Nashua River prospers with One Fish Wonders.

By Rob Frye

[Photos] [Results] [Standings]

Nashua River became the start spot for the 2008 Bubba Bassin Club draw trail. The season opener was initially scheduled for Big Island Pond in Hampstead, NH. Due to the presence of ice and lack of water at B.I.P. we were forced to choose the alternate launching out of Nashua, NH.

We were proud of our 49 anglers who found themselves making it to the 2008 Bubba Bassin Club season opener that started out cold and very wet. Mother Nature would redeem herself by mid morning with clear skies with the sun beating down. The sun was a very unexpected welcome as it forced us through-out the day to shed our almost ice-fishing apparel, plus rain gear. Always better to be safe then sorry, and cold. Dress prepared and consider yourself fortunate if you get to shed the layers.

The really big issue that the majority of our anglers faced was the agonizing lock-jaw bite that was being shared by all. During the weigh-in only 15 bass were weighed in. This time of year the state law only allows 2 fish per personal limit. One would assume this should be an easy task to accomplish but only 2 anglers were able to make that happen.

With the bite so difficult you would assume for small weights at the weigh-in. If there were few fish to be brought in then there would be good chances that those that did would get high points for their club standings. It's all about the points at the end of the year and for those who may have dumped their fish missed a great opportunity to gain a good chunk of points.

Taking the highest total, of the less than stellar weights, was yours truly, Rob Frye. My catch of 1 fish was big enough to take first place with 3.28 lbs. It was also big enough to take the lunker largemouth award. The bass bit a blk/blu/purple skirted jig with a bluegill twin tail skirt trailer. The jig was pitched into a newly fallen pine tree at the mouth of the "Condos" cove. The bass actually hung up inside the tree but with a little bit of persuasion it came out and into the boat. That fish came about 9:30 and I knew it was a good respectable fish and if I could catch one more that I knew I could get a good 2 fish limit and hopefully cash a check. The rest of the day was pretty stressful with no other bites to be had for the remaining of the day. On the way to the weigh-in I mentioned to my non-boater that this fish was probably a wasted catch. Needless to say, it took the lunker largemouth award and first place. Talk about one-fish wonders.

Second place went to one of the two limits of the day. John Diaco came in with two largemouth totaling 3.12 lbs. Both of his fish including his biggest at 1.83 lbs caught on a black and blue jig. John had a total of 5 bites but did mention he lost a couple. He had his limit by noon and after talking with many of the other anglers on the water he knew he had a good chance of making it into the money. All he needed was one more bigger fish and he thought he had that chance with the two that he lost.

Third place went to Matt Davis who brought in the only other limit of two fish. Matt Started working the banks directly across the boat ramp with a jig hitting all the stumps, then he went into deeper water throwing a small rattletrap. After no hits at all, he switched to a jerkbait and on his 3rd cast he caught his first keeper at 11:40 am. He continued to work the shoreline and took his 2nd keeper at 1:20 pm. Talk about a LONG DAY Matt exclaim with only 2 bites all day long,,, wow! The Jerk bait came through for him with his two fish weighing in at 2.87 lbs.

Bruce Acox also scored with a One Fish wonder. Bruce traveled as far as he could to the opposite end of the river and started throwing a jerk bait. He had just one bite all day and on that jerk bait it landed him a nice 2.30 pound, rare, smallmouth. Bruce was able to cash in on the First Loser's spot and the lunker smallmouth award.

This event along with the rest of the regular season Bubba Bassin tournaments was a qualifyier with Skeeter Real Money. Unfortunately, we didn't meet the minimum requirements of 60 anglers for the event but we still want to thank Skeeter Boats and Yamaha motors for sponsoring Bubba Bassin in the Skeeter Real money program. If you are a Skeeter/Yamaha owner make sure you register. Its easy and quick if you do it right online at www.SkeeterBoats.com.

We also had some great give-aways at the end of the event from a couple of new sponsors. Thanks to Dumbass Gifts from Manchester, NH who donated a couple of their shirts that were won by Mike Spurr and one other lucky angler (sorry forgot to mark it down). If you haven't seen the Dumbass shirts yet, check them out online at www.DumbassGifts.com. Let them know you are a Bubba to receive a discounted rate on your order.

Thanks to the England Brothers who donated some nice drop shot tackle that was won by Mike Carrier, Josh Currie and John Diaco. Our Free Entry winner was Justin Brigham. Mike Spurr won the online "Guess the Winning Weight" with his guess at .92 lbs.  We might as well mention he did bring is the smallest fish at a wheeny 0.73 lbs.

Our next Bubba Bassin Club event brings us to Pawtuckaway on May 3rd. We'll see you on the water.

Quit Wishin, Go Fishing!!!