Today we had a half day run out on Butler Chain, with very little breeze to speak of and HOT as all get out, we knew from the get go, it was going to be a tough day. With the sun beating down on us hard the last several weeks, and little rain to speak of, the rains always seem to maneuver around us as of late, the waters are heating up fast, low 90's by 11am, and that's the water temp folks.
We hit several areas out on the chain today and worked hard for the bass we caught, morning bite we did mange a few smaller bass in 4 to 6 foot of water on Lake Butler, but here it seemed the pickerel wanted to play more than the bass, so we made a quick move over to Lake Louise, picking up a few more bass, with the biggest coming on out final move of the day, into Lake Isleworth.
The Mann Clan from Manchester England had what turned out to be a very good day on what proved to be tougher than normal fishing conditions, shiners were the definite way to go today. Local tournament out on the chain Saturday, from what we have heard, took only 7 pounds to win, now that's some tough fishing, but pretty typical for this time of year. With the sporadic bite that has been going on as of late, the best pattern has seemed to be an every other day type of deal, if they are slow one day, you generally have a good day the second day.
Right now, the main focus has been, shallow first thing in the morning before the sun gets up, and then attacking the deeper holes, from 10 to 20 feet deep to get a descent limit. If you're not using shiners, focus more toward the C-Rig or even a drop shot, and flipping the docks and grass beds. No schooling activity was spotted today, which is rare for this chain. Stay safe and drink A LOT of water.
Till my next report, tight lines!
