Friday, May 18, 2012
It has been a few days since I kicked up a post. I have been waiting for some of the gun smoke to clear so my words maybe seen!LOL! I can assure you the Shore Thing Crew has been busy. Capt. Kyle and I both took yesterday off, but everyone has been at it all week. When the wind doesn’t blow and hinder what we are doing, the fishing has been unbelievable. Wednesday I was supposed to have J.C., Mike, and a special guest, said J.C. I was hoping for Mila Kunis, but it was just Bill, not nearly as special as Mila! J.C. had some family business to tend to, which I hope turns out ok, so it was Bill, Mike, and I for a day of fishing. A day of fishing that did not go as planned. We hit the spot and went straight to catching. Not the size I had left the day before, but still box fish…and, that was it. The wind blew 14-18 mph the rest of the day. I made one big mistake, I left those fish to find fish, big mistake! I probably could have pounded and picked through them, but we didn’t. The highlight of the day was to see Bill crank in one of the biggest reds I have seen this year. It bottomed out my 30lb scale. We ended the day with 23 trout and 1 monster bull. Today Capt. Kyle and I had the Bill Robinson party of six. We had one spot on our minds and that idea blew a way in the breeze. All us and the boys could do was peck and ease, ease and peck. My crew and I found a few fish, not huge, but good box fish. We put 40 speckled trout in the boat quick, and just as quick it quit. Capt. Kyle’s crew didn’t have quite as many until…we decided to make a move, then there was nothing we could do to contain Capt. Kyle’s crew. Two if not three fish were coming over the sides of his boat at a time. You know how sometimes the fish are in a 5×5 area, two foot left or right you don’t get hit, that was the situation. We ended the day on that note with a combined 110 speckled trout, they bested us by 6 fish, but who’s keeping track. Great day, and some great stories that really can’t be repeated! And by the way Capt. Kyle fell in the drink, he is going to be upset I am giving up that information, but I told him it was easier to pick the anchor up by the rope, rather then going down there and actually picking it up off the bottom. At least I prefer to use the rope! Give me a call 228-493-9743 or the Shore Thing hotline 228-342-2206.
Posted by ShoreThing Charters at 5:25 PM 0 comments

Thursday, May 17, 2012
5-17-12 Report and Lotta of Pictures
Posted by ShoreThing Charters at 4:16 PM 0 comments
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
5-15-12 Report
Crazy couple of days on an off the water. Had my Sunday trip cancel, he forgot it was Mothers Day. Got to take my best fishing buddies, Mrs Capt Schindler and Lil deck hand Schindler. My wife has not fished with me in almost 3 years. Little Margot has never been on a real fishing trip, just boat rides. Got the girls to meet me at the Washington Street launch for a trial run on a near shore trip. I have fished Pro athletes, Rock Stars, TV Show Hosts, and reporters but don’t think I have ever been that nervous on my boat. Did not want my little girl to have a bad experience and be scared of fishing. The girls did phenomenal, and we actually caught a 20lb drum on the first cast. I actually did not want to catch big fish and after we boated the second big drum in 5 minutes, we moved to the reefs down the beach. Spent the next hour catching white trout for Margot to play with in the live well. She pulled the plug and wanted to go build sandcastles on the beach. As we were motoring to the launch she eased up next to me, gave me a kiss and said, “Tank you for da boawt wide, I luv you so much daddy”! The mighty Chuck Norris would have gotten a little choked up after that one. Probably the single greatest day of fishing I have ever had in my life. Capt Kenny, Kyle and Matt were all out Monday. I spoke to them on the phone, and once again, I picked a bad day to be off the water. Sounded like they all three pounded the trout with their customers, yet again. Hopefully the boys will have the pictures up here or on the Shore Thing website(reports) very soon. I jumped on a red eye flight to Washington D.C. Monday morning to meet with some Senators and Congressmen. Was asked to speak as a MS Charter Boat captains on Senate Bill 2184. If it goes through, it could possibly bring up to 70 plus million dollars annually to the water front states. The money is generated from tariffs imposed on imported sea goods, not tax dollars. Some of the issues I am asked to speak on I do not agree with, so I do not get into the fight. This is a no-brainer and if it this were to pass, the possibilities could be endless for research, stock assesement and fishing based tourism promotion. We met with Senator Wickers, Cochrans, and Congressman Pallozzos office. They were very helpful and happy to chat with someone who, “talked normal” from MS. Jumped back on a plane later that night to get home for 2 hours of sleep before I jumped back into the boat. Today all four of the Shore Thing boats were out. Only fished next to Capt Kenny and the Hammond Group. I had good friend Bobby Cleveland of the Clarion Ledger fame. Bobby brought his buddy jeweler Joe. We needed some big trout pics for a story he is working on and we got what we needed in that department. Used live shrimp on the carolina rigs over shell bottoms to get 27 big speckled trout models. We were even able to to give Capt Kennys crew a fly by and photo shoot as they were skull dragging some big trout with popping corks and live shrimp. Really needed a triple tail for another story but it would not be in the cards this day. Saw one free swimmer that we missed an another that would just not eat the live shrimp. Clean water and bait everywhere we went, even in open water. Back at the dock the other Shore Thing boats rolled in with axles squeaking. The Hammond crew with Capt Kenny had the biggest haul of trout and one nice slot red. Capt Kyle and the Calijen crew had a fine mess of trout and went 3 for 5 on triple tail! Capt Matt and the Kitrell crew had their limit of LA Marsh speckled trout also. Shore Thing Fishing Charters has teamed up with the Bay Waveland Yacht Club for a first time ever YOUNG ANGLERS FISHING SCHOOL. It will be held on the grounds of the BWYC and taught by professional fishing guides from the area, as well as Venice, LA. Assistance in the Fish ID and Biology sections will be taught by members of the Gulf Coast Research Lab. Classes will run every Monday in June and July(no class on JULY 2nd). There will be two week sessions. The first Monday will be classroom teaching: BASIC rigging technique safety boat knowledge simple repair equipment use casting

fish ID first aid navigation boating and fishing etiquette etc… The second Monday(weather permitting) will be a professionally guided fishing trip in an around the Bay of St Louis with licensed and experienced Charter Boat Captains. We will apply the classroom lessons on the water, and have fun doing it while we are fishing! We will try and pair similar ages and or experience levels together as best we can. Ages 8 an up please. For More information on pricing, availability for the YOUNG ANGLERS FISHING SCHOOL please contact: George Constance 228-467-4592 or email managerbwyc@att.net ****SHORE THING Fishing Charters**** Check us out on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdJjk…-_nX2fhO9IImg= With four boats available, small and large groups are welcome. Anglers under the age of 13 fish for free! We supply rods reels, tackle, snacks, drinks, ice, fuel, bait and fun. No charge for fish cleaning and bagging. Be sure and ask about our all inclusive overnight fishing packages to the Cat Island House!!! For your next fishing trip, give us a call or check us out on line. www.shorethingcharters.com or 228-342-2206

Shore Thing Charters
e-mail capt_mike@shorethingcharters.com
Mississippi Coast
http://www.shorethingcharters.com
228-342-2206

Article source: http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f194/shore-thing-fishing-charters-mississippi-coast-may-18-2012-a-2096442.html

Winds today were east northeast at 8-14 mph, seas running 3-4 ft., blue waters on the drop off that sits in 120 ft. of water off of Fort Lauderdale FL. Jason Frese and Melissa Bechtel, from Fort Lauderdale FL along with Jason’s father, Joe Frese from Buffalo NY and friends chartered the Happy Day Today with the Topshotfishing team to do some sport fishing here in Fort Lauderdale FL. The group took time off from the Blue Martini Lounge and Restaurant to enjoy the salt air and deep sea fishing with the Topshotfishing team.

We stopped and purchased a dozen Goggle Eyes from T T Bait and headed out to our drop off which is 1.8 miles from shore to the sea buoy in Fort Lauderdale FL. The past couple of days Sailfish have been red hot here in Fort Lauderdale, along with Mahi Mahi’s. The current was very fast moving to the north at 3.1 miles on the color change – indigo blue water on one side and clean green on the other with sargassum weed in the middle. This is where we set out two kites with two Goggle Eyes from each kite and one from the rigger. The settings were perfect for Mahi Mahi and Sailfish.

Five minutes into it, a black shadow appeared on the right short kite bait – Dorsal out of the water and moving very lethargically. I told our mate, Dave, to raise and lower the baits so that the splashing would entice the Sailfish. With no luck, he swam away. The next two sightings were Sailfish and they did the exact same thing. Jason asked why were they not feeding, to which I responded that it was an excellent question. Finally, the next pod of Sailfish appeared – this time they were hungry enough and did not hesitate to eat the bait. Marissa was our first angler to subdue the Sailfish and twenty-five minutes later brought the fish to the boat. Pictures were taken and the Sailfish was released. Our next fish came on the right short, extremely aggressive, chasing the bait from the kite. Finally he grabbed the bait, came out of the water and tail walked towards the boat putting on a fantastic show. The line went slack as the hook pulled out of the Sailfish and he swam away.

We reset a little bit south of the sea buoy in Fort Lauderdale FL. Right long – Sailfish!!! Right short – Sailfish – a double header – two on at the same time. Now the Chinese fire drill began with both fish heading south, jumping over each other’s line and the left kite bait. What a mess!! With a bit of ingenuity, Dave, our mate untangled the lines as the father and son team, Jason and Joe, fought the Sailfish. Both anglers successfully brought their Sailfish to the side of the boat – pictures were taken and the Sailfish were released. Even though Jason wanted to catch some Mahi Mahi for dinner, he was not disappointed and quite thrilled with today’s catch.

It was time to head back. For a successful and adventurous deep sea fishing charter in South Florida for Sailfish, Shark, Bonito, Mackerel, Swordfish, Snapper, Wahoo and Grouper contact Captain Zsak. – 954-309-7457 or email us at www.topshotfishing.com.
tzsak@bellsouth

Article source: http://www.charterbooker.com/reports/fort-lauderdale-fl--sailfishing-charter-happy-day-today-874.html

MAY 17th 2012
Weiss Lake Alabama Fishing Report

Mark Collins Guide Service
www.markcollinsguideservice.com
256-779-3387

LAKE WEISS IS AT 1.43 FEET BELOW FULL POOL AND CLEAR AND 74-76 DEGREES

For Reports On Other Area Lakes Please Visit www.havefunfishing.com

Now available for sale 50 of my proven GPS waypoints for off shore structure for Bass and Crappie fishing on Weiss Lake, Alabama !
For more info contact Ken Sturdivant at ken@havefunfishing.com

Bass Fishing is Fair and they are very scattered, some are still shallow and some have started moving deep to a summer pattern, on main lake points and humps and creek and river channel ledges. Flipping a jig or tube to shallow brush and docks is catching the shallow fish. Carolina rigs, crank baits and slow rolling a 1/2 ounce spinner bait is catching the deeper fish. Look for more Bass to bunch up deeper over the next few weeks.

Crappie Fishing is Fair and the spawn is pretty well over and the crappie have moved back to deeper cover in 10-14 feet of water on brush and stumps in the flats and on creek and river channel ledges. Spider rigging with live minnows is producing some good fishing. A lot of crappie are still being caught shooting docks with jigs.Crappie are being caught under lights at night in 8-12 feet of water on the river channel in Little River and off of docks under lights at night.

Striper Fishing is Fair and they are starting to be caught at the Cave hole in Little River on live shad down lined and flat lined.

Catfish are biting good in the flats 5-10 feet deep on cut shad

For the fishing trip of a life time, come fish with me on Weiss Lake, Alabama The Crappie Capital of the World and Striper Capital of the South !

NO FISH NO PAY !

Thank you and have fun fishing.

Mark Collins
256-779-3387 H
www.markcollinsguideservice.com
mark@markcollinsguideservice

Article source: http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f194/weiss-lake-alabama-fishing-report-5-18-a-2093424.html

By DAVID RAINER

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

As anglers along the Alabama Gulf Coast gear up for the June 1 opening of the shortest red snapper season ever this summer, there is hope among fisheries officials that this 40-day snapper season will be an exception rather than a trend.

The reason for optimism is because of a unanimous vote by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to develop a management plan that would include artificial structures as “Essential Fish Habitat.”

Alabama boasts the most extensive and celebrated artificial reef program in the nation with more than 1,200 square miles in five offshore zones. Reef fish, especially red snapper, thrive on the artificial reefs.

Chris Blankenship, Director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division, said stock assessments in the past have failed to recognize the contribution artificial structures make to the health and abundance of the reef fish.

“There is no doubt the artificial reefs off Alabama, which are the best in the country, and the oil and gas rigs produce and harbor a lot of fish,” Blankenship said. “We’re trying to get the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to use more information on artificial reefs and other structures in their stock assessments.

“They say they’re using them in their stock assessments to some extent, but if they truly used the information from the artificial structures like they use the information for the natural bottom offshore, I think you would see an exponential increase in the estimate of biomass and red snapper in particular. I almost look at it like a census. If you did a census but you excluded the big cities and only did the rural areas, our population would look like it’s much lower. If you don’t look for red snapper around structure, you’re not going to know what’s there.”

Dr. Bob Shipp, head of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama and a member of the Gulf council, agrees wholeheartedly.

“If you assume that species like snapper are habitat limited, the more habitat you have the more snapper you’re going to have,” Shipp said. “The stock assessments that are going on right now are starting to include artificial structures. I was on a conference call with Chris Blankenship and NMFS people in Washington, urging them to give more consideration to artificial structures. They’ve been hesitant to do that because they don’t know how. All they say is that, when they evaluate the landings, some of those fish come off artificial structures. As Chris Blankenship put it, they haven’t given adequate credit for the biomass created by the artificial structures. The pressure is on them to do it, and I think they’re going to move in that direction.”

Shipp said that artificial structures can’t just be deemed essential fish habitat. The designation will have to be included in a management plan. Shipp said the staff at the Gulf council will develop an options paper for “Essential Fish Habitat” and a higher designation of “Habitat Areas of Particular Concern” that will include several options for action. One option would be to include all artificial structures, while another option might be to consider just petroleum platforms. Another option might be consideration for artificial structures that are in certain areas where there is no natural habitat.

“We have to define what structures qualify – petroleum platforms, artificial reefs, a boat that sinks, all of that,” he said. “Those are the things that will have to be incorporated in a management plan, but it is a very, very positive step. Since the council voted on that, it has received a tremendous amount of positive press.”

Shipp said he had a letter from Texas Gov. Rick Perry to Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, asking that the ‘Idle Iron’ policy, the practice of removing derelict gas and oil structures, be suspended and the structures deemed fish habitat. Sen. David Vitter, R. La., has introduced a bill that would stop the removal of the derelict structures.

“If the oil and gas platforms are deemed essential fish habitat, at least the National Marine Fisheries Service will have to be consulted before they pull these things out,” Shipp said. “Probably, what’s more important is it gives lots of ammunition to others trying to stop the removal of the structures. And the irony is that the environmentalists are in favor of this. Their motives are a little different. They see these structures as huge coral communities that have built up over the decades and are ecosystems unto themselves.”

Once the options paper for adding artificial structures as essential fish habitat is presented, it will go to public hearings. The feedback from the hearings will be considered by the council, which will vote on the preferred options. If passed, the management plan would go to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and then implementation. Shipp said the timetable for such action will likely be nine months to a year.

For Alabama’s saltwater anglers, the upcoming summer may force a change in fishing habits. The amberjack season will be closed during June and July, and the size limit will remain at a minimum of 30 inches fork length. Blankenship said the council considered an option to raise the size limit to 36 inches and keep the fishery open all year, but there was a great concern that an increased size limit would result in an increase in discard mortality. Also, the quota for gray triggerfish will likely be reached by the middle of the summer.

“I think part of that may be because red snapper are so abundant,” Blankenship said. “I think the red snapper are hurting some of the other fish. So it’s imperative for Alabama that we get that red snapper information correct. We need for the National Marine Fisheries Service to catch up on what’s really out there, so we can have a longer snapper season. A benchmark assessment on red snapper is due out next year. The hope is that the new assessment will show a dramatic increase in the biomass for red snapper, and the season would be longer, much longer.”

Blankenship knows it’s going to be hard for Alabama anglers to focus on any species other than red snapper this summer, but he thinks there is another fish that needs to be considered. And he has proof that the king mackerel fishing is outstanding.

“The kingfishing is going to be great this year,” he said. “We’ve had the state record broken twice. They’re doing the paperwork on the second one now. That first record didn’t last long. I can’t believe two fish that size have been caught within a month. And, they’re already catching kings off the Gulf State Park Pier.”

Within weeks of the certification of a record king at 68 pounds, 3 ounces, Matt Borden of Trussville landed a king last week that weighed 69 pounds, 10 ounces. Borden was aboard Fish On out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach, a sister ship to Fish Trap, which landed the earlier fish. Borden’s fish must go through the paperwork and review process before it can be certified as a state record. Borden’s fish measured 60 inches fork length with a 26.5-inch girth.

PHOTOS: (reef by David Walker, snapper by David Rainer) Any type of structure, like this pyramid reef, will attract and hold a number of saltwater species, including gray triggerfish (near bottom of reef), spadefish and the ever popular red snapper. Alabama anglers are facing the shortest red snapper season on record at 40 days, which means plenty of big red snapper will be boated during the month of June and first 10 days of July.

###

David Rainer

Outdoor Writer

Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources

(251) 945-6889

(251) 454-6543

www.outdooralabama.com

Article source: http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f194/alabama-weekly-report-david-rainier-may-18-a-2093426.html

LAY LAKE – ALABAMA’S COOSA RIVER SYSTEM
By Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Birmingham, Alabama (205) 663-1504
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
” Over 40 Years Guiding, Fishing Exploring LAY LAKE and Every Lake in Alabama For Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass “
Always Call on Reeds Guide Service…First! Alabama’s Oldest Professional, Freshwater Fishing Guide Service!

Impounded 1914
Lake Level: Full Pool 396.0 (SEE; WWW.LAKELEVELS.INFO) ;
Water Temperature: low 80′s
Water Clarity: Lake headwaters, mid lake and some creeks are lightly stained from recent rain
Air Temperature: 70′s Nights / Low to mid 80′s Day
Weather: Partly cloudy this week 20% chance of rain / Next week, low-to-mid 80′s

* LAY LAKE RECENTLY

I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ALL THROUGHOUT ALABAMA AND HAVE RECENTLY SPENT SEVERAL DAYS WHILE GUIDING ANGLERS ON ALABAMA’S COOSA RIVER IMPOUNDMENT’S LAY LAKE AND LOGAN MARTIN LAKE, BOTH LAKES 50 MILES IN LENGTH AND BOTH LAKES WITHIN 40 MILES OF BIRMINGHAM.

I GUIDE ON ALL OF ALABAMA’S LAKES REGULARLY, WITH SEVERAL BIG LARGEMOUTH BASS TAKEN IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS ON LAKE’S SUCH AS GUNTERSVILLE LAKE, (TWO EIGHT POUNDERS AND A TEN POUNDER ON ONE TRIP AND TWO OTHER TRIPS SEVERAL BASS FROM 5-8 POUNDS), PICKWICK LAKE, (ONE 7 POUND LARGEMOUTH AND TWO SMALLMOUTH WEIGHING OVER 5 POUNDS), AND JORDAN LAKE ON THE LOWER COOSA RIVER NEAR THE STATE CAPITOL OF MONTGOMERY, FOOLING BIG SPOTTED BASS, SOME IN THE 4-5 POUND WEIGHT CLASS!

BUT WHENEVER I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF GUIDING ON LAY LAKE, ITS ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE! ESPECIALLY ALL THIS WEEK AND LAST WEEK, WHILE TAKING OVER A DOZEN ANGLERS THAT WERE PRACTICING FOR UPCOMING MAJOR, BASS TOURNAMENTS, LIKE AIRPORT MARINE TRAILS!

WE FISH FROM ONE DAM (LAY DAM), TO THE OTHER (LOGAN MARTIN LAKE DAM), AND COVER ALL THE WATER WE CAN ON THIS 50 MILE LONG LAKE. ALL SINCE THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY! BESIDES ALL THAT BURNING GAS WE ARE FISHING FOR COOSA RIVER SPOTTED BASS AND SOME HEFTY LARGEMOUTH BASS AND WE EVEN TANGLED WITH A FEW STRIPED BASS IN THE 10-15 POUND RANGE!

* NOTE – You can See more fishing tips, springtime post-spawn lake reports and lots of fishing info and fishing links, all on my website www.fishingalabama.com for Lay lake and other Alabama lakes. Guide service info, pictures of recent clients with Big Bass and fishing articles!

ALABAMA’S MAN MADE IMPOUNDMENT – LAY LAKE!
– WHILE FISHING WITH REED MONTGOMERY OF REEDS GUIDE SERVICE –
A RAINY, OVERCAST SUNDAY WITH THE LAKE ALL TO OURSELVES
AND LOTS OF BIG LARGEMOUTH BASS AND SPOTTED BASS!

* GUIDED FISHING TRIPS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND!

* REEDS GUIDE SERVICE “GUIDED FISHING TRIP GIFT CERTIFICATES” ARE AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND *
WHY NOT GIVE A GUIDED FISHING TRIP FOR THOSE LOVED ONES THAT LOVE TO FISH?

A GUIDED FISHING TRIP TO ANY LAKE IN ALABAMA WITH REED MONTGOMERY OF REEDS GUIDE SERVICE MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR BIRTHDAY’S, FATHER’S DAY, MOTHER’S DAY, ANNIVERSARIES, GRADUATION, WELCOME HOME, CHRISTMAS, VALENTINE’S DAY…OR ANY OCCASION!

RESERVE YOUR TRIP NOW FOR THOSE SPRING/SUMMER/FALL/WINTER FISHING TRIPS! E-MAIL ME TODAY ALABASSGYD@AOL.COM FOR MORE INFO ON A GUIDED FISHING TRIP GIFT CERTIFICATE, GOOD FOR ALL OF 2012! OR CALL (205) 663-1504.

* SEE MORE INFO AT THE END OF THIS LAKE REPORT OR E-MAIL ME FOR YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE TODAY. THEN PRINT IT OUT AND GIVE IT AS A GIFT!

RECENT GUIDED FISHING TRIPS
* PREVIOUS CONDITIONS ON RECENT GUIDED FISHING TRIPS – FOR BIG, LARGEMOUTH BASS ON ALABAMA’S LAY LAKE WITH SOME VERY PLEASANT COMPANY! Several weeks of warm weather took place just recently all throughout the month of April, with air temperatures in the upper-70′s to upper 80′s seen statewide. Bedding bass were seen throughout the entire month, even some stragellers as May approached.

As May arrived some rain took place off and on every few days, with some very warm and muggy nights featuring the low-to-mid 70′s and the weather was more like the past months of May with mid-70′s daytime highs this past week. The second week of May welcomed anxious anglers with lots of traditional, shallow water, topwater action with some now, very hungry post-spawn bass, recuperating from the spring spawn.

This intense feeding, both around shallow water cover and in open water schooling situations, “feeding spree”, will continue for another 30 days or so. Before it really begins to get hot here in Alabama, as this upcoming, summer season slowly approaches. So why not fish now, when the bass are biting, in comfortable daytime highs in the 70′s and 80′s? Or would you prefer a night fishing trip. We do it all, on Lay or any Alabama lake!

SUMMER NEARS
With June only a couple of weeks away, anglers now fishing on Lay lake (now almost 100 years old), and most other Alabama lakes, for both largemouth bass and spotted bass, can look for both bass species to be continuously feeding, almost on a daily basis. Some bass feeding at night.

As these spotted bass and largemouth bass are constantly feeding and some are following the shad and other bait fish schools, anglers will see some big schools gathering together and many bass feeding and returning to a more summer state of mind. There are some, “Big and Very Hungry Bass” now on the prowl. They can be found in both shallow weedy water of 1-3 feet deep and in nearby 15-30 foot depths…Lay lake’s deeper waters!

* GUIDED TRIP ON SUNDAY, MAY 13 MOTHERS DAY! – I had a trip to Lay lake Sunday, (Mothers Day) May 13. On this trip, I was entertaining two anglers (that were very entertaining themselves), both of which lived on Lay lake in two separate locations on the lower lake. They both were very pleasant company and long time friends. Both just wanted to learn some new places to fish on the mid-to-lower lake, along with learning a few new fish catching techniqes as well. I think we accomplished that task!

One angler we will call Kendyll lived near the lower Lay lake dam and the other angler we’ll call Ben, lived in Spring creek on the lower end of Lay lake.

During this mid May period you can expect rain and even some severe thunderstorms. Prior to our trip the weatherman had predicted a 100% chance of rain, but with no predicted bad weather like storms or lightning. So, I hoped they would not call the night before and cancel due to the bad weather. They didn’t. To my delight both anglers showed up beaming a smile and loaded with rain gear, tackle and rods, ready to fish, as we met at Beeswax Creek boat launch at dawn, around 5:30 a.m.

As we arrived at our first stop of the day, a stump-lined flat with shallow weeds nearby, we saw busting bass, some looking to be 3-5 pounds! Many bass that followed in the next few hours, some they instantly caught on the first few casts, proved to actually be in this weight class for real. With both spotted bass and largemouth bass voraciously feeding, it now raining, and on about every cast a big delight, with every bite for both anglers! Almost the entire day produced quality bass!

* Note – On some recent trips to Lay lake we have successfully caught some big schooling bass, very big for schoolers, with some bass weighing in the 4-6 pound range. Very hungry bass now schooled up (after they have already bedded) and now herding shad schools to the surface and feeding frantically… seen lake wide!

On this trip we saw water temperatures, that had quickly warmed each day, now into the low 80′s, warm for dawn. On Lay lake, while fishing as far south as Lay Lake Dam / Paint Creek and Waxahatchee creek, where most bass are now entering a post-spawn, early summer phase, all the way to the lake’s headwaters, the water has warmed fast!

Yes, during the middle of May! We have also seen some big, schooling spotted bass while fishing the lower lake, all the way north 50 miles, fishing below Logan Martin dam, in Lay lake’s headwaters! Mixed in, are always a few big largemouth bass picking off the easy meals, the “spots” leave behind!

Today, was no exception. In addition, they caught schooling striped bass! So our day started of real nice with a mixed bag of striped bass in the 1-3 pound range, three pound and bigger spotted bass, and I even managed to spook up a nice 4 pound largemouth bass. All bass they caught were on topwater lures like zara super spooks, pop-r’s and around weeds on soft jerk baits and floating worms.

No Alabama rigs, no deep-diving crankbaits, no heavy football head jig combos, not even a spinnerbait bass or one caught on a swim bait. Just lots of fun featuring loads of shallow, topwater action almost continuously all day, until we decided to head home, when the bottom fell out and heavy rain began that evening.

* Pictures – The bass these two anglers caught on this day looked to be several in the 4-6 pound range. We even filled up the net with about 8 bass, all weighing in this weight class and I took some nice pictures that you can see with this lake report on my website home page at www.fishingalabama.com A great day!

Regardless of all the local anglers and hordes of some visiting anglers now fishing Alabama’s Lay lake, on this Sunday, Mothers Day, we did not see another boat anywhere we fished all day! Now is the time for fooling numbers of big bass and perhaps having a shot at one of the entire year’s biggest bass! But don’t wait to long! Before you know it, spring will be gone and it will be getting hotter every day as summer approaches. June is close by.

Whether I’m guiding on Lay lake or any one of the other Coosa River System Lake’s like Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Logan Martin, Mitchell Lake or Jordan Lake, I tell anglers beforehand…these are always the times to connect with, “the bass of a lifetime” and lakes like Lay lake are loaded with big, largemouth bass! Be ready like these two anglers were! All bass were released alive and healthy. They did not lose a bass all day…

Another great day of fishing on Lay lake!

LAY LAKE / LURES
* LURES TECHNIQUES FOR LAY LAKE BASS – Fishing all throughout Alabama’s Lay Lake we fished all around shallow, spawning flats with lures like spinnerbaits (white, chartreuse and white) and we fished on 15-17 pound monofilament line. Shallow to mid-running crankbaits, both floating model and suspending model jerk baits, plastic swim baits, rattling lipless lures like Rattletraps and Strike King’s Red Eye Shad, (half ounce models in both shad and crayfish colors) work most the time.

We always manage to at least elicit a few strikes on topwater lures and loads of weightless lures like Zoom’s trick worms, their soft shad imitations the Fluke and Senkos.

Flipping, Pitchin’, Swimming a jig combo? Works anytime on Lay lake!

Topwater lures lures such as Zara Spooks, Sammies, Pop-r’s and prop-baits like Baby Torpedoes and buzz baits all fool loads of bass in May. Lures fished on bottom such as in creek backwaters and around any new growing weeds, like jig combos, Texas rigged worms, lizards of all colors, creature baits, tube baits and finesse worms all work too! As weeds become greener and thicker, try lures like frogs and buzz baits, that will generate some big bass strikes! Bring it all!

Weightless lures such as Zoom’s (bubblegum, white or watermelon colored) trick worms. Shad colored, pearl, or white Zoom Flukes fished weightless work real well too! We even slow way down fishing with weightless lures like Gary Yamamoto’s Senkos and Berkeley’s Yum Dinger Series worms all in colors of black/red flake, black/blue flake, or watermelon with various colored flakes. Hook sizes of 3/0 to 4/0 with 12-15 pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line and long rods of 6 to 7 feet.

* NOTE – BY MID-TO-LATE MAY, MOST LAY LAKE BASS HAVE ALREADY BEDDED, FROM THE MID-TO-LOWER LAKE!

Always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! Booking trips now for late May/June and Summer, Fall! Don’t miss out, e-mail alabassgyd@aol.com or call today (205) 663-1504 to book your trip to Lay lake, or any Alabama lake! Same rates for either one or two anglers! Discounts on two days or more trips! You may catch that trophy bass of a lifetime! You may even have your picture blown up and seen on Alabama’s WBRC Fox 6 T V Show “Good Day Alabama!”

Click on the “guide service” link on my website: www.fishingalabama.com for more info!

Good Luck in Airport Marine’s EZ Open tournament trail! Next, is their Lay lake tournament, it will be Saturday, June 2 held out of Paradise Point Marina! (See: www.airportmarinetrails.com) Sign up online or call in today!

Thanks and Good Fishin’

Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
Birmingham, Alabama

More reports soon!

* On Lay Lake there are always some big, cooperating bass to target! Post-spawn bass in late May and all throughout the month of June…schoolies! But first, you have got to be there, to even have a chance at fooling one into biting! Now is the time for big, trophy bass! These are great months to fish here, before it gets hot this summer!

Or you can always call on Reeds Guide Service…first! ” Alabama’s oldest, professional – bass fishing only – guide service for over 40 years.” Day or Night.

TIRED OF GETTING SKUNKED? ARE YOU ONLY CATCHING A FEW SMALL BASS ON EVERY FISHING TRIP? YOU CAN GO OUT ON A GUIDED FISHING TRIP WITH REED MONTGOMERY OF REEDS GUIDE SERVICE (ALABAMA’S OLDEST GUIDE SERVICE) TO LEARN HOW TO CATCH BASS ON ANY ALABAMA LAKE WITH A VARIETY OF LURES AND PRESENTATIONS, ALL EXPLAINED ON EVERY TRIP! MAKE IT EASIER ON YOURSELF AND E-MAIL OR CALL ME TODAY!

REEDS GUIDE SERVICE INFO
REEDS GUIDE SERVICE – Only one professional, Alabama fishing guide service can claim to be “Alabama’s oldest professional fishing guide service.” Guiding on Lay lake and all of Alabama’s Lakes for over 40 years. Reed Montgomery, owner of Reeds Guide Service based out of Birmingham, Alabama has taken anglers from all over the globe to fish all of Alabama’s many lakes. Offering bass fishing state wide, year round. Targeting largemouth bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass.

* See the pictures link, fishing tips for all seasons, and current lake reports on my website: www.fishingalabama.com

Same rates for either one or two anglers with discount rates available on two day trips, to most Alabama lakes. We welcome (with several qualified guides and insured boats), corporate guided trips, family outing fishing trips, parent and child learning trips, lake residents, both the tournament angler and the novice angler. All are welcome!

Call today (205) 663-1504 or E-mail me alabassgyd@aol.com for more info. See www.fishingalabama.com for my guide service info, seasonal fishing tips, and lake reports for all of Alabama’s lakes, including fishing articles, fishing links, pictures and more!

GUIDED FISHING TRIPS FOR ANGLERS
* KEEP IN MIND A GUIDED FISHING TRIP WITH REED MONTGOMERY OF REEDS GUIDE SERVICE FOR, “THAT LOVED ONE THAT LOVES TO FISH” MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION! E-MAIL OR CALL ME TODAY (205) 663-1504 TO RESERVE YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE!

REED MONTGOMERY ON FOX 6 TELEVISION EACH MONTH!
* WBRC FOX 6 T V “GOOD DAY ALABAMA” – Call in with your fishing questions (205) 741-7474 as Reed Montgomery answers with his, “Ask the Angler” question and answer session. Reed Montgomery (an Alabama native) is on this very popular morning T V show the last Tuesday of each month. Reed is on just after 8 a.m. Central time.

Reed has been on “Good Day Alabama” for over 8 years on Birmingham’s WBRC Fox 6 Television (seen state wide). Mark your calendar and make plans to tune in to “Good Day Alabama” morning show! Reed’s next live appearance will be Tuesday morning, just after 8 a.m. on May 29 2012! You may see your big bass picture!

* NEW! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE SOUTH’S BEST BARGAINS? – NEW STUFF! Check out www.bargainssouth.com A great discount WEBSITE to find anything at a great low price! Order online! Find those hard-to-find (and often very cute) gifts, for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones in your life..all at the best prices in the south! Check back often for new added items! We are working on new categories! Including – FISHING ITEMS AND COLLECTABLE ACTION FIGURES ARE NOW ON THE WEBSITE!

* HUNTING AND FISHING – Check out www.marksoutsdoors.com for all your fishing and hunting needs!

* NEW AND USED BOATS – See www.airportmarine.com for new and used boats, clearance sales, great parts department and expert mechanic work!

* BASS TOURNAMENTS – See www.airportmarinetrails.com NEW TRAILS FOR 2012! ALABAMA’S BEST!

* FISHING TIPS, LAKE REPORTS, FISHING ARTICLES, BASS GUIDE SERVICE INFO AND MORE! – See www.bamabass.com

* WORLD’S BEST BASS BOAT – See www.rangerboats.com

* BIG BASS – www.fishingalabama.com

Thanks and Good Fishin ‘

Reed Montgomery / Outdoor Writer
Owner / Reeds Guide Service
Alabaster, Alabama (205) 663-1504
E-mail: alabassgyd@aol.com
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
” Over 40 Years Guiding, Fishing and Exploring Every Lake in Alabama For Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass “
Always Call on Reeds Guide Service…first!
Alabama’s Oldest Professional, Freshwater Fishing Guide Service!

Article source: http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f194/lay-lake-coosa-river-alabama-reed-montgomery-reeds-guide-service-5-17-12-a-2093463.html

Water Body Report
ALAN HENRY Water lightly stained; 73–79 degrees; 8.22’ low. Black bass are good on drop shot rigs, shakyheads, Texas rigs and medium running crankbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows over brush piles. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and shad.
AMISTAD Water clear; 74–78 degrees; 22.46’ low. Black bass are very good on swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, topwaters, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on crankbaits and jerkbaits. Striped bass are fair on crankbaits and jerkbaits. Channel and blue catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.
ARROWHEAD Water off color; 72–77 degrees; 8.37’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and chatterbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows over brush piles. White bass are fair to good on slabs and Little Georges. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.
ATHENS Water lightly stained, 75–79 degrees; 1.23’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics and wacky rigged worms on deeper brush piles. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
BASTROP Water stained; 74–78 degrees. Black bass are good on chartreuse crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.
BELTON Water lightly stained; 74–78 degrees; 0.27’ high. Black bass are good on Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits in coves. Hybrid striper are good on live shad and chrome slabs. White bass are good on chrome slabs on the bottom. Crappie are good on minnows under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on summer sausage, hot dogs, stinkbait, and snails. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.
BOB SANDLIN Water lightly stained; 75–79 degrees; 2.48’ low. Black bass are fair to good on soft plastics and shallow crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. All boat ramps are now open.
BRAUNIG Water clear. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and dark soft plastic worms near the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and perch off points. Redfish are fair on shad, tilapia, and crawfish. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp, cut bait, and cheesebait.
BRIDGEPORT Water stained; 74–79 degrees; 5.46’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads with green pumpkin finesse worms around deeper docks and Jackall Iobee Frogs in the Big Creek area. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs (best action mid day). Channel catfish are fair on cut and prepared bait.
BROWNWOOD Water murky; 73–78 degrees; 10.46’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon and craw colored crankbaits and spinnerbaits in 5–15 feet. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs in 10–20 feet. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with perch.
BUCHANAN Water murky; 70–75 degrees; 23.08’ low. Black bass are fair on Bleeding Shad Rat–L–Traps, chartreuse Skip–N–Pop topwaters, and weightless wacky rigged watermelon Whacky Sticks in 8–16 feet. Striped bass are good on watermelon topwaters and Rat–L–Traps on the surface at first light. White bass are fair trolling green Rat–L–Traps and jigging Pirk Minnows over rock piles. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are good on shrimp and cut bait. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines and trotlines baited with live bait.
CADDO Water stained; 74–78 degrees; 0.34’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics around isolated cover. White bass are fair on slabs. Yellow bass are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.
CALAVERAS Water clear. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on spoons and striper jigs between the dam and the crappie wall. Redfish are fair down rigging silver and gold spoons. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp, cheesebait, and shad. Blue catfish are good on liver and cut bait near 181 Cove. Yellow catfish are slow.
CANYON LAKE Water stained; 71–75 degrees; 5.40’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse topwaters, Texas rigged watermelon Whacky Sticks, and green pumpkin jigs in 8–15 feet. Striped bass are slow to fair trolling perch colored crankbaits and jigging silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies upriver. Smallmouth bass are good on green Rat–L–Traps, watermelon tubes, and white spinnerbaits in 12–18 feet. Crappie are fair on pink tube jigs and minnows around submerged brush piles. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and minnows. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines and trotlines baited with live bait.
CEDAR CREEK Water lightly stained; 75–79 degrees; 0.17’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around main lake points and into the backs of creeks. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Crappie are fair to good on minnows. Catfish are fair drifting cut shad.
CHOKE CANYON Water clear; 72–76 degrees; 12.51’ low. Black bass are good on minnows and shad colored spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and minnows. Yellow catfish are fair on live bait.
COLEMAN Water lightly stained; 71–75 degrees; 15.44’ low. Black bass are good on pumpkinseed Rat–L–Traps, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic worms and lizards. Hybrid striper are fair on live shad. Crappie are good on minnows at night. Channel catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.
COLETO CREEK Water fairly clear; 1.60’ low. Black bass are good on minnows and perch colored Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with perch.
COLORADO CITY 18.92’ low. No report available.
CONROE Water fairly clear; 71–75 degrees; 2.25’ low. Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed soft plastics and watermelon spinnerbaits. Striped bass are good on minnows and white striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp.
COOPER Water lightly stained; 75–78 degrees; 0.55’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse shallow crankbaits and Texas rigged craw worms later in the day. Green pumpkin soft plastics are best. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut bait. Doctor’s Creek, Tira, and South Sulphur ramps are all open.
FAIRFIELD Fishing has been slow since the fish kill in September of 2010. TPWD has discontinued stocking the lake after another kill in early September 2011. Redfish and black bass survived the kill in limited numbers.
FALCON Water stained; 80–84 degrees; 30.96’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows over brush. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on cut bait and frozen shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.
FAYETTE Water stained. Black bass are good on shad colored shallow running crankbaits and Carolina rigged soft plastic worms. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and shad.
FORK Water stained; 75–80 degrees; 1.72’ low. Black bass are good on Jackall Mikey, Jr. wakebaits and Yellow Magic topwaters along main lake points in early morning. Shallow crankbaits on windy points are working well later in the day. Deep crankbaits are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.
FT. PHANTOM HILL Water clear; 72–78 degrees; 10.6’ low. Black bass are fair to good on drop shot rigs, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows around deep water structure. White bass are fair to good on slabs and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.
GIBBONS CREEK Water clear. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms and shad colored crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on stinkbait and liver.
GRANBURY Water murky; 71–76 degrees; 0.67’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair on green bucktail jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and white spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Catfish are good on stinkbait, liver, and shrimp.
GRANGER Water murky; 73–77 degrees; 0.18’ high. Black bass are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad and prepared bait in shallow water. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch in the river.
GRAPEVINE Water lightly stained; 75–79 degrees; 0.36 low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, and Jackall ASKA crankbaits along main lake points. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad.
GREENBELT Water stained; 72–78 degrees; 38.21’ low. Black bass are fair to wacky rigs, Senkos and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and live and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.
HOUSTON COUNTY Water stained; 76–80 degrees; 0.41’ high. Black bass to 7 pounds are good on June bug multi–flake, black/blue, and pumpkinseed soft plastic worms near submerged islands at mid–lake early and late. Crappie to 3 pounds are good on white Rooster Tails with red heads and live minnows at night. Bream are good on live worms off piers and over grass beds. Channel and blue catfish are good on shad.
HUBBARD CREEK 73–79 degrees; 14.97’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, medium running crankbaits, weightless flukes and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and live minnows over brush piles. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.
JOE POOL Water lightly stained; 75–79 degrees; 0.01’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, finesse worms, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared baits.
LAKE O’ THE PINES Water lightly stained; 75–79 degrees; 1.14’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms and shallow crankbaits along main lake points. Isolated cover is the key. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
LAVON Water lightly stained; 76–81 degrees; 0.16’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, black/brown jigs and squarebill crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around bridge columns. Catfish are good on cut shad and nightcrawlers.
LBJ Water clear; 70–74 degrees; 0.51’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Senkos, pumpkinseed topwaters, and perch colored Rat–L–Traps early in 10–20 feet. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on minnows and stinkbait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch and carp.
LEWISVILLE Water stained; 75–79 degrees; 0.43’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow to medium crankbaits along main lake points. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and Sassy Shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
LIVINGSTON Water fairly clear; 75–79 degrees; 0.33’ high. Black bass are good on topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, and soft plastics. Striped bass are good but small on Rat–L–Traps, Zara spooks, and slabs. White bass are very good on slabs, pet spoons, and troll tubes. Crappie are very good on minnows over brush. Blue catfish are very good on shad. Yellow catfish are fair on live bait.
MACKENZIE Water stained; 73–78 degrees; 87.69’ low. Black bass are fair to good on jigs, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. No report on striped bass. Catfish are fair on cut bait. Ramp #1 is still open.
MARTIN CREEK Water fairly clear; 3.89’ low. No report available.
MEREDITH 96.42’ low. No report available.
MONTICELLO Water fairly clear; 79–88 degrees; 0.68’ high. Black bass are good Texas rigged creature baits fished around deeper water. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.
NASWORTHY No report available.
NAVARRO MILLS Water lightly stained; 72–78 degrees; 0.26’ high. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastic worms and spinnerbaits along the bank. White bass are fair on silver slabs in 11 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows from fishing docks. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut shad and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.
O.H. IVIE Water stained; 73–79 degrees; 41.41’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigs, jigs, Senkos and drop shot rigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.
OAK CREEK Water stained; 72–78 degrees; 15.42’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and Senkos. Crappie are fair on jigs and live minnows over brush. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.
PALESTINE Water lightly stained; 74–79 degrees; 0.03’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics near shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and live shad. White bass are fair to good on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
PALO DURO 46.61’ low. No report available.
POSSUM KINGDOM Water fairly clear; 72–79 degrees; 5.88’ low. Black bass are fair to good on deep diving crankbaits, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and wacky rigs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs over brush piles. White bass are fair to good slabs and Little Georges. Striped bass are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live shad. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.
PROCTOR Water stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.21’ low. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits off points. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on shad and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on cut bait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.
RAY HUBBARD Water lightly stained; 75–80 degrees; 0.47’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits and medium crankbaits. Swim jigs are good around rip rap also. Crappie are fair on minnows and Road Runners. White bass are excellent on humps in 17–23 feet with hybrids mixed in. Catfish are good on prepared baits.
RAY ROBERTS Water stained; 74–78 degrees; 0.27’ low. Black bass are good on XCalibur Zell Pop topwaters early around secondary points. Carolina rigged watermelon candy 5” YUM Dingers around secondary points and main lake points are good as well. Crappie are good on minnows on COE brush piles. White bass are excellent on slabs in 15–20 feet of water on humps. Catfish are good around baited holes on Danny King’s punch bait.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS Water lightly stained; 75–80 degrees; 0.09’ low. Black bass are good on Firewater Swim Jigs in threadfin shad around shallow docks. Carolina rig soft plastics around deep brush piles has been effective. White bass are fair on slabs and live shad. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
SAM RAYBURN Water lightly stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.09’ low. Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed soft plastics and green Rat–L–Traps. White bass are fair on minnows, hellbenders, and silver spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers. Catfish are good on trotlines baited with live bait.
SOMERVILLE Water murky; 72–76 degrees; 0.30’ high. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are fair on live shad. White bass are good on live shad. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shad and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
SPENCE 84.53’ low. No report available.
STAMFORD 4.28’ low. No report available.
STEINHAGEN 0.19’ low. No report available.
STILLHOUSE Water murky; 70–74 degrees; 1.38’ low. Black bass are fair on green Rat–L–Traps and minnows. White bass are good on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
SWEETWATER Water murky; 73–78 degrees; 15.09’ low. Black bass are fair on topwaters, Senkos, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
TAWAKONI Water stained; 75–81 degrees; 0.23’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics and hollow body frogs. Best bite is around flooded cover. Crappie are fair on 1/16oz. curl tail grubs and small minnows on docks, bridge pilings and deep timber. White bass are excellent on white SSS Slabs and tailspins – schooling on points early and late. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on 4” to 6” white or shad pattern Sassy Shad in the shallows early then suspending deep during the day – drifting live bait is also producing. Catfish are excellent in deep water drifting cut bait and fresh shad.
TEXOMA Water stained; 74–78 degrees; 0.35’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Bodily contact with water is no longer prohibited. It is now just discouraged. Please check www.swt.usace.army.mil/ prior to planning a trip to Texoma. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits and medium crankbaits along main lake points. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. No report on catfish.
TOLEDO BEND Water stained; 70–74 degrees; 1.60’ low. Black bass are fair on soft plastic worms and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on white bucktail jigs. White bass are fair on silver spoons and Li’l Fishies in the river. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs over baited holes. Bream are good on crickets and nightcrawlers. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.
TRAVIS Water stained; 71–75 degrees; 39.43’ low. Black bass are fair on shad colored topwaters, watermelon soft plastic worms, and smoke grubs. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are good on chartreuse topwaters, white grubs, and small spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on fresh stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
WALTER E. LONG Water lightly stained. Black bass are fair on shad. Hybrid striper are good on shad and crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on frozen shad and frozen shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
WEATHERFORD Water stained; 74–79 degrees; 0.68’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow crankbaits and Texas rig creature baits – target any shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut shad. White bass are fair on slabs and live minnows.
WHITE RIVER Water stained; 74–79 degrees; 26.23’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and weightless flukes. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers.
WHITNEY Water stained; 70–74 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are fair on green spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on shrimp and liver.
WRIGHT PATMAN Water stained; 75–81 degrees; 0.14’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.
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Article source: http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f194/texas-freshwater-fishing-reports-may-18-a-2093489.html

Water Body Report
NORTH SABINE Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on topwaters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the marsh on topwaters and Gulps.
SOUTH SABINE Trout are fair to good under birds and pods of shad. Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good while wading coves and bayous on topwaters.
BOLIVAR Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Black drum, sand trout and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.
TRINITY BAY Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Trout are fair to good on deep shell on Gulps and live bait.
EAST GALVESTON BAY Trout are good on the south shoreline on Catch 5s, MirrOlures and topwaters. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. Trout are good on live bait around the wells.
WEST GALVESTON BAY Trout are fair to good on live shrimp on reefs. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Trout are beginning to show in the surf and at the jetty.
TEXAS CITY Trout are fair to good on Dollar Reef on live shrimp and croakers. Redfish are fair in Moses Lake on mullet and shrimp.
FREEPORT Trout are fair to good at San Luis Pass on shrimp. Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay. Trout and redfish are good at the jetties on live shrimp and finger mullet.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout are good for drifters on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet. Some redfish are schooling in the middle of the bay.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY Redfish are fair to good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Trout are fair on shell and grass on soft plastics. Black drum are fair to good at Shell Island on crabs.
PORT O’CONNOR Trout and redfish are good on topwaters over sand and grass in the guts in San Antonio Bay. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Trout are showing at the jetty.
ROCKPORT Trout are fair to good in the guts and channels on free–lined shrimp. Trout are fair over grass while drifting with live shrimp. Many trout have been showing on the outside of the islands.
PORT ARANSAS Redfish are fair to good at East Flats and around Dagger Island on shrimp and crabs. Trout, redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers.
CORPUS CHRISTI Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Redfish are good in the potholes on shrimp. Trout are good for drifters working like shrimp over sand and grass.
BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good on sand and grass on topwaters and plastics. Trout are good at night in the Land Cut on live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in the grass on the King Ranch shoreline on small topwaters.
PORT MANSFIELD Trout are good on topwaters around sand and grass and along the edge of the ICW on Gulps. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes with topwaters and Gulps.
SOUTH PADRE Trout are good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp. Redfish are fair while drifting sand and grass on Gulps and live shrimp under a popping cork.
PORT ISABEL Trout and redfish are fair to good on the flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in South Bay on topwaters.
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Dr Steven Marcello was back on board with his wife LieAnn, Daughter Carli, and Cory Gray. We pulled up to our first stop in the slick calm Gulf to find only a hand full of shrimp skipping across the water, nothing like yesterday. We made a quick move and found the trout stacked thick. Everyone in the boat had them coming in from every direction on the double rigged Avocado Matrix Shad, and Avocado Cocodrie Covahoes. When things slowed down we moved again and found some 18-20 inch trout. It looked like we were going to finish it off at this hole but the kiss of death (putting the anchor down) changed our luck. Two more stops and the Yeti was stuffed full. Fun time as always with these guys and gals. Thank you.

Give us a call as the action is Hot!!

Capt Marty LaCoste
985 856 4477

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Smith Lake
May 10th, 2012

I’ve been doing a little of everything this week. Sending time chasing stripes, bass, and bream. I’ve got a mixture of trips over the weekend, so I’ll have a full report after the weekend. Just figured I’d give you a quick striper update. I had a daytime trip the other day and we picked up plenty of fish working creek channels on the main channel the pass couple days. Fish were in 100 feet of water between the 30-45 foot mark. We used live bait and heavy umbrella rigs with 6″ swimbaits to target them. We tried bucktail umbrella rigs, but all they wanted was the swimbait rigs. One more reason to have a coulpe options in the boat.

As for the bream, there everywhere. I will be spending my free time, boxing my limit each day. There are bed everywhere, grab one rod and some crickets. You want have time to fish two, the actions that hot.

Hope everybody has a good weekend and enjoys the weather. You can’t ask for much better this time of year. So if your interested in fishing Smith Lake, give me a call.

Greg Hurst Back Again

Fishing 24-7 Guide Service
Mike Walker (205)503-2020. http://www.fishing24-7guideservice.com/

3109 Melissa Way

Birmingham, AL 35243

ph: 205-503-2020

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