We ventured to the back of Hauser — which has not been good to us lately — and found some decent numbers. They were lined up next to a grassy shelf that ran for about 300 feet. We could see bass race up for shad across the shallows and then return to the depths (about 15-20’ deep). I was getting them on flukes in the shallows and various plastics deeper. Nothing huge.
Boys and buddy left at 4pm. I caught 33 fish over the previous 9 hours — only a couple over 2lbs — but caught 31 more fish while solo over the next 3 hours until close. 64 fish total — my personal best by 12 fish — including a 5.4 lb fish caught lurking in the grass in a cove about a foot from shore (fluke).
I was fishing spots in the main stem, the entry to pine, and Becky’s that I don’t normally fish. The primary driver was the friggin heat — started fishing in the shade just to cool off from the 95 degree heat. Turns out that a lot of fish had the same idea. I found a ton of nice sized fish presumably doing what I was doing — getting some shade. In addition to the 5.4, I caught several over 2lbs and 2 over 3lbs.
Favorite lures: Ned rig with 2.5” double tail Hula Grub (first time with this one — absolutely killed it), caffeine fluke, poppers, slim swims, 4” senko.
Fantastic outdoor experience as well — saw this Osprey grab a large bluegill right in front of us then perch on a nearby branch, a rattlesnake on the dirt road, and a herd of about 10 deer.
I don’t exactly know why my per hour fish count tripled when I started fishing solo at 4. Could have been the shade, that afternoon bite simply turned on, fishing less traveled spots, fewer distractions from kids, or maybe nobody to fact check my numbers
Either way, best day ever from a couple of different angles!
Tight lines.
