That's right. The last day of February was celebrated on the Darby fishing for Smallmouth. After near monthly record snowfalls I wasn't sure if we'd ever get out to fish. The weather report called for highs of 38, which was a heat wave considering it hasn't been over freezing damn near all month. Our fishing licenses expired today, so we figured we'd head out to the only unfrozen water in Franklin county. Super got the pass from the wife, Kughn made the trip over from Zanesville, and thanks to Facebook I hooked up with Eric Dotson whom I haven't seen in close to 15 years. Thanks facebook...
We hit the Darby with high hopes. The water was surprisingly calm, and we figured the Smalley's would be hanging out in slack pools near the current. We tried almost every piece of tackle in our boxes. Noone was having any luck and we were getting cold and frustrated. I tested out the new waders and they worked great. It actually felt warmer in the water than on the bank!
Around 3:30 we were about to call it quits and outta nowhere Nate screams FISH ON!!!! Eric and I dropped our stuff and raced over to Nate who hooked up with a beautiful Smallmouth. Just as he was getting the fish to the bank, Nate said "I don't have him hooked very well" and the fish shook his head and threw the hook out of his mouth. Nate yelled out a few words not to be repeated as he scrambled to pull the fish out of the water bare handed. I'm confident he woulda went in head first after it if he needed to. He grabs the fish barehanded and throws it up onto the bank and we all let out a hellacious roar. 
February Smalley for Super!!!!
Nate caught him on an 1/8 oz Jig with a small grub trailer. Boy how a fish will change the mood!!! Eric and I both tied one on started fishing the same technique. I felt my Jig stop and set the hook and was certain I had a fish on!! I reel like all hell getting it to the bank and it was a stick bass!!!! Broke my freakin heart...
We fished for another 45 mins or so without catching another one. At least we didn't get skunked! Kughn caught a fish barehanded, but it was a 2 inch Darter. Does that count?
The juices are flowing! I'm officially not participating in winter anymore. IT'S TIME TO ROLL BASS!!!
