| Author | Message | ||
| Guide__jeff_kirkwood
Minnow Username: Guide__jeff_kirkwood Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2005 Rating: N/A |
Lake Fork Water Temp: 49 - 53 Water Clarity: Clear to slight stain Let me preface that my web site has crashed is in the process of being rebuilt. So, if you’re looking for something on my site and it takes you to another page within the site that you don’t want click through it and you’ll eventually find what you’re looking for. It should be straightened out today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday) at the latest. The 2006 “Fat Girls” page is already taking on a great look of the forecast for the remaining months of this year. To have your picture posted there it must be a minimum of 4 pounds, unless the angler is a child or woman. Over the last two weeks I must admit we’ve covered the gamut of weather conditions, from starting at 34 degrees to have sustained winds well over 20, high temperatures being in the mid 60’s, to fishing in the rain. The bite is and has remained very consistent on a variety of baits, it really depends on what you can throw or what the weather will allow you to throw. The baits that we’re throwing and catching fish on are; Rat-L-Traps, Bandit 200 series crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Lake Fork Tackle (LFT) magic shad, wacky-rigged twitch worms, jigs and a drop-shot. The key has been finding grass and the bites are coming from everywhere. I truly think the fish are a little confused. Our water temperatures are a little warm for this time of year and I really think that is why the fishing has been as strange as it has been. Simply because we’re catching our fish on main lake banks, main lake points, secondary points, creek bends, flats, and the backs of the coves and creeks. We’ve got a chance of having some much cooler weather for the month of February. If you remember, last year we had snow in the middle of February, so we’ve still got time, but if it doesn’t cool off some more we’re going to be starting spawn in a matter of just a few weeks…like the end of February. Either way fishing should really start getting better with each passing day, at least with the size of the average fish and on the warmer days numbers will be consistently higher too. I’ve been concentrating on keeping the boat in 6 to 12 feet of water. There is plenty of grass around the lake, but the better fish and numbers are coming from hydrilla. With the lake a little over 4 feet low, that is going to bring the second break-line in to around 8 or 9 feet. On Lake Fork, the map shows the first break-line in most of the lake at 3 feet, which is out of the water right now. Remember, the shoreline will most likely look completely different than what the break-lines can and will show. As for detecting the bite, those have been as different as the size of the next fish you catch. One fish may hammer it and the next may feel like your bringing in grass or your baits may start swimming off. With a simple motion of a hook-set you might really surprise yourself, so pay special attention to what is happening with your lures. On the deep bite, we only tried it one day, for about 30 minutes in the afternoon and caught one small fish on a drop-shot. I like that rig but it has never impressed me with catching quality fish with any consistency. However, for a lake like Fork and fishing a tournament on Fork it does have its’ advantages. In the event finding grass is a problem, look for the coots or mud-hens, they’ll be on the greenest grass on the lake. Check out the 2006 “Fat Girls” page! We’ve already started a great collection of some really nice fish. 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 $27,500.00 • Where to find Jeff in 2006; January 28 & 29, Bass Pro-Grapevine, TX (seminar at 1pm.) • February 1, Irving Bass Club, Irving, TX • February 3, 4, 6 & 10, Dallas Boat Show • February 5, Bassmaster University, Grapevine, TX • February 7, Castaway Bass Club, Arlington, TX • February 26, “Bassin’ Class” @ Royce City, TX (call for details) • 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 winter and spring. 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. Those dates are: February – 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 & 23. May – 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 & 31. 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, 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 |
