Threw the kayaks in the Blazer and headed out to the North Fork of the Blackwater on Tuesday to pursue the elusive swimming beast AKA Mr. Largemouth Bass.  A gorgeous, sunny, cool day greeted us with semi-murky waters due to weekend downpours although it sure beat being in the office.  Had to conduct a little “product evaluation” y’know!

Got into some smaller (6″-8″) bass with just a few that actually  had some shoulders.  We were throwing Rapalas, buzz baits, salamander imitations all the while paddling around on a glorious late spring day.

Towards the end of the trip, a WV Conservation Officer AKA the game warden walked to the water’s edge and signaled us to come over.  I was certain that he was just checking fishing licenses and (being the conservation minded folks that we are) we paddled on over.  We were asked to produce our fishing documentation and we complied.  Towards the end of the conservation, the officer asked if we had our PFDs (Personal Floatation Device/Life Jackets).  To make a long story short, we ended the day with a WV DNR citation for “No life preservers in kayak”.

When boating in the State of WV, it is mandatory to have adequate PFDs for all passengers.  Passengers 12 years and under must be wearing the PFD.  Live and Learn!!  A great day nonetheless!!

If you are interested in this sort of activity, our friends at Blackwater Outdoors Adventures can set you up on the Cheat River.  The Cheat is a target-rich environment with regards to Mr. Smallmouth and other species.  (They’ll make sure you have your life jacket!!)

'yakin on the North Fork

This one had some "Shoulders"