| Author | Message | ||
| Guide__jeff_kirkwood
Minnow Username: Guide__jeff_kirkwood Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2005 Rating: N/A |
Lake Fork Water Temp: 59 - 62 Water Clarity: Clear I’ve already started getting phone calls and e-mails for trips for next spring. I know that may a little early but this is truly a good time to get the date(s) you want, not what’s left. By the way, April dates are almost gone. After doing several instructional fishing trips (and a few more on the way), and doing as much hiding from the wind as I could do, the fishing on Lake Fork has still been pretty good. Both numbers and size have been good. The crank bait bite has been very good; however, being able to detect it is a little tough. The Bandit 200 series has been the way to go, once you feel the grass you’ll know by the way the grass feels as to whether or not you can crawl the bait through the grass or you need to stop your retrieve and just let the bait rise up enough to start back in your retrieve. When crawling the bait pay special attention to the way your bait is vibrating back-and-forth and slipping through the grass as any deviation will be a fish on the end of the line. Chances are a pretty good one too. I can’t for the life of me figure out why the bite on the crank bait has been so light, especially when the Rat-L-Trap bite has been much more able to detect, but the size of fish has been noticeably larger on the Bandit. One thing I always tell my customers is, “If it feels funny or different that what you’re use to feeling SET THE HOOK!” On days where we’ve been able to fish for the deeper fish the shallow bite has been better. Wacky-rigs are doing well also, something to think about when fishing reaction type bait as a Bandit or Rat-L-Trap is, if you feel your in an area where there are fish and have either caught some fish or not caught fish go back over the area with a wacky-rigged watermelon red or watermelon seed L.F. twitch worm. Recently, we’ve caught more fish on the second and third passes on shorelines where we have already caught fish on the Bandits or Rat-L-Traps. Remember, never, never, never leave fish to go find fish. Then when you do make sure you’re looking for the same type areas you’ve just left. I know that once winter settles in there will be active fish in both shallow and deep water, but my feeling is that as long as the air temperatures are varied like they have been and forecasted to be the shallow bite is going to remain much more consistent. The fish we’ve caught in 22 to 27 feet of water have bite on jiggin’ spoons and Carolina-rigs. On the C-rig we’ve been throwing a Lake Fork Tackle watermelon red & watermelon seed baby ring fry. If you’re not familiar with finding humps and ridges around the lake then fish the main lake points. The ones the appear to ease out into the lake with stick-ups and stumps on them have been the ones that are holding good fish and you can generally find points that are a little more out of the wind. As much as I hate to see November leave that just means we’re one more month closer to spring. As the water temperatures continue to drop the key in the shallow water will be to find the greenest grass, the coots or mud-hens will show you that. When looking for your fish in deep water your factor will be finding balls of shad or lots fish bait-fish. Watch what Mother Nature is showing you because your surroundings can help you find either more fish to catch or the “Fat Girl” of your dreams. Check out the 2005 “Fat Girls” page! There are many fish there to be seen and unless you are a kid under 16 or a woman, all those fish are 4 pounds or larger. If you’d like to have your picture there give me a call and we’ll do what we can to put you on a “Fat Girl!” • If you are looking to buy a Nitro bass boat or a Nitro fish/ski boat I have Nitro gift certificates that can save you from $250.00 to $500.00. Just let me know you want or need one and I’ll see to it that I get it to you. • My 2005 Nitro 929CDX (dual console) with a 2005 Mercury 225hp. Optimax is for sale. Boat, Motor & Trailer is in “GREAT SHAPE” and loaded with extras. Selling price has been reduced to $28,000.00 • Where to find Jeff in 2006; February 5, Bassmaster University, Grapevine, TX • March 1, Irving Bass Club, Irving, TX • March 4, “Bassin’ Class” @ First Baptist Church, Hico, TX If I can be of more help or assistance regarding a trip or “Bassin’ Class” please contact me at 972-636-7022 / 800-965-0350 or by e-mail at FISHWJEFF@msn.com. My web site, www.fishinwithjeff.com , www.lakeforkfatgirls.com If your club, organization or church is looking for a guest speaker I’d be happy to come just give me a call and we’ll get it on the calendar. It’s that time of year to start looking at your calendar for guide trips for fall and winter. The earlier you book your date the easier it will be to get the date(s) you want. I have dates available if you’re looking for a FULL-TIME guide. Also, I’ve already started booking spring time trips and this is an excellent time to get the date(s) you might want. So, should you want to become one of my many valued customers and a great group of fishermen give me a call, I’d be honored to be your guide. UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOOD LUCK & TIGHT-LINES!!! Proud Sponsors of Jeff & his guide service: All Star Rods, Amsoil, Bandit, Diversified Benefits, FGHP.com, J&J Sports, KeelShield, Lake Fork Tackle, Mercury Marine, Nitro, Outdoor Sites Network.com, Pflueger Reels, Rat-L-Trap, Scum Frog, Shakespeare Fishing Line |
