The past week saw open water take over area lakes and ponds and some of the regular Top 5 crew succeeded in fooling a few bass. Looks like some good temperatures this week and that extra hour of daylight certainly helps to provide a bit more of a weekday window for first shifters to possibly work in a few weekday casts.

Weight: 3-4
Angler: Jim Junk
Date: March 3
Location: Banner Marsh
Lure: Lipless Crankbait

Weight: 4-1
Angler: Jim Junk
Date: March 7
Location: Banner Marsh
Lure: Chatterbait (white)
Structure: Flat with some submerged weeds
Top 5 Weight: 8-9 (4-1,3-4,1-4)

 

Weight: 1-5
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: March 7
Location: Knox County private strip pit
Lure: Rapala Shad Rap (blue)
Angler Comments: Narrowly avoided a shutout on my first outing of 2020 with this lone catch. Not overly impressive but darn glad to get bit as the evening was fading fast. The lure had just caught in some vegetation and this bass nabbed it just after I snapped it free, pretty cool.
Top 5 Weight: 1-5

Definitely a welcome batch of fish after putting the “cold” months behind us. While those months weren’t too ugly, the sooner that ice cover disappears the better. Here’s to some March Madness, fishing style. Good luck out there and send ‘em my way when you catch ‘em. Talk to you later. Troy

It’s time for the annual Top 5 all-time record book look as the 2020 version is already off and running. This post and another tomorrow will get us up to speed as I suspect that our regular Monday Top 5 Updates may be on hold for a while as winter decided to arrive this past weekend. As we await some further 2020 additions, here’s a look at the numbers from the six year history of the Top 5.

In 2019 we fell just short of 100 bass as our participants submitted 95 bass along the way. This batch brought the all-time total to 686 bass submitted. 2019 also marked the second year of a Top 5 expansion to include other species but only five fish were added to the “Other Species” portion of the record book (3 catfish, a bluegill and a muskie). We’ll kick things off there before moving on to the bass breakdown.

Other Species All-Time Records

Bluegill
1-8 Teagan Mills 6/2/19 Private pond

Channel Catfish
13-0 Teagan Mills (2019)
13-0 Teagan Mills (2018)
8-2 (25”) Chris Schwarz (2018)
6-9 Chris Schwarz (2019)
34-35” Chris Schwarz (2019)

Green Sunfish
0-13 Jayce Jackson (2017)

Muskie
131” Jake Bresson (47”,31”,29”24” – 2017) on Rapala X-Rap
*70+” John Kirkemo (40”, 30+” – 2018)
29” Troy Jackson (2017) on Mann’s Baby 1- crankbait
6-4 Chris Schwarz (2019)

Northern Pike
167.25” Jake Bresson (37.0”,35.25”,33.5”,32.0”,29.5” – 2017)

Rainbow Trout
22” John Kirkemo (11”,11” – 2018)

Walleye
118” Jake Bresson (26.5”,26.0”,25.5”,20”,20” – 2017) on Rapala X-Rap or jig & minnow

Moving on to the bass, let’s take a look at how our fish stack up with respect to the calendar. Six years, 34 different anglers and 686 bass (all but 22 from Illinois waters) make up the all-time record book. Here we go.

Group Totals = 686 bass
2014 = 154
2015 = 106
2016 = 136
2017 = 79
2018 = 116
2019 = 95 (Knox, Warren, Fulton and McDonough Counties)

Submissions by month (2014-2019) * = new record
144 April (43/33/31/11/12/14)
118 May (27/23/19/13/24/12)
88 June (34/14/15/1/10/14)
76 March (13/11/34/10/0/8)
67 July (18/11/8/11/8/11)
53 October (4/5/4/8/24/8)
47 September (6/4/6/6/16/9)
29 February (2/2/7/13/5/0)
27 November (6/0/4/0/8/*9)
20 August (1/3/1/4/4/*7)
10 December (0/0/7/1/0/2)
7 January (0/0/0/1/5/1)

Comments: While Spring continues to rule the day in terms of submissions, it was fun to see an uptick of summer bass in 2019. Among the summer entries was a record breaking bunch of bass in August, easily our leanest warm weather month of the year. November also saw a record number of submissions as a couple anglers kept up the late season casting.

Top 10 Top 5 Monthly Weights (group total)
37-9 May 2014
29-8 June 2014
29-7 March 2016
29-2 April 2014
28-9 October 2018
28-7 December 2016
27-14 April 2015
27-12 March 2015
27-11 July 2014
27-10 April 2016

Comments: Takes nearly 28 pounds of combined weight from our anglers to crack the Top 10 all-time which is getting to be pretty tall order as we kick off our seventh year.

Top 5 Weights per Month (group total) * = new record
January (2018) = 13-5 (3-15, 2-7, 2-6, 2-6, 2-3)
February (2016) = 22-9 (6-7,4-15,4-10,4-1,2-8)
March (2016) = 29-7 (6-5,6-1,5-14,5-10,5-9)
April (2014) = 29-2 (8-0, 5-11, 5-10, 4-15. 4-14)
May (2014) = 37-9 (9-4, 8-10, 8-8, 6-1, 5-2)
June (2014) = 29-8 (6-11, 6-4, 5-10, 5-8, 5-7)
July (2014) = 27-11 (6-6, 6-0, 5-5, 5-0, 5-0)
*August (2019) = 19-4 (4-14,4-10,4-6,2-14,2-8) old mark 18-9 in 2017
*September (2019) = 24-5 (5-3,5-0,5-0,4-12,4-6) old mark 23-8 in 2018
October (2018) = 28-9 (6-3,5-14,5-10,5-10,5-4) old mark 26-11 in 2017
November (2018) = 26-1 (7-2,6-12,4-3,4-0,4-0) old mark 24-9 in 2016
December (2016) = 28-7 (7-7,6-5,5-13,4-11,4-3)

Comments: Thanks to a first full limit, August sets a new record while the September total is bested for the third year in a row.

Monthly Top Bass
January
3-15 Mark Balbinot 1/27/18 Crankbait
February
6-7 Mike Overturf 2/27/16 Plastic Worm
March
7-0 Randy Sampson Sr. 3/22/15 Jig
April
8-0 Kamryn Kaesebier 4/13/14 Crankbait
May
9-4 Jake Bresson 5/23/14 Jig
June
6-11 Ty Hartlipp 6/11/14 Topwater Frog
July
6-6 Jake Bresson 7/11/14 Plastic Worm
August
6-8 Gary Le 8/16/14 Swimbait
September
6-0 Austin Chapman 9/19/15 Jig
October
7-4 Mark Balbinot 10/29/17 Jig
November
7-2 Mark Balbinot 11/23/18 Underspin
December
7-7 Mark Balbinot 12/11/16 Underspin

Comments: It’s going to take quite a catch for an angler to unseat one of our current monthly Top Bass. Sharpen up those augers as the January weight is the lightest of the bunch but still a tall order.

This will put a wrap on Part I of the Top 5 record book update. Plenty more to come tomorrow with a look at the how, what and who. Talk to you later. Troy

The Top 5 is back for a seventh year, so time for the annual invitation and rundown of the “rules.”

FAQ

What is the Top 5?

It is our own virtual brag board. Think of it as an online baitshop counter of scattered Polaraids with the catch info scribbled on them.

Who can participate?

Anybody, as we have had anglers from 8 to 80 submit their catches.

Where do I sign up?

No official sign-up needed just email your name (or pseudonym if preferred), picture (nice to include the angler but not absolutely necessary) weight of your catch (to nearest ounce preferred but at least one-quarter pound increments) and any details (see sample below) to the following:
troy@troyjacksonoutdoors.com.

What kind of fish are included?

The last couple years we have expanded after originally only targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass. Any freshwater catch is now encouraged as we track each species. Weight data is preferred but length is also acceptable and tracked separately.

Does the fish have to be caught by rod and reel?

Yes, to maintain consistency no catches via bankpole, trotline, jug, handfishing and such are eligible. Nothing against these approaches, we just stick with rod and reel.

When do the catches get posted?

Each Monday is set aside for a Top 5 Update if we have submissions. In addition, I try to post a monthly stat update including the breakdowns below and more.

What info should accompany a submission?

Weight/Length: I record weights in pounds and ounces such that 5-4 equates to five pounds four ounces as opposed to decimals so I ask that submissions be reported in this fashion to avoid conversion and/or confusion. For length submissions let’s go with the nearest half inch.

Lures/Bait: if you aren’t willing to reveal specifics such as brand, model, presentation and color, a generic category such as spinnerbait, plastic worm or crankbait would be appreciated. Chicken liver, stinkbait, dew worm, cutbait and so on work just fine as well.

Location: if you don’t want to say “Emiquon Preserve” just go with Fulton County and a designation of public or private would also be of interest. Even West Central Illinois strip mine or Eastern Iowa stream would be beneficial if you prefer not to be too specific.

Date: can’t see much of an issue with this aspect but I guess I’ll just list it as the date I received the submission unless otherwise noted. Once again though, the more accurate the better in my book.

Name: totally up to you whether you want to use your real name or a nickname, just let me know what you prefer.

Photo: A PIC IS REQUIRED so have your cameras or “phones” at the ready. After all, part of the premise of this entire project is to show more fishing pictures on the website than just my little bass. Whether you put your mug in the frame is your choice.

Angler Comments: if you’ve got a story, something weird or otherwise interesting to pass along with the catch, by all means, include your tale. Same goes for structure as it is fun to hear if the fish came off a point, alongside a laydown, amidst a patch of lilypads and so on. I will be happy to use your description, as written, in the periodic updates so don’t use any “bad” words, that way I don’t have to spend time editing.

And here is the general process:

Step One: You catch, weigh/measure, document and photograph a fish that resides in your Top 5 heaviest of 2020.
Step Two: Send your pic and details to troy@troyjacksonoutdoors.com.
Step Three: I track the catches and photos in order to provide periodic updates (typically each Monday) as you build your Top 5. (Note: you send each fish as you work towards a Top 5 rather than waiting until you have five, unless, of course, you wipe ‘em all out on your first trip).
Step Four: Repeat the above, replacing (or culling to use a tourney term) smaller Top 5 fish as larger ones join your ledger. For instance, say your Top 5 by May 1 is as follows: 3-4, 2-7, 2-3, 1-12 and 1-11 for a total weight of 11-5. Then on May 6 you reel in a 3-3 so out goes the 1-11 and the total weight bumps up to 12-13. Same concept for length submissions.

Finally, here’s a sample submission below.

Angler: Troy Jackson
Weight/Length: 4-0 (20″)
Location: Lake Storey
Date: April 4, 1999
Lure: Spinnerbait (blue glimmer)
Angler Comments: Dad and I were able to sneak away for a little Easter Sunday bass fishing on our “home lake.” My only bass of the day and first of the year but a cool way to kick it off, came on a perfect setup as I slowly ran my spinnerbait parallel to a submerged log, just like you read about in the magazines.

With the 2020 Top 5 intro completed look for the final wrap on the 2019 Top 5 coming your way soon. Talk to you later.  Troy

Just when it seemed that icefishing was on the horizon, the weather took quite a warm turn for Christmas. Lakes and ponds are open again and one of our crew was able to add another nice bass and a late boost to his creel.

Weight: 3-4
Angler: Chris Schwarz
Date: December 26
Location: Warren County private pond
Lure: Spinnerbait (bluegill)
Angler Comments: One last one for 2019!
Top 5 Weight: 20-12 (5-3,5-0,3-11,3-10,3-4) culls a 3-2

Way to go, Chris, and thanks for the contribution for one more 2019 update post. That makes for a total of 31 update posts dating back to an early start on January 7. Now that’s a full and successful year. If you are a Top 5 participant or fan, tune in next month for both the 2019 stat wrap and a look at the all-time numbers dating back to the 2014 start of the project. Lots of other stuff in the meantime though, beginning with two more “2020 Visions” posts coming your way. Talk to you later. Troy

A bit tardy on a stat update but here we go. One month to go, still some open water in the area but I believe I will leave those casts for someone else. Call me a fair weather fisherman but too busy and too cold this December. At present, 2019 has resulted in a total of 88 bass submissions and 5 other species, here’s the breakdown.

2019 Totals 
January = 1 bass
February = no submissions
March = 8 bass
April = 14 bass
May = 12 bass
June = 14 bass
July = 11 bass
August = 7 bass
September = 9 bass
October = 8 bass
November = 4 bass

Top 5 Weight by Month (* = new record)
January = 3-3 (one bass)
February = no submissions
March = 19-3 (4-8,4-2,4-1,3-5,3-3)
April = 19 -10 (4-1,4-1,4-0,3-12,3-12)
May = 19-1 (4-6,4-0,3-15,3-10,3-2)
June = 19-15 (4-3,4-1,4-1,3-15,3-11)
July = 13-15 (5-3,3-14,1-15,1-8,1-7)
*August = 19-4 (4-14,4-10,4-6,2-14,2-8)
*September = 24-5 (5-3,5-0,5-0,4-12,4-6)
October = 20-6 (4-12,4-5,4-3,3-10,3-8)
November = 9-11 (5-1,2-12,1-14)

Boat vs. Bank
Boat = 28 bass
Bank = 60 bass

Boat vs. Bank Weight
Boat = 19-5 (4-12,4-5,3-14,3-11,2-11)
Bank = 25-7 (5-3,5-3,5-1,5-0,5-0)

Public vs. Private
Public = 67 bass
Private = 21 bass

Public vs. Private Top 5 Weight
Public = 24-9 (5-3,5-0,4-14,4-12,4-12)
Private = 24-3 (5-3,5-1,5-0,4-12,4-3)

The Baits
Plastic Worm = 27 bass (Top Bass 4-14 Jim Junk)
Chatterbait = 18 bass (Top Bass 5-3 Jim Junk)
Spinnerbait = 14 bass (Top Bass 4-5 Brent Jackson)
Lipless Crankbait = 12 bass (Top Bass 4-8 Jim Junk)
Jig = 4 bass (Top Bass 4-3 Landon Hannam)
Buzzbait = 3 bass (Top Bass 2-4 Troy Jackson)
Crankbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 3-11 Chris Schwarz)
Swim Jig = 2 bass (Top Bass 5-3 Chris Schwarz)
Underspin = 2 bass (Top Bass 4-6 Jim Junk)
Creature Bait = 1 bass (Top Bass 2-9 Troy Jackson)
Prop Bait = 1 bass (Top Bass 4-12 Jim Junk)
Livebait = 1 bass (Top Bass 4-1 Jim Junk)
Topwater Frog = 1 bass (Top Bass 1-1 Landon Hannam)

Monthly Top Bass
January
3-3 Jim Junk
February
No submissions
March
4-8 Jim Junk
April
4-1 Jim Junk
May
4-6 Jim Junk
June
4-3 Jim Junk
July
5-3 Jim Junk
August
4-14 Jim Junk
September
5-3 Chris Schwarz
October
4-12 Jim Junk
November
5-1 Jim Junk

Top 10 Bass
5-3 Jim Junk 7/28
5-3 Chris Schwarz 9/22
5-1 Jim Junk 11/10
5-0 Jim Junk 9/15
5-0 Chris Schwarz 9/22
4-14 Jim Junk 8/3
4-12 Jim Junk 9/7
4-12 Jim Junk 10/16
4-10 Jim Junk 8/20
4-8 Jim Junk 3/28

Angler Weights
Jim Junk 24-14 (5-3,5-1,5-0,4-14,4-12)
Chris Schwarz 20-10 (5-3,5-0,3-11,3-10,3-2)
Troy Jackson 14-4 (3-14,2-11,2-10,2-9,2-8)
Brent Jackson 13-7 (4-5,2-14,2-6,1-15,1-15)
Landon Hannam 10-1 (4-3,2-7,1-4,1-2,1-1)
John Kirkemo 6-14 (1-9,1-7,1-6,1-5,1-3)
Terry Jackson 3-13 (1-15,1-1,0-13)
Jayce Jackson 2-13 (1-8,1-5)

Other Species
Bluegill 1-8 Teagan Mills 6/2/19 Private pond
Channel Catfish 13-0 Teagan Mills 4/20/19 Private Pond
Catfish 6-9 Chris Schwarz 6/12/19 Spring Lake – McDonough County
Catfish 34-35” Chris Schwarz 6/2/19 Spring Lake – McDonough County
Muskellunge 6-4 Chris Schwarz 6/28/19 Lake Storey

Well done by our group of anglers and we’ll have to see if any further entries join the ledger before our Top 5 wrap-up at some point in 2020. Until then, plenty more stuff to fill the remaining days of 2019 with a strong blogging finish. Up next is a once in a lifetime look at what lies beneath the surface of some Quad City area fishing holes. Hope you’ll tune in and talk to you later. Troy