J-Doc's Bass Report (Yes, Bass)

[J-Doc]

I got a chance to get out for a couple of hours Saturday before the rain set in and was delighted to have found some quality bass at my first stop. And at a spot I’ve never fished before. Water temp was 43. Notice I said “was”. No clue what it is now that it’s 18 outside this morning.

I initially tried to learn the Ned rig as a fellow OAF member sent me some free jigheads to try and I was anxious to give them a shot. The wind was putting quite a bow in the line and I decided to pick up a different bait and give it a shot to find fish first. That was a good change as I was very proud to have found a pattern off my first fish. The second fish confirmed the pattern and then I was on the hunt! That NEVER happens for me! I was very excited. I managed to get a few quickly and if I had stayed on the water for more than a couple hours, I am confident I would have had a 5 bass limit easy and looking for upgrades. I had found the magic deal for the day and that just does not nor has it ever happened for me! What was that deal? Well….I’m holding on to that one for a while. Some of my friends know and it’s not a big secret really. It’s an old standby for many but I may need it soon in a tournament so I’m going to hold on to it for now.

Now I admit it publically……..I’m not very good at bass fishing. I love bass fishing. It’s my roots. Thanks to Bill Dance when I was a kid, every fish has the potential to be a big one. I can catch bass but I’m not a tournament angler. I almost never put a pattern together. So I’m very excited about this as I see it as a turning point for me.

I’ve also noticed that I’m seeing a lot larger spotted bass this year. To be exact, some nice spots in the 15” size. See images below of the fish I caught. One is from a month ago to explain my observation.

NO…….I don’t just troll all the time. I do bass fish. Just not as much as I used to.

I’ve been spending time catching fish, learning the lake, learning new techniques and eating some very tasty fish. I was getting burnt out on bass fishing due to not having much luck. Now after learning the lake more, it’s main sources of forage, finding new spots, I am feeling much more confident. And THAT is what you need the most. Confidence and trusting that they are biting somewhere no matter what the conditions.

So no……I don’t always troll.

Nice spotted bass.

From a month ago - (15" class spots vs. the old 12" spots many of us have caught in recent years)

[Tanderson15]

Glad you had a good day and learned another thing about the lake in your quest for bass. I'm a wimp, I need the temp above 55 better 60 degrees.

[Quillback]

Good to see you got into them, love those chunky Kentucks.

[J-Doc]

Good to see you got into them, love those chunky Kentucks.

I really intended to fish the Ned and nothing but the Ned as I only had a couple hours. I just couldn't switch to the "don't feel" presentation and the wind was pushing me. I needed to reposition the boat and as I did, I stumbled upon a bite that I basically called my shot. First time my intincts were ever right. I had to capitolize on it and test it to see if I was right. Turns out I was and that made me VERY happy and a bit excited as it was the first time I ever felt strongly I knew what the fish would be relating to. I have not been out in weeks and to go out cold, find a patter that you knew would be productive on a blind spot you've never fished before was simply...............awesome. Made my confidence level go way up. And I needed that.

[J-Doc]

Guess I should have changed the title from report to discussion. Apologies for misleading anyone.

[Dan the fisherman]

Congrats J-doc. Love it when it happens like that. It's like a light switch goes off and everything comes together. I'm not a great bass fisherman either. But I do love the challenge of tryin to figure them out. Every once in a while I get lucky though. Glad u figured them out ?

[J-Doc]

Thank you sir. Appreciate it.

Yes it's a nice feeling to call your shot and actually be right for a change. Tells me that I may actually be learning something. Beaver is not an easy lake to fish (for most). For some, it is easier but I'm not there yet and strive to grow and learn it better. It's a beautiful lake. Healthy. Full of fish and from what I'm seeing, it's progressing. Recent years of high water are really starting to show the benefits. (I hope).

[kjackson]

It's always rewarding to see a plan come together, even if you make it on the fly.

[wc1063]

If you don't fish at this lake, maybe you shouldn't comment so much, pro or not.

[wc1063]

At least, be nice!!