Finley At The Park

[OzarkFishman]

I went to the park today from 3:30 to about 5:15 (had to be home at 5:30 to hang out with the fam). I took my jon boat and worked my way up the west side. I threw a 3 inch Stik-O on a slider (dark green), a 6 inch Strike King Shim-E Stik on a 1/4 football jig (also tried weightless). Nothing, no bites. Tried the 6 inch Shim-E casting parallel to the lilypads fishing it like a jerk bait, only one bite.

It was about 4:55 and time was getting scarce. I switched back to the 1/4 football, but put a purple Berkley 7 inch powerworm on. I cast from the lilypads to the bluff side (as close as possible). I would work it slowly out and when it would fall off the ledge ... BAM. 1st cast, 2nd cast and 5th cast had a bass on. All three bass were between 13 and 14 inches. Nothing huge, but these 3 bass definately saved my night. I must note that all 3 fish came just as it started to sprinkle and I was in the right place at the right time.

I was really surprised that I didn't get any on my Senko style baits (I never use Senko, too expensive for my taste). My previous 2 trips to the park all my bass came off of Senko style baits.

OzarkFishman

[RSBreth]

The park can be kind of slow fishing during the summer. Catching a couple in only a few hours isn't too bad.

[smallmouthjoe]

I always have a problem catching fish at the park. They seem to be really spooky, one bad move and their gone. I have better luck up river. Thanks for the report.

[OzarkFishman]

They are very spooky, that is why I had to make long casts. I can go up fairly far, but with a 1953 14 ft jon dragging is not fun (HEAVY!!!!). I have been picking up between 3 and 5 each trip to the park and my trips are at most 3 hours and more like 1.5 to 2 usually.

I have a couple things to add to the jon and then I will be in the market for a kayak. Too much stuff, too little money.

OzarkFishman