Hello, Anglers. Are we having fun yet? Even with relentless winds we have experienced some excellent fishing the past few weeks and there is more to come...lots more! If you enjoy fishing shallow patterns, you currently have multiple options. We'll discuss several of these in the Fishing Reports section of this column as well as winning tournament patterns. I worked another boat show Saturday in Alexandria, LA hosted by Red River Marine. I was able to talk to numerous anglers from the CenLA area and heard some awesome fishing stories.
REAL BIG FISH: Toledo has already officially produced two bass this year over 13 pounds and both qualify for The Share a Lunker Program where bass over 12 pounds are relinquished to the department of fisheries where they use the bass for select breeding purposes. In turn, the lucky anglers receive a fiberglass replica of the bass as well as a special recognition and appreciation by game and fish officials.
According to reports, the first monster bass weighing 13.4 pounds was caught by Ground Point, LA angler Dwayne LeBlanc Saturday, February 23 while he was fishing the 1215 area of Toledo. The bass was said to have hit a three-eights ounce jig n pig in 11 feet of water. The second and even bigger bass, weighing in at 13.75 pounds, was caught the next day, February 24 by Texas angler James Manasco of Hemphill.
According to reports, Manasco was catching a lot of small fish that day the big fish hit. The bass hit a six inch stick worm in four feet of water. No location was given, other than on Toledo Bend, as to where the bass was caught. One would assume that Manasco did not wish to have his favorite fishing hole over-run by lunker hunters. I found it very interesting that both bass were caught the same weekend, a day apart.
LAKE CONDITIONS: The lake level is 170.7 feet with both generators running 24/7. Water temperatures are registering from 58 to 62 degrees and north Toledo is stained to muddy, mid lake is slightly stained and south Toledo is mostly clear. Basically, all feeder creeks have stained - to - muddy water due to rain/run-off and current from both generators running.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS: As mentioned, shallow water patterns are certainly successful with spinnerbaits, Frenzy Rattl'rs and Rat-L-Traps worked over shallow grass continues to draw strikes from quality bass as well as good numbers of fish. Windy primary and secondary points are always worth targeting. If you catch bass on the first pass, slow down and work a wacky rigged Gulp! Sinking Minnow or Senko or a Carolina rigged Power Lizard or Power Craw in watermelon or green pumpkin.
In addition, we are getting a few quality bass on a Stanley Flipping jig as well as Berkley's brand new Gripper Jig Series (Flippin/Jay Yelas). We are working these in edge of grass, in dead hay grass as well on edge of creeks and drains. These work well, especially after a cold front. Crankbaits are also catching bass in mid-depths as well as on deep points following cold fronts.
CRAPPIE: I have heard of decent reports of perch jerkers fishing from dusk until mid-night using live shiners. They are fishing deep points or bends of creeks which come close to the bank. The best depth has been from 25 to 35 feet with crappie suspending under lights/lanterns down about 15 feet from light source. Points close to spawning areas have been the best currently.
STRIPER: With both generators running 24/7, stripers are beginning to concentrate around the generators on the lake side. They are already below the dam in good numbers. Rainy days, sunrise, sunset and after dark are the best times for striper. A striper jig with 6 inch pearl/white trailer, redfin or Super Suspending Rouge are all awesome striper baits. Always have on a big top water when fishing for striper.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. His sponsors include Skeeter Performance Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lake Charles Toyota, Red River Marine/Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.