BIG BASS BASH

[DChance]

22 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Let's discuss improving your odds for large bass.... 

Deep, shallow, or in between?

Main lake, or in the creeks/coves?

Methodical dissecting of each area, or cover as much water as possible?

Solo or with a partner?

Multiple techniques and baits, or stick with what you do best? 

Would you fish behind other anglers, or burn some gas and try to stay in fresh untouched water?

Would you burn up time running to a weigh location and standing in line with a 3-5lber, or not bother with anything under 6?

Do you hope it is sunny or cloudy, and how will the weather conditions alter your strategy?

I normally fish it every year and try to fish both spring and fall. Here is what I have found.

1. Take all strategy and throw it in the trash can. There really isn't any patterning. Hard to pattern 6lbers. Just have to keep fishing what you think are high percentage areas. This isn't your normal event. Even if LOZ is 55K acres, 2000-3000 anglers changes any "normal" patterns.

I start shallow, but with full understanding the the longer into the day/weekend you will not be the only one throwing to that shallow water. I think fish will be in all 3 depths during this time of year.

2. Beginning the fall transition, fish will be all over the place.

3. Fall = cover water. Even in "normal" conditions this is the norm in early fall at LOZ. Or at least in my experience. cover water.

4. I like both. The company is always nice, but I like to try crazy things sometimes and boat control is not as bug a factor by yourself (making sure partner has good water)

5. Fall = you can catch fish on multiple tech. so I say both. Fish multiple techniques that you have confidence in.

6. BBB = you will be fishing behind others. from dam to dam. Less up the river, but I think those fish are also easier to spook. It doesn't take much extra pressure to put those fish on lockjaw.

7. Keep track of online updates and check weights. If it will get me a check I will wait in line if that timeframes weights are low. but I won't run to the weigh in right away with a 3 or 4 lber. I would weigh a 5+ regardless I think

8. Not sure it will matter much. the fish will be on high alert more from all the traffic and pressure IMO. 

 

Great Discussion questions!!

[MOsmallies]

If I was fishing it, I'd be skipping and pitching a 1/2 oz jig or throwing a WP, Buzzbait or WTD topwater.

Everyone always thinks a big swimbait will be a factor but I just don't think LOZ is a great swimbait lake for whatever reason. You may luck into one with it, but I don't think it gives you the best odds.

[Mitch f]

If you see bluegill between docks, that means they're too afraid of what's under there.....hint, hint, hint!?

[Old plug]

Bass are where you find them or stumble onto them and truth be told that is just about everywhere on LOZ. 

[DADAKOTA]

On 9/17/2016 at 8:48 AM, DChance said:

Why prefish? It really doesn't take a pattern. How do you pattern one big bite and account for 3000 people fishing with you. Lol. 

Exactly.  Have heard many folks tell me they pre-fished for a couple days.  I said just go fishing when the bash starts.  Sure hate to crack a good one before it counted.

[DADAKOTA]

I don't recall a big $$$ check being weighed anywhere but Alhonna or PB2.  That shows which end of the lake the big ones come from.  We see very few BBB boats up around the 45-48.

[Seth]

2 hours ago, DADAKOTA said:

I don't recall a big $$$ check being weighed anywhere but Alhonna or PB2.  That shows which end of the lake the big ones come from.  We see very few BBB boats up around the 45-48.

The #1 and #3 overall winners from last fall's BBB were weighed in at Red Oak.

[Brian Jones]

On 9/21/2016 at 3:53 PM, mrgungho said:

I heard they're tearing it up on weightless rigged bubblegum flukes right now. 40 fow

 

Good luck guys.

How much for the wart in your profile pic??

[DChance]

3 hours ago, DADAKOTA said:

I don't recall a big $$$ check being weighed anywhere but Alhonna or PB2.  That shows which end of the lake the big ones come from.  We see very few BBB boats up around the 45-48.

The thing about up river though is that is takes much less traffic to screw those fish up. So even if it is less busy, it is still more than the norm and those fish know.

[Old plug]

4 hours ago, DADAKOTA said:

I don't recall a big $$$ check being weighed anywhere but Alhonna or PB2.  That shows which end of the lake the big ones come from.  We see very few BBB boats up around the 45-48.

 I hope you convince a lot of people of that.