Fishing Forum

I waited till 12:30 to launch because of the cold, and the batteries were charging as well. I headed for the lake, launched and I hit a couple of places but the wind was gusting and I didn't see any baitfish, so I didn't stay long on either of my first two spots. Like they say, if you think you are fishing in non productive waters, then you probably are...so I moved on.<br /><br /> I went looking for a pocket out of the wind with baitfish and hopefully some bass too. I arrived on a place that I had a caught a couple on in past trips and this time I found that the pocket was full of baitfish and it wasn't long until I noticed schooling bass too, wow my lucky day. <br /><br /> I had 20lb test line and was using crankbait. Yes, I know the line is too heavy but the line was on for frog fishing Guntersville last weekend and I didn't get them changed out. It worked out ok with the 20lb and the crankbait combo. I did catch the largest bass on a spinnerbait but after fishing it for 15 more minutes and no other takers, I went back to the crankbait and started catching bass again. I caught bass out of the pocket averaging one every 8-10 minutes. I fished until 4:30 pm with about 5 in the 2-1/2lb range and 20 in the 1-1/2lb range. I caught two small stripes as well when I slowed the retrieve down to a crawl.<br /><br /> I would have to say that this is was my best fishing trip since I started back fishing this last August. <br /><br /> Lesson learned on this trip " check your hook if you think you are missing fish".. On the tail end of the day I felt like I was missing some fish, but I said to myself I'm just running into trash on the bottom because you don't miss many fish on a crankbait, but to my surprise when I reeled in to get ready to blast off back to the dock, I then noticed the bottom back treble hook was bent inward and one of the hooks had broken off on the front treble. I had hung up several times on the bottom failing to check the hooks each time I unhung the crank, Next time fishing the bait I will check after each hangup.<br /><br /> Oh well, I had fun, learned something, released all fish alive, only one was injured but I think it is going to be ok?- The side edge of his lip pulled loose, I took my pair of side cutters and cut the hanging part off so he or she woudn't hang on obstacles below, hoping it would be ok? It seemed healthy and strong on the release. <br /><br /> All in all a great day to be on the lake. I hope all had a good time today as I did.<br /> "May your nets stay wet"<br /> Basshopper