05.18.12 - great bass morning while it lasted....

fish_ahoy · 05-18-12, 01:35 PM

it was a rare day today where my brother and i were both available on a weekday to try to wet a line. we decided to throw the 10 foot bass prowler in the back of the pickup and launch at our private subdivision lake. the lakes boat ramp is very convenient to our house. its only about 1 minute away.

we decide to target some bass and the fish were co operating from 6:30 am until about nine and then the #@####!!! wind started at a steady 15-20 mph on the water. this lake is about 95 acres and it was coming in the whole length of the lake with nowhere to hide. it ruined what would have been a day to remember for a while. zero boat control with this very light boat. wind hit us like a kite.

before the wind picked up i managed 1- 18" bass, lost another in the same 18"size range, lost 1 around 20" and caught a real nice 22 incher pictured below and caught a very unusual double header on a small crankbait. pictured below also.

my brother managed 3 landed. 1 around 16", 2 close to 18", and lost one around 18-19". all very nice healthy fish and a heck of a day by my standards. 1 or 2 fish those size are enough to make me happy, when they are around in numbers i really appreciate it. too bad the wind ruined it.

our lake is about 95 acres, not much in the way of bottom contours, very little weeds. it takes some work to find the fish but this lake has some whoppers in it. the only structure is a submerged rock wall, some natural blow down logs and some scattered boat docks. most of today's fish came from around the natural cover and ranged in water depths of 3-6 feet. water temps were 75-77 measured at various depths.

the 22" fish had a girth approximately 18 inches so he was around a 6.5 pounds maybe a hair more. although he tested my gear he was carefully fought and landed with some praying throughout the fight to the boat . this big girl jumped 4 times and each time some choice words came out along with "don't come off, don't come off" i was using a very light action rod (i love light ultralight bass fishing) and only 6 lb test flouro and had to be careful and thankfully had the drag just right.checked closely this morning before starting. i learned to check that a long time ago after losing some nice ones.

here's a photo of the 22 incher. excuse my maniacal facial expression. i look scary in this photo. guess i coudn't believe the fish just caught.
and a photo of the double header that hit the crankbait. the larger fish in the double header was about a 16 inch fish so that was an interesting fight with two fish on the line at once. these 2 fish had to have practically kissed each other and hit from below to both get caught about one inch between hooks on this lure. i've included a photo of the crankbait of the day. i think its a bomber. natural bluegill imitation. about 1/4 ounce i think. today was a day where i had no reason to even think about changing lures. although the wind cut it short i'm very grateful the fish were so cooperative. tight lines everyone. hope you enjoy the photos.

fontinalis · 05-19-12, 10:03 PM

Excellent work. That's an impressive fish any way you slice it, but especially on ultralight tackle.

What's your ultralight rod/reel of choice?

fish_ahoy · 05-20-12, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontinalis

Excellent work. That's an impressive fish any way you slice it, but especially on ultralight tackle.

What's your ultralight rod/reel of choice?

thanks.the rod and reel i was using was a quantum tenacity ap im7 graphite rod and quantum reel. it is light action. any bass 12 inch and up feel great on this rod. the line was 6 lb test flouro made by bass pro shops. its a decent line. when you start getting upward or 18" fish it starts to be a lot of fun fighting them. my rod was doubled the entire fight with the 22" bass. it was a fun morning.

fontinalis · 05-22-12, 03:23 PM

Nothing like a big fish on light tackle.

A couple years ago I bought an ultralight rod made by Field & Stream (Dick's Sporting Goods store brand). I believe it was called an IM6 Sportsman or something like that. I was so impressed, I bought a second one, which was good, because last year I lost the first one to a partially submerged rock that reached out and grabbed my canoe while I negotiated some rapids.

I'm not sure if they still make those rods, but they are very impressive for a low price.

fish_ahoy · 05-22-12, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontinalis

Nothing like a big fish on light tackle.

A couple years ago I bought an ultralight rod made by Field & Stream (Dick's Sporting Goods store brand). I believe it was called an IM6 Sportsman or something like that. I was so impressed, I bought a second one, which was good, because last year I lost the first one to a partially submerged rock that reached out and grabbed my canoe while I negotiated some rapids.

I'm not sure if they still make those rods, but they are very impressive for a low price.

yeah the quantum combo i used here is pretty impressive for a light action. good qulity reel for the price and smooth drag. i'm able to get great performance when using lightweight lures and its light for a great fight but can still get a large fish landed.

Windknot · 05-23-12, 11:55 AM

For further proof that God has a sense of humor, 2 of my 3 biggest bass were caught on light tackle w/4lb Berley Triline XL. One on the Hooch and one in a farm pond - both right at 9#. Both on 1/8 oz Panther Martins.

I still dream about that farm pond....... Lost access in mid 90's. Landowner's rule was catch and release only. Bass were overpopulated and stunted - I saw only 2 large bass caught, and they may, in fact, have been the same fish. Bluegills and shellcrackers looked like hubcaps and fought like they had teeth and claws. I still get a tear in my eye on a calm spring morning.

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05-19-12, 10:03 PM	#2
fontinalis Native Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 456	Excellent work. That's an impressive fish any way you slice it, but especially on ultralight tackle. What's your ultralight rod/reel of choice?

05-22-12, 03:23 PM	#4
fontinalis Native Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 456	Nothing like a big fish on light tackle. A couple years ago I bought an ultralight rod made by Field & Stream (Dick's Sporting Goods store brand). I believe it was called an IM6 Sportsman or something like that. I was so impressed, I bought a second one, which was good, because last year I lost the first one to a partially submerged rock that reached out and grabbed my canoe while I negotiated some rapids. I'm not sure if they still make those rods, but they are very impressive for a low price.

05-23-12, 11:55 AM	#6
Windknot Director, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Dacula, GA Posts: 12,600	For further proof that God has a sense of humor, 2 of my 3 biggest bass were caught on light tackle w/4lb Berley Triline XL. One on the Hooch and one in a farm pond - both right at 9#. Both on 1/8 oz Panther Martins. I still dream about that farm pond....... Lost access in mid 90's. Landowner's rule was catch and release only. Bass were overpopulated and stunted - I saw only 2 large bass caught, and they may, in fact, have been the same fish. Bluegills and shellcrackers looked like hubcaps and fought like they had teeth and claws. I still get a tear in my eye on a calm spring morning.