Catt951- Boy, that is really a detailed Bass fishing report. Makes us all itchy reading first your successes and then followed with a plan on how to do it including where and basically how.
Now all I need is a million dollars. lol
Our thanks. Tell us more.
JoeMo
Toledo Bend
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JoeM
- Posts: 424
- Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2001 4:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Good Fishing,
JoeM - Former Message Board Moderator
JoeM - Former Message Board Moderator
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Thank you JoeM
While some people don't give up where they fish I love seeing others catch.
While some people don't give up where they fish I love seeing others catch.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Class was held on Toledo Bend with 1 student the following is the results from those classes.
Lake Conditions: Recent heavy rains have the lake on-the-rise and at mid-week the level stood at 169.8 feet. Water surface temperatures range from fifty-one to fifty-four degrees. North Toledo is stained-to-muddy, mid-lake is stained and south Toledo is clear on the main lake with the back half of most feeder-creeks stained, and in some cases, muddy.
Area: Six Mile Creek 8” to 15” downed timber & stumps along secondary points
Bait of Choice: Renegade Jig ½ oz., Black. & Blue Skirt, Sapphire Blue Zoom Chunk
Rod-n-Reel: 6’8” Castaway Med/Hvy & Calcutta 100 spooled with 17 lb Berkley Iron Silk
Scent: Real Craw
Dec. 20th: Student 2 bass/6.35 lbs, Teacher 4 bass/11.78 lbs
Dec. 21st: Student 3 bass/10.02 lbs, Teacher 5 bass/17.33 lbs.
Dec. 28th: Student 0 bass/0.00 lbs, Teacher 5 bass/21.00 lbs. (2.5 hrs. of fishing)
Dec. 29th: Student 0 bass/0.00 lbs, Teacher 3 bass/17.99 lbs.
This is a super season to catch a huge bass as roe (eggs) are already forming in females. Be patient, as it is common in mid-winter to catch bigger but fewer bass. The 1/2 oz is ideal to work scattered grass & downed timber in 8-20’. Excellent colors include green pumpkin, black/red & black/blue with matching color trailers. Top trailers include a ReAction Gator Dog, Gator Pup, Berkley Power Craw or a Zoom Chunk. Spray all of your jigs/trailers with some type of Crawfish scent.
Lake Conditions: Recent heavy rains have the lake on-the-rise and at mid-week the level stood at 169.8 feet. Water surface temperatures range from fifty-one to fifty-four degrees. North Toledo is stained-to-muddy, mid-lake is stained and south Toledo is clear on the main lake with the back half of most feeder-creeks stained, and in some cases, muddy.
Area: Six Mile Creek 8” to 15” downed timber & stumps along secondary points
Bait of Choice: Renegade Jig ½ oz., Black. & Blue Skirt, Sapphire Blue Zoom Chunk
Rod-n-Reel: 6’8” Castaway Med/Hvy & Calcutta 100 spooled with 17 lb Berkley Iron Silk
Scent: Real Craw
Dec. 20th: Student 2 bass/6.35 lbs, Teacher 4 bass/11.78 lbs
Dec. 21st: Student 3 bass/10.02 lbs, Teacher 5 bass/17.33 lbs.
Dec. 28th: Student 0 bass/0.00 lbs, Teacher 5 bass/21.00 lbs. (2.5 hrs. of fishing)
Dec. 29th: Student 0 bass/0.00 lbs, Teacher 3 bass/17.99 lbs.
This is a super season to catch a huge bass as roe (eggs) are already forming in females. Be patient, as it is common in mid-winter to catch bigger but fewer bass. The 1/2 oz is ideal to work scattered grass & downed timber in 8-20’. Excellent colors include green pumpkin, black/red & black/blue with matching color trailers. Top trailers include a ReAction Gator Dog, Gator Pup, Berkley Power Craw or a Zoom Chunk. Spray all of your jigs/trailers with some type of Crawfish scent.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
LAKE CONDITIONS:
Toledo is 'on the rise.' The lake has risen two feet during the past two weeks and now stands at 170.7 feet. Full pool is 172 feet. One generator is running at the dam 24/7 while the spillway has seven gates open one foot each. The upper part of The Bend is stained-to-muddy, the mid-lake region is slightly stained and the southern portion is clear on the main lake with stained/muddy water in most feeder creeks. Surface water temperatures remain good for early January and range from fifty-two to fifty-five degrees.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS:
With water rising, fishing conditions changed as fresh water and, in many cases, muddy/stained water shut down some patterns that had been reliable. On the other hand, several reports from anglers revealed new patterns as bass re-positioned themselves due to the rising water. As expected, shallow water (4-10') came into the picture and there were reports of anglers working Rat-L-Traps over and through scattered grass. On Sam Rayburn in recent weeks, the 'Trap' bite has been outstanding. The best results from Toledo last weekend with the Rat-L-Trap came out of slightly stained water using a Toledo 'standard'.... the 1/2 oz. in red/crawfish.
'TRAP TOOLS: When fishing a lipless crank bait such as a Rat-L-Trap, Frenzy Ratl'r or Hot Spot, many pro tournament anglers select a seven-foot medium-action rod with a long handle. Two excellent choices are Berkley's Lightning Rod (Professional Series/IM7 Blank) and Fenwick's HMGAV series. The Lightning Rod is North America's #1 selling graphite rod because of quality and price ($50-60) while Fenwick, the father of modern day rods, is still the industry's gold standard. The HMGAV retails from $130-145. These rods allow for long casts and great hook-setting qualities while having enough flex to minimize losing big bass close to the boat. Most veteran 'Trap users prefer a fast retrieve reel. A quality, affordable reel that has a high ratio (6.3 to 1) is Abu Garcia's C4 Series. I suggest the 4600C4, which sells for $65-80.
January and the jig n pig on Toledo fit like hand and glove. Lonnie Stanley, bass pro and owner of Stanley Jigs Inc., is an expert with the jig and likes the 3/16 or 5/16 oz. sizes this time of the year. He prefers a pork trailer on his jigs and targets main feeder creeks (about half-way back). The ideal water temperature, according to Stanley, is between 52 & 55 degrees. Casting to the edge of the creek, he then works the jig slowly back into the channel. He likes creeks that are 20-25 feet deep with edges between 10-14 feet. Lonnie goes with 12-15 lb. test monofilament line when fishing these light jigs.
Stanley also makes one of the best spinner baits on the market and his eyes light up when he discusses cold-water 'blade' fishing. Recently Stanley said...."During brief warming trends in mid-January, those same jig fish that were stacked up on the edge of the creeks will move up on the humps and ridges." These humps average 6-10 feet and he recommends using a 3/8 or 1/2 oz. golden bream or white spinner bait on 17-pound line. Stanley slow-rolls the bait over what- ever-submerged cover or vegetation is present.
Toledo is 'on the rise.' The lake has risen two feet during the past two weeks and now stands at 170.7 feet. Full pool is 172 feet. One generator is running at the dam 24/7 while the spillway has seven gates open one foot each. The upper part of The Bend is stained-to-muddy, the mid-lake region is slightly stained and the southern portion is clear on the main lake with stained/muddy water in most feeder creeks. Surface water temperatures remain good for early January and range from fifty-two to fifty-five degrees.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS:
With water rising, fishing conditions changed as fresh water and, in many cases, muddy/stained water shut down some patterns that had been reliable. On the other hand, several reports from anglers revealed new patterns as bass re-positioned themselves due to the rising water. As expected, shallow water (4-10') came into the picture and there were reports of anglers working Rat-L-Traps over and through scattered grass. On Sam Rayburn in recent weeks, the 'Trap' bite has been outstanding. The best results from Toledo last weekend with the Rat-L-Trap came out of slightly stained water using a Toledo 'standard'.... the 1/2 oz. in red/crawfish.
'TRAP TOOLS: When fishing a lipless crank bait such as a Rat-L-Trap, Frenzy Ratl'r or Hot Spot, many pro tournament anglers select a seven-foot medium-action rod with a long handle. Two excellent choices are Berkley's Lightning Rod (Professional Series/IM7 Blank) and Fenwick's HMGAV series. The Lightning Rod is North America's #1 selling graphite rod because of quality and price ($50-60) while Fenwick, the father of modern day rods, is still the industry's gold standard. The HMGAV retails from $130-145. These rods allow for long casts and great hook-setting qualities while having enough flex to minimize losing big bass close to the boat. Most veteran 'Trap users prefer a fast retrieve reel. A quality, affordable reel that has a high ratio (6.3 to 1) is Abu Garcia's C4 Series. I suggest the 4600C4, which sells for $65-80.
January and the jig n pig on Toledo fit like hand and glove. Lonnie Stanley, bass pro and owner of Stanley Jigs Inc., is an expert with the jig and likes the 3/16 or 5/16 oz. sizes this time of the year. He prefers a pork trailer on his jigs and targets main feeder creeks (about half-way back). The ideal water temperature, according to Stanley, is between 52 & 55 degrees. Casting to the edge of the creek, he then works the jig slowly back into the channel. He likes creeks that are 20-25 feet deep with edges between 10-14 feet. Lonnie goes with 12-15 lb. test monofilament line when fishing these light jigs.
Stanley also makes one of the best spinner baits on the market and his eyes light up when he discusses cold-water 'blade' fishing. Recently Stanley said...."During brief warming trends in mid-January, those same jig fish that were stacked up on the edge of the creeks will move up on the humps and ridges." These humps average 6-10 feet and he recommends using a 3/8 or 1/2 oz. golden bream or white spinner bait on 17-pound line. Stanley slow-rolls the bait over what- ever-submerged cover or vegetation is present.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
MID WINTER FISHING:
I have a tendency to plan my mid-winter fishing trips more carefully, selecting areas, which have several choices within one area to minimize open-lake running time. This could mean trailering the boat to a ramp that is more protected from high winds. Also, with the constant threat of hypothermia in winter fishing, safety is paramount! CAUTION is a word that numerous male anglers think applies only to the other guy. While there are a few female anglers who cross the line when it comes to boating safety, basically we guys have the monopoly on stupid boating stunts. With water temperatures cold and getting colder, it only takes a minor boating mishap to have a tragic ending. In winter boating especially, always come down on the side of caution.
LAKE CONDITIONS:
The water level on Toledo fell slightly last week to 170.30 feet msl. The water release remains the same as the past few weeks with one generator operating 24/7 and seven gates at the spillway open 1 foot each. The surface water temperature range is down slightly to 49-53 degrees. The upper lake is clearing slightly but is still stained, mid-lake is slightly stained and south Toledo is clear with some off-colored water conditions in the backs of creeks.
FISHING REPORTS:
BASS Most anglers that I ran into the past week, who were catching bass, were having the best action on several baits/patterns. Lipless crank baits, such as Frenzy Rattl'r and Rat-L-Trap saw lots of action in four to ten feet depths when worked over and through scattered grass. A stop-n-go retrieve produced. Top color choices included the 'Traps Bleeding Shad colors #08 and #27 and Frenzy Rattl'r in chrome bluegill and fire tiger.
Another hot bait was the deep-diving crank bait worked over deep points and near the mouths of old sloughs in depths between 12 and 24 feet. Deep-Diving Frenzies and DD22s are excellent choices. Top colors include blue/chartreuse and fire tiger. In order for the angler to get these baits to the desired depth, smaller line such as Berkley Big Game 10 and 12 lb. test are needed. When using these lines, it is important that the angler choose a long, (7 ft.) medium-action rod to provide length for long casts as well as tip action to help keep a hooked bass from tearing out the bait.
Personally, I have had good results on a Strike King Bitsy Bug Flip jig n pig in 1/4 & 3/8 oz. sizes. Top colors are green pumpkin and black/blue flake. My favorite trailer is a Zoom Swimmin’ Chunk in Sapphire Blue. Another consistent producer for the past three weeks, according to tournament angler Brantley Salter’s, is a 1/2 oz. tube jig in black/blue and watermelon. Salter’s works these tubes in 8-14 feet depths along scattered grass on the lower half of The Bend. Both Salter’s and I love to color the tips of our jigs/tubes with chartreuse dye.
Finally, don't put that jigging spoon away just yet, as decent populations of bass are still in deep water, especially just after major cold fronts. Vertically fish a 1/2 or 3/4 oz. slab spoon near creek channels in 25-35 feet. It has been a super year for the spoon.
I have a tendency to plan my mid-winter fishing trips more carefully, selecting areas, which have several choices within one area to minimize open-lake running time. This could mean trailering the boat to a ramp that is more protected from high winds. Also, with the constant threat of hypothermia in winter fishing, safety is paramount! CAUTION is a word that numerous male anglers think applies only to the other guy. While there are a few female anglers who cross the line when it comes to boating safety, basically we guys have the monopoly on stupid boating stunts. With water temperatures cold and getting colder, it only takes a minor boating mishap to have a tragic ending. In winter boating especially, always come down on the side of caution.
LAKE CONDITIONS:
The water level on Toledo fell slightly last week to 170.30 feet msl. The water release remains the same as the past few weeks with one generator operating 24/7 and seven gates at the spillway open 1 foot each. The surface water temperature range is down slightly to 49-53 degrees. The upper lake is clearing slightly but is still stained, mid-lake is slightly stained and south Toledo is clear with some off-colored water conditions in the backs of creeks.
FISHING REPORTS:
BASS Most anglers that I ran into the past week, who were catching bass, were having the best action on several baits/patterns. Lipless crank baits, such as Frenzy Rattl'r and Rat-L-Trap saw lots of action in four to ten feet depths when worked over and through scattered grass. A stop-n-go retrieve produced. Top color choices included the 'Traps Bleeding Shad colors #08 and #27 and Frenzy Rattl'r in chrome bluegill and fire tiger.
Another hot bait was the deep-diving crank bait worked over deep points and near the mouths of old sloughs in depths between 12 and 24 feet. Deep-Diving Frenzies and DD22s are excellent choices. Top colors include blue/chartreuse and fire tiger. In order for the angler to get these baits to the desired depth, smaller line such as Berkley Big Game 10 and 12 lb. test are needed. When using these lines, it is important that the angler choose a long, (7 ft.) medium-action rod to provide length for long casts as well as tip action to help keep a hooked bass from tearing out the bait.
Personally, I have had good results on a Strike King Bitsy Bug Flip jig n pig in 1/4 & 3/8 oz. sizes. Top colors are green pumpkin and black/blue flake. My favorite trailer is a Zoom Swimmin’ Chunk in Sapphire Blue. Another consistent producer for the past three weeks, according to tournament angler Brantley Salter’s, is a 1/2 oz. tube jig in black/blue and watermelon. Salter’s works these tubes in 8-14 feet depths along scattered grass on the lower half of The Bend. Both Salter’s and I love to color the tips of our jigs/tubes with chartreuse dye.
Finally, don't put that jigging spoon away just yet, as decent populations of bass are still in deep water, especially just after major cold fronts. Vertically fish a 1/2 or 3/4 oz. slab spoon near creek channels in 25-35 feet. It has been a super year for the spoon.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
LAKE CONDITIONS: The lake level is slightly less than 170 feet and at the dam, one generator is operating 24/7. The spillway output has been
Discontinued until further notice. North Toledo is stained but clearing, mid lake is slightly stained and south Toledo remains clear. Surface water temperatures range from 51 to 56 degrees. A new Artic blast hit mid-week but should moderate by Friday and Saturday.
FISHING REPORTS: BASS Several techniques have been producing bass the past week, providing the angler can find a day where wind/cold conditions will allow access to the lake. This weekend appears hopeful. When shallow vegetation is present on Toledo, there will normally be bass relating to this cover and mid January is no exception. If grass is present, work a Rat L Trap or Frenzy Rattlr over, around and through the aquatic growth. A ½ or ¾ oz. version in red/crawfish and bleeding shad has been good selections for lipless crank baits.
Spinner bait is also proven to be a super choice in 4 to 12 feet depths when submerged vegetation is available. With the water temperatures in the low 50s, one of my choices has been to slow roll a 1 oz. Stanley Thumper in white/chartreuse with a large Indiana gold blade. Allow the spinner bait frequently to come into contact with the grass.
Deep diving crank baits may be one of the best lures this month to catch a really big bass. Work deep divers such as Frenzy Mag Divers and DD22s over deep points where bass are beginning to move into staging areas. This is a normal migration pattern as big bass progress toward the spawn. To get those big crank baits down to the proper depth, lighter line such as 10 to 12 lb. test is sometimes needed. Retie often and use a medium-action rod to provide a cushion for the lighter line choice. Make sure drag is properly adjusted.
Other deep-water techniques continue to produce this week. While some bass are thinking shallow, others remain in the 20 to 40 feet depths. The jigging spoon produced well this week with bass up to 8 pounds. Most bass on the jigging spoon are coming out of brush/stumps/trees. When you get hung up, do not jerk hard to get loose. Instead, shake your rod to free the spoon and when it comes free, continue fishing exactly where you were hung up and be alert for the strike. Oftentimes, the bass will be looking at the bait as it is attached to the limb and when it shakes free, the bass will nail it. Even though these bass are deep, they are holding tight to cover. Another great deep-water technique is a drop shot. The drop shot is rigged with sinker on the bottom with the hook tied about 18 to 24 inches above the lead. A Palomar knot is used so the hook will sit upright and hang with a 90-degree angle from the line. I use spinning tackle on the drop shot and 8 to 12 lb test line. My hook choice is a 1/0 Daiichi Round Bend worm hook, which is a super sharp/thin high quality hook. There is no need to get in a hurry when setting the hook on a drop shot as the fish rarely drops the bait. I use Berkley Drop shot Power Worm baits and a 4-5 inch finesse worm as my plastic choices.
Discontinued until further notice. North Toledo is stained but clearing, mid lake is slightly stained and south Toledo remains clear. Surface water temperatures range from 51 to 56 degrees. A new Artic blast hit mid-week but should moderate by Friday and Saturday.
FISHING REPORTS: BASS Several techniques have been producing bass the past week, providing the angler can find a day where wind/cold conditions will allow access to the lake. This weekend appears hopeful. When shallow vegetation is present on Toledo, there will normally be bass relating to this cover and mid January is no exception. If grass is present, work a Rat L Trap or Frenzy Rattlr over, around and through the aquatic growth. A ½ or ¾ oz. version in red/crawfish and bleeding shad has been good selections for lipless crank baits.
Spinner bait is also proven to be a super choice in 4 to 12 feet depths when submerged vegetation is available. With the water temperatures in the low 50s, one of my choices has been to slow roll a 1 oz. Stanley Thumper in white/chartreuse with a large Indiana gold blade. Allow the spinner bait frequently to come into contact with the grass.
Deep diving crank baits may be one of the best lures this month to catch a really big bass. Work deep divers such as Frenzy Mag Divers and DD22s over deep points where bass are beginning to move into staging areas. This is a normal migration pattern as big bass progress toward the spawn. To get those big crank baits down to the proper depth, lighter line such as 10 to 12 lb. test is sometimes needed. Retie often and use a medium-action rod to provide a cushion for the lighter line choice. Make sure drag is properly adjusted.
Other deep-water techniques continue to produce this week. While some bass are thinking shallow, others remain in the 20 to 40 feet depths. The jigging spoon produced well this week with bass up to 8 pounds. Most bass on the jigging spoon are coming out of brush/stumps/trees. When you get hung up, do not jerk hard to get loose. Instead, shake your rod to free the spoon and when it comes free, continue fishing exactly where you were hung up and be alert for the strike. Oftentimes, the bass will be looking at the bait as it is attached to the limb and when it shakes free, the bass will nail it. Even though these bass are deep, they are holding tight to cover. Another great deep-water technique is a drop shot. The drop shot is rigged with sinker on the bottom with the hook tied about 18 to 24 inches above the lead. A Palomar knot is used so the hook will sit upright and hang with a 90-degree angle from the line. I use spinning tackle on the drop shot and 8 to 12 lb test line. My hook choice is a 1/0 Daiichi Round Bend worm hook, which is a super sharp/thin high quality hook. There is no need to get in a hurry when setting the hook on a drop shot as the fish rarely drops the bait. I use Berkley Drop shot Power Worm baits and a 4-5 inch finesse worm as my plastic choices.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Hello Anglers. It was a very unusual weekend on my favorite fishing hole as Toledo Bend was part of the debris field from the tragic loss of our space shuttle and its seven crew members. Several anglers were eyewitnesses to falling portions of the craft. Toledo was closed for part of the weekend as authorities tried to protect the public as well as recover parts of the spacecraft. The lake is now re-opened with boaters advised to report all related findings to local law enforcement.
LAKE CONDITIONS: The lake level at mid-week was 168.6 feet with 172' being full pool. The surface temperatures range from fifty-one to fifty-four degrees. With only minimal rainfall the past few weeks, most of Toledo Bend is fishable with the north lake being stained, mid-lake is slightly stained while south Toledo is clear. All public boat ramps have been re-opened after a brief closing following the Shuttle accident.
FISHING REPORTS: BASS In early February on Toledo, there are usually several patterns which will produce bass. According to reports, that certainly was the case the past few days. Rat-L-Traps and Frenzy Rattl'rs in three-to-eight feet produced decent bass while larger 'Trap' fish held in slightly deeper water (ten-to-twelve feet). The most common sizes of Traps/Frenzies were 1/2 and 3/4 oz. in red/white, blue/crome and crawfish.
Spinnerbaits also produced bass in the 4-12 ft. depths. Stanley's 3/4 oz. Tapered Titanium in white/chartreuse is one of the top choices for a 'slowed-down' presentation in February's cold waters. I prefer a double willowleaf blade for 4-10 ft. depths and a single Thumper blade in 12-18 ft. In describing Stanley's Titanium spinnerbait Rick Clunn, four time Bass Master Classic winner, said,"This spinnerbait is in a class all by itself."
Carolina rigs also played a significant role in angler's catches in recent bass tournaments. Mid-lake 12-16 feet brush-laden ridges were prime Carolina rig structure as anglers drifted lizards and 'creature baits ' such as ReAction's Gator Dog over these areas. I love ReAction's new watermelon color which is called Ayayi. Cold fronts are still holding some of the bass population in deeper water as jigging spoons and drop-shot rigs continue to draw bites. These deep patterns are not as strong as a few weeks earlier but are still productive.
The 25-35' depths have been the target areas for jigging spoons while 18-24' have been the best for drop-shot. Consider a 1/2 or 3/4 oz silver jigging spoon fished vertical over brush. Make short casts with drop-shot rigs using five-inch finesse worms and Berkley's Power Worm drop-shot series for bass-tempting offerings.
CRAPPIE/WHITE PERCH: 'Deep" seems to be the best word to describe limited crappie action the past week. Also, the 'bite' has slowed down somewhat according to veteran perch-jerker Noe Garcia of Zwolle, LA. Noe says the bite had been strong from mid-Dec. but diminished about the 20th of Jan. at the Chicken Coop and Pendleton Bridge area. The crappie may be leaving winter holes heading to creeks and ditches in preparation for the spawn. Check out main creek bridges that are enroute to spawning grounds.
STRIPERS: The best bet for Toledo stripers is still below the generators as one generator continues to operate 24/7. Bank fishing anglers have caught significant numbers of stripers below the dam during the past few weeks. Jointed minnow type baits, along with Texas Whirlwind buck-tail striper jigs, have accounted for good numbers of fish. Tidbits and Tackle, Toledo Bend Trading Post, and Indian Creek Lodge are businesses located near the dam and should have needed striper baits.
LAKE CONDITIONS: The lake level at mid-week was 168.6 feet with 172' being full pool. The surface temperatures range from fifty-one to fifty-four degrees. With only minimal rainfall the past few weeks, most of Toledo Bend is fishable with the north lake being stained, mid-lake is slightly stained while south Toledo is clear. All public boat ramps have been re-opened after a brief closing following the Shuttle accident.
FISHING REPORTS: BASS In early February on Toledo, there are usually several patterns which will produce bass. According to reports, that certainly was the case the past few days. Rat-L-Traps and Frenzy Rattl'rs in three-to-eight feet produced decent bass while larger 'Trap' fish held in slightly deeper water (ten-to-twelve feet). The most common sizes of Traps/Frenzies were 1/2 and 3/4 oz. in red/white, blue/crome and crawfish.
Spinnerbaits also produced bass in the 4-12 ft. depths. Stanley's 3/4 oz. Tapered Titanium in white/chartreuse is one of the top choices for a 'slowed-down' presentation in February's cold waters. I prefer a double willowleaf blade for 4-10 ft. depths and a single Thumper blade in 12-18 ft. In describing Stanley's Titanium spinnerbait Rick Clunn, four time Bass Master Classic winner, said,"This spinnerbait is in a class all by itself."
Carolina rigs also played a significant role in angler's catches in recent bass tournaments. Mid-lake 12-16 feet brush-laden ridges were prime Carolina rig structure as anglers drifted lizards and 'creature baits ' such as ReAction's Gator Dog over these areas. I love ReAction's new watermelon color which is called Ayayi. Cold fronts are still holding some of the bass population in deeper water as jigging spoons and drop-shot rigs continue to draw bites. These deep patterns are not as strong as a few weeks earlier but are still productive.
The 25-35' depths have been the target areas for jigging spoons while 18-24' have been the best for drop-shot. Consider a 1/2 or 3/4 oz silver jigging spoon fished vertical over brush. Make short casts with drop-shot rigs using five-inch finesse worms and Berkley's Power Worm drop-shot series for bass-tempting offerings.
CRAPPIE/WHITE PERCH: 'Deep" seems to be the best word to describe limited crappie action the past week. Also, the 'bite' has slowed down somewhat according to veteran perch-jerker Noe Garcia of Zwolle, LA. Noe says the bite had been strong from mid-Dec. but diminished about the 20th of Jan. at the Chicken Coop and Pendleton Bridge area. The crappie may be leaving winter holes heading to creeks and ditches in preparation for the spawn. Check out main creek bridges that are enroute to spawning grounds.
STRIPERS: The best bet for Toledo stripers is still below the generators as one generator continues to operate 24/7. Bank fishing anglers have caught significant numbers of stripers below the dam during the past few weeks. Jointed minnow type baits, along with Texas Whirlwind buck-tail striper jigs, have accounted for good numbers of fish. Tidbits and Tackle, Toledo Bend Trading Post, and Indian Creek Lodge are businesses located near the dam and should have needed striper baits.
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Sat/15/03
17 bass, culled down to 5 bass/33 lbs. 5 oz.
Housen' Bay Area
Texas Rigged Old Bayside Lizard Watermelon Neon, 3/16 oz. bullett weight, 3/0 Denny Brauer Flipping Hook, & 15 lb. Big Game.
Big Fish, they all looked like brothers!
17 bass, culled down to 5 bass/33 lbs. 5 oz.
Housen' Bay Area
Texas Rigged Old Bayside Lizard Watermelon Neon, 3/16 oz. bullett weight, 3/0 Denny Brauer Flipping Hook, & 15 lb. Big Game.
Big Fish, they all looked like brothers!
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JoeM
- Posts: 424
- Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2001 4:00 pm
Toledo Bend
catt951- Looks like you are still loading the livewell every chance you get. If any board member ever goes to Toledo Bend and doesn't talk with you first, he's missing out on some excellent info.
Just reading your finely detailed reports is enough to make this angler salivate.
Thanks for posting. This type of information is what makes Bassin'USA even better. Much obliged. Joe
Just reading your finely detailed reports is enough to make this angler salivate.
Thanks for posting. This type of information is what makes Bassin'USA even better. Much obliged. Joe
Good Fishing,
JoeM - Former Message Board Moderator
JoeM - Former Message Board Moderator
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catt951
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:00 pm
Toledo Bend
Thank you JoeM, my back deck is always open any time you or any other member can make it down south. I'll be on the water again this weekend with two students, one is a freshman who wants to spinnerbait & one who is a advance student who wants to learn Jig-N-Pig fishing. Last one was simple me want to kick bass!