FISHING REPORTS/BASS: For the most part, a slow presentation has been the best hint when it comes to currently catching bass. Even when fishing crankbaits, whether they be lipless crankbaits, mid divers or deep-running, they have been producing better when fished with a slow retrieve.
Anglers might also want to experiment with stop-n-go as well as yo-yo presentations. As far as colors for crankbaits, for divers I like blue/chartreuse, fire tiger and sexy shad. In lipless crankbaits such as Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'r and Lewis's Rat-L-Traps, I like red craw and silver with a black or blue back. Jigs are also catching good bass with Berkley's new jig line (Football, Finesse and Flipping) gaining momentum among serious jig fishermen.
Stanley and Odom are also long term favorites with Toledo and Rayburn regulars. Two fish-catching patterns on the lake currently include pitching jigs along the edge as well as into the middle of hydrilla patches. In addition, some are working them on deeper structure in 15 to 25 feet. Spinnerbaits are also catching fish with anglers working them slowly along the edge of creeks and grass-covered ridges.
I like a Stanley Wedge Plus half ounce or three-quarter ounce double willowleaf in white/chartreuse which I tie to Berkley's 17 pound test 100%fluorocarbon. This is a near-perfect line for slow-rolling a spinnerbait as it stands up to the abrasiveness of hydrilla, is very sensitive to feel light strikes and has minimal stretch to get a great hook set.
I love this line...I also fish it in 12 pound test on crankbaits as well as use it in 15 pound version on a Texas and Carolina rigs. Jigging spoons and drop shot rigs continue to be a part of my fishing efforts and will for another 4-5 weeks.
CRAPPIE The best single morning report of the season came in from the Chicken Coop as two anglers reported catching 52 nice crappie/white perchearlier this week. They were fishing live shiners on the edge of the river. Hopefully, this activity was not a one morning event and we can have 3-4 weeks of perch-jerking mania. Bring it on!
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, Bill Norman , Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles, Extermatrim Exterminating, Inc. and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com
