Spinnaker

I was down last week and ventured a little upstream beyond the 13 bridge. A little windy a day or two. Caught a few up there but spent the rest of the week down by the dam. I fish out of a red lund. Friday the traffic picked up a bit but the rest of the week was nice on the water and the evenings were spectacular. Fished an hour after sunset. It was a good trip for me. BTW, I have fished 5/16 and 7/16 oz but I found that 1/2 oz worked better for me for some reason. Perhaps it is the type of rod I am using. 7 foot medium abu/garcia. I don't feel the 5/16 or 7/16 dragging as much as the 1/2 oz. Any thoughts on jig weight?

I was down last week for 6 days and had the best luck ever for me. Had about 4 or 5 in the 17 inch range, the rest anywhere from 8 to 14 inches in general. I caught a few of them on a crank but most on the jig and trailer. Fished places I had not previously fished. I lost so many jigs on hangups but had pretty good luck overall. I am hoping the trend continues through the end of the month as I want to come down the last week of October.

Warm water but you still had topwater luck. I know size matters but for me a 20 plus bass day of shorts would still be outstanding. I hope the topwater continues to be robust next week as I am coming down Sunday. Red Lund usually around the dam.

Do you think much of the Navy will be in Port after Labor Day?

I see you are at 999 posts and thereby are long time and valued contributor! Glad you had that top water bite. I am coming down next week and hope the summer commotion will be somewhat less. I usually keep to the dam area as I stay at a lakeside lodge in Hollister. By the way, I am also a retired (municipal) trial attorney.

I have a similar photo of my son and when he was that age and it always brings a smile and warm feeling.

I sure hope they continue feeding like that next week as I am coming down. Looking forward to that top water bite!

Sorry for my late post to add my best wishes and prayers. I will be coming down next week and will think of better things to come for you.

I imagine that if they are hungry the bass would clobber them. I know that I experimented last year in the spring and fall with the metal cicada lures, 3/8 and 1/2 oz. and caught a few smallies and some whites off a point or two.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I tried top water in earnest when I came down in May but I have not been back since then for various reasons. Heat and crowds especially. When the water is so warm I just wonder if the bass will hit a spook during these months. I assume October's somewhat cooler water temps would make a significant difference but I am a relative novice. What are your thoughts?

Great tips. How about August? Pretty much the same thing? I might be making trips in mid or late September and mid or late October. I am thinking that September might be a little better than July and August but the water temp will still be quite warm.

I love reading posts like this. I can't wait to get back down.

Thanks for the reply. Its good that there is a ramp and dock there.

Never been to BS before. If I launch by myself, is that going to be a problem? Is there a courtesy dock to allow me to tie upand park? Thanks.

Sounds like you and I are on a similar page as I am also thinking about trying BS out sometime in the future hunting for bass.

How was the water clarity where you fished? I have not fished BS. I am thinking about trying it but wonder about the depth and hazards. Thanks.

Charles: I have not fished BS but want to give it a try sometime. I wonder if the same tactics for TRock bass apply? Drop shot? Football jigs? Wiggle warts and top water when the conditions are right? Congrats on the walleye and especially the bass. I love the tasty walleye but I love catching bass even more.

Just curious about the fish still full of eggs. Is that par for TR SM?

My son went to South Africa for business a few years ago, twice. It was quite an experience for him. Hope you have a safe and successful trip. I will do my best to imitate your fishing luck!

I will try adjustments next time out. Thanks.

I was in the Long creek area to the dam on Wednesday. I fish out of a red lund. I wish I had the luck you had that day. Nice bunch of fish!

rps: Regarding your new boat, what do you have? I fish out of a red 16.5 lund with a 50 Yamaha, tiller. I usually fish from 86 to point six. In April I caught a walleye or two on crank baits near the dam while fishing for bass! I have not taken the time to fish for walleye on TR because I am a bass nut, but walleye are my favorite to eat. What's your best lure/bait for walleye on TR?

Thanks. I bet early in the AM I can beat that time by car and have plenty of gas in the boat for the rest of the day. Yes this coming weekend is going to be special for traffic both on the water and the road so I will avoid that experience.

Any ideas? I like to stay near the dam but next time down want to try lake from Hwy 13 west. I could boat or trailer there for the day. My boat tops out at 35 mph. How long would it take to get there by boat or car if you know?