3. Smallmouth Bass

Description: Smallmouth bass are my favorite fish to catch. They're a streamlined fish with a bronze to greenish body, dark vertical bars, and a distinctive smaller mouth that extends to the middle of its eye. They prefer cooler, clear waters and are often found near rocky outcrops and swift currents.

My Experience: They strike with incredible force, often leaping out of the water to spit bait- great time to practice yanking a baby out of fire to get a good hook in. I typically fish for them in the early morning or late evening, casting near rocky faces or swift currents.

4. Largemouth Bass

Description: Largemouth are a robust fish with a dark green to olive body, a horizontal stripe along its side, and a mouth that extends well past its eyes. These are less common in shallow, quick-flowing creeks, but a thrill to catch when you hook one.

My Experience: They tend to ambush their prey, striking with immense power. The largest largemouth bass I've caught in the creeks was over 3.5 pounds, but I've seen others catch even bigger ones. They're always the highlight of my fishing trip.

Family Fun and Safety

Fishing in The Shoals' creeks offers a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Here are some tips to ensure everyone has a great time:

• Safety First: Ensure everyone wears a life jacket, especially when fishing from a kayak or in deeper waters.

• Be Prepared: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

• Teach Respect: Encourage kids to respect the environment and practice catch-and-release to preserve fish populations.

Final Note

While early morning and late evening are classic times for catching these fish, in my experience, they bite all day long in the creeks of The Shoals. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the joys of fishing or enjoying a peaceful day on the water, the creeks of The Shoals provide an ideal setting for memorable outdoor adventures. Happy fishing!