Big M 11/23/2012

[Donna G]

Didn't get on the water as early as we planned. Started around 8:30 a.m. Fifteen minutes later Champ188 had two nice keepers on a blade. Wind howled all day. That combined with temps in the low forties made for a chilly day. Same as last week - best bite for us was on the steeper vertical stuff. Couldn't get too far away from main lake points before we lost our bite. I threw a Wart a fair amount when we got around sloping banks on gravel or chunk rock. No takers. Champ threw the evil rig some (Alabama Rig). No luck. He dragged a C-rig a little bit, too. No results. Lot of standing timber on the bluffs with the water low. Hard to weave in and out of it and fight the wind.

Around 20 total with 8 keeps. Best 5 probably 12 lbs. All but two of the keepers came on the blade. I caught half or more of our total number on a finesse jig,but not the same quality as the blade. I had one nice keeper brownie and a fat spot. Rest of mine were short spots and mean mouth. Champ had some LM. Fish still wanted no action on the jig. Throw up to the bluff wall and let it fall. For the most part wood didn't seem to make any difference on the jig. PB&J 5/16 oz. with smoke dressed with a green pumpkin Lil' Critter Craw. Sad to say, but I didn't really pay any attention to what skirt / blade combo Champ was using. You'll have to hit him up for that.

Last keeper (and it culled) hit the blade as we were coming back to Big M marina. Put it on the trailer at 3:00 p.m. Tard and cold. Drove 7 hours round trip the day before to spend Thanksgiving with the family. Well, Champ drove. I rode and slept.

[Quillback]

Thanks for the report, I may head out there tomorrow, supposed to be breezy but a bit warmer than the conditions you and Champ faced. Looks like I may have to toss the blade around a bit .

[Guest]

Nice report..ya'll had a good trip for a cold day.

Do you think that water is too clear for a crankbait?

I bet the water temp is dropping gradually this year, without much rain.

[Donna G]

Thanks for the report, I may head out there tomorrow, supposed to be breezy but a bit warmer than the conditions you and Champ faced. Looks like I may have to toss the blade around a bit .

Good luck. That would be JUST awful to have to throw a blade. lol

[Donna G]

Nice report..ya'll had a good trip for a cold day.

Do you think that water is too clear for a crankbait?

I bet the water temp is dropping gradually this year, without much rain.

It was fairly clear in places, but there was enough color and lots of wind where I was throwing it. I haven't had much success with a Wart this year, although I hear of others doing well with it. Water temp was 56-58. Champ likes a Wart better in colder water. On another note, I heard it took 18+ lbs in the Winter Series today. Don't guess our measly 12 would have done any good.

[Quillback]

Well I stayed home today, decided to watch football instead. I'll probably get out there later this week.

[Donna G]

We slept in and golfed this afternoon. Watching football now. It might have been tough today.