Category: Top 5

Top5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Our southeast field rep, John Kirkemo, comes through with another submission and additional insights on spotted bass.

Weight: 1-3
Angler: John Kirkemo
Date: September 10
Weather: Evening light with air temperature in the high 70s
Water temperature: 83 degrees
Location: Lake Hartwell at Oconee Point Campground, Seneca, SC
Lure: Black and silver 3.5” floating Rapala
Angler Comments: I was casting the lure toward the top of a tree standing in about 20 feet of water. Only the top foot or two of the tree extended above the water’s surface. The treetop had a few very small leaves but was mostly just thin bare branches as shown in the attached picture. Before I could begin my retrieve, the bass slammed the lure so hard the reel handle hit my finger causing a bruise as shown in the picture. This was not a big fish but was very aggressive. I have been catching spotted bass since late March 2024. In my opinion, spotted bass tend to be more aggressive and fight harder than their close cousin largemouth bass. I discovered this tree top two days ago and have fished it every day since. It always holds a bass or two.
Top 5 Weight: 10-9 (2-8,2-7,2-0,1-13,1-13)

Gives a whole new perspective on “bass thumb” with that catch. Good luck out there and keep sending them my way. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Welcome back to John Kirkemo out of our “southeast field office” with a striped bass entry to complete his Top 5 for the species.

Hybrid Striped Bass
Weight: 1-6
Angler: John Kirkemo
Date: September 7
Weather: Evening light with passing rain showers. Air temperature about 80 degrees.
Water temperature: 85 degrees
Location: Lake Hartwell at Oconee Point Campground, Seneca, SC
Lure: Black and silver 3.5-inch floating Rapala
Comments: Caught this fish while trolling open water.
Top 5 Weight: 9-13 (3-5,2-6,1-12,1-6,1-0)

Bonus pic, the classic Rapala Floating Minnow

Sounds like the heat has subsided down there in South Carolina so here’s to some more casting and catching. Good luck to all and send them my way. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Stats

Posted on by Troy Jackson

August is historically a slow Top 5 month and 2024 was no exception with only one entry. September equaled the August total after one day and that entry helped boost Brent into the lead among our seven anglers. Read on for those standings and the rest of the up-to-date stats.

Bass Totals (largemouth and spotted)

2024 Totals
March = 15 bass
April = 16 bass
May = 11 bass
June = 12 bass
July = 7 bass
August = 1 bass
September = 1 bass

Top 5 Weight by Month
March = 18-3 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-4,3-1)
April = 11-0 (2-8,2-7,2-4,2-0,1-13)
May = 14-15 (3-6,3-4,3-0,2-12,2-9)
June = 14-7 (3-12,3-0,2-10,2-9,2-8)
July = 16-2 (3-15,3-3,3-2,2-15,2-15)
August = 1-3 (1-3)
September = 3-2 (3-2)

Boat vs. Bank
Boat = 45 bass
Bank = 18 bass

Boat vs. Bank Weight
Boat = 17-6 (3-15,3-12,3-4,3-4,3-3)
Bank = 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)

Public vs. Private
Public = 62 bass
Private = 1 bass

Public vs. Private Top 5 Weight
Public = 19-9 (4-6,3-15,3-14,3-12,3-10)
Private = 1-3 (1-3)

The Baits
Jerkbait = 17 bass (Top Bass 2-8 John Kirkemo)
Chatterbait = 10 bass (Top Bass 4-6 Jim Junk)
Plastic Worm = 9 bass (Top Bass 3-15 Brent Jackson)
Propbait = 7 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Frog = 6 bass (Top Bass 3-3 Troy Jackson)
Popper = 5 bass (Top Bass 3-12 Brent Jackson)
Lipless Crankbait = 4 bass (Top Bass 2-6 Jim Junk)
Buzzbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 2-9 Troy Jackson)
Spinnerbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Crankbait = 1 bass (Top Bass 1-11 Troy Jackson)

Monthly Top Bass
March
4-6 Jim Junk
April
2-8 John Kirkemo
May
3-6 Brent Jackson
June
3-12 Brent Jackson
July
3-15 Brent Jackson
August
1-3 Brady Jackson
September
3-2 Brent Jackson

2024 Top 10 Bass
4-6 Jim Junk 3/3
3-15 Brent Jackson 7/19
3-14 Jim Junk 3/18
3-12 Brent Jackson 6/27
3-10 Jim Junk 3/3
3-6 Brent Jackson 5/4
3-4 Jayce Jackson 3/31
3-4 Brent Jackson 5/5
3-3 Troy Jackson 7/20
3-2 Troy Jackson 7/13
3-2 Brent Jackson 9/1

Angler Weights
Brent Jackson 17-7 (3-15.3-12,3-6,3-4,3-2)
Jim Junk 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)
Troy Jackson 15-4 (3-3,3-2,3-0,3-0,2-15)
John Kirkemo 10-9 (2-8,2-7,2-0,1-13,1-13)
Julia Jackson 8-12 (2-10,1-10,1-10,1-8,1-6)
Jayce Jackson 3-4 (3-4)
Brady Jackson 1-3 (1-3)

Other Species

Bowfin
Troy Jackson 3-13 (3-13)

Channel Catfish
John Kirkemo 2-3 (2-3)

Freshwater Drum
Troy Jackson 2-10 (2-10)

Gar
John Kirkemo 28” (28”)

Striped Bass
John Kirkemo 6-11 (3-5,2-6,1-0)

Trout (brown and rainbow)
John Kirkemo 24” (12”, 12”)

Here’s to a strong fall finish although it gets tough for some to boost their totals late in the season. The good thing is that the fall bite should present opportunities to fool some quality fish if you find time to get on the water. And I certainly plan to as I intend to hit my go to spots at least a time or two before the year winds up. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

September is off to a solid start as Brent posts the first entry of the month.

Weight: 3-2
Angler: Brent Jackson
Date: September 1
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: Spro Flappin Frog 65
Angler Comments: The new frog paid off. I have had several hits, but this is the only one I got hooked.
Top 5 Weight: 17-7 (3-15,3-12,3-6,3-4,3-2) culls a 2-15

Brent’s catch also puts him in the Top 5 lead for the year. More on that aspect soon with a monthly stat update. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Welcome aboard to a new Top 5 angler as my nephew, Brady, lands a keeper on a family fishing outing this past weekend.

Weight: 1-3
Angler: Brady Jackson
Date: August 10
Location: McDonough County pond
Lure: Senko wacky rig (pink)
Top 5 Weight: 1-3 (1-3)

Way to go, that Senko wacky rig is a winner, even in pink. I watched Brady’s dad knocking ‘em really well on a red one last week though. Was Brent holding out on his favorite color when rigging up the kids? Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Stats

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Another month means another look at the latest stats.

Bass Totals (largemouth and spotted)

2024 Totals
March = 15 bass
April = 16 bass
May = 11 bass
June = 12 bass
July = 7 bass

Top 5 Weight by Month
March = 18-3 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-4,3-1)
April = 11-0 (2-8,2-7,2-4,2-0,1-13)
May = 14-15 (3-6,3-4,3-0,2-12,2-9)
June = 14-7 (3-12,3-0,2-10,2-9,2-8)
July = 16-2 (3-15,3-3,3-2,2-15,2-15)

Boat vs. Bank
Boat = 44 bass
Bank = 17 bass

Boat vs. Bank Weight
Boat = 17-6 (3-15,3-12,3-4,3-4,3-3)
Bank = 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)

Public vs. Private
Public = 61 bass
Private = 0 bass

Public vs. Private Top 5 Weight
Public = 19-9 (4-6,3-15,3-14,3-12,3-10)
Private = no submissions

The Baits
Jerkbait = 17 bass (Top Bass 2-8 John Kirkemo)
Chatterbait = 10 bass (Top Bass 4-6 Jim Junk)
Plastic Worm = 8 bass (Top Bass 3-15 Brent Jackson)
Propbait = 7 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Frog = 5 bass (Top Bass 3-3 Troy Jackson)
Popper = 5 bass (Top Bass 3-12 Brent Jackson)
Lipless Crankbait = 4 bass (Top Bass 2-6 Jim Junk)
Buzzbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 2-9 Troy Jackson)
Spinnerbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Crankbait = 1 bass (Top Bass 1-11 Troy Jackson)

Monthly Top Bass
March
4-6 Jim Junk
April
2-8 John Kirkemo
May
3-6 Brent Jackson
June
3-12 Brent Jackson
July
3-15 Brent Jackson

2024 Top 10 Bass
4-6 Jim Junk 3/3
3-15 Brent Jackson 7/19
3-14 Jim Junk 3/18
3-12 Brent Jackson 6/27
3-10 Jim Junk 3/3
3-6 Brent Jackson 5/4
3-4 Jayce Jackson 3/31
3-4 Brent Jackson 5/5
3-3 Troy Jackson 7/20
3-2 Troy Jackson 7/13

Angler Weights
Jim Junk 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)
Brent Jackson 17-4 (3-15,3-12,3-6,3-4,2-15)
Troy Jackson 15-4 (3-3,3-2,3-0,3-0,2-15)
John Kirkemo 10-9 (2-8,2-7,2-0,1-13,1-13)
Julia Jackson 8-12 (2-10,1-10,1-10,1-8,1-6)
Jayce Jackson 3-4 (3-4)

Other Species

Bowfin
Troy Jackson 3-13 (3-13)

Channel Catfish
John Kirkemo 2-3 (2-3)

Freshwater Drum
Troy Jackson 2-10 (2-10)

Gar
John Kirkemo 28” (28”)

Striped Bass
John Kirkemo 6-11 (3-5,2-6,1-0)

Trout (brown and rainbow)
John Kirkemo 24” (12”, 12”)

How in the world did it get to be August already? Keep on casting and catching out there. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

In a repeat of last week’s Top 5 Update, the good old strip mines come through with a trio of bass to give a pair of anglers a boost. I could get used to that although I encourage anyone to get out there and take a shot.

Weight: 3-15
Angler: Brent Jackson
Date: July 19
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig
Top 5 Weight: 17-4 (3-15,3-12,3-6,3-4,2-15) culls 2-13

Weight: 3-3
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: July 20
Weather: Partly cloudy/calm
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: Spro Flappin Frog 65 (albino)
Structure: Weed mat

Weight: 2-15
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: July 20
Weather: Partly cloudy/calm
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: Whopper Plopper 110 (bone)
Structure: Flat
Top 5 Weight: 15-4 (3-3,3-2,3-0,3-0,2-15) culls 2-14 and 2-12

A solid couple of days for us as Brent’s catch represents his Top Bass for 2024 as does the 3-3 for me. In addition, Brent edges closer to the top spot for the year as he sits only one ounce behind our leader, Jim Junk. Back to catching up on the fishing reports this week so stay tuned and talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

A pair of Jackson brothers keep the Top 5 Updates rolling with a trio of quality bass from a strip mine outing during these dog days of summer.

Weight: 2-13
Angler: Brent Jackson
Date: July 13
Weather: Sunny/breezy
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (green pumpkin/black flake)
Top 5 Weight: 16-2 (3-12,3-6,3-4,2-15,2-13) culls 2-7

Weight: 3-2 (19”)
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: July 13
Weather: Sunny/breezy
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (blue pearl/black & hologram)

Weight: 2-14 (17.5”)
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: July 13
Weather: Sunny/breezy
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: Spro Flappin Frog 65 (natural red)
Top 5 Weight: 14-12 (3-2,3-0,3-0,2-14,2-12) culls 2-9 and 2-9

Look for the details on this outing later this week. Prior to that submission, I have one more recent report from The Canal with a nod to Theodor Geisel. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Our first submissions for July consist of a quality bass a new species.

Weight: 2-15
Angler: Brent Jackson
Date: July 6
Location: Knox County public strip pit
Lure: Scum frog (natural green & yellow)
Editor’s Comments: Brent reported that he was on the water for about two and a half hours and landed ten bass. The above fish was his Top Bass and his Top 5 for the trip tipped the scales at 8-1.
Top 5 Weight: 15-12 (3-12,3-6,3-4,2-15,2-7) culls 2-7

Species: Freshwater Drum
Weight: 2-10 (19.5”)
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: July 7
Weather: Overcast/breezy, 75F
Location: Hennepin Canal
Lure: Strike King Red Eye Shad (sexy shad)
Angler Comments: For a brief time, I thought that I finally had my first four-pound bass on The Canal but not quite. No matter, a worthy fight, and a new species for the Top 5.
Top 5 Weight: 2-10 (2-10)

Good to see Brent getting a summer strip mine bite and always a treat when they are hitting topwater baits. As far as The Canal entry, the drum was a rewarding catch as bites have been hard to come by when chasing bass. The Canal is an interesting place with several reports from recent trips in the works. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Stats

Posted on by Troy Jackson

We hit the midway point of the year with a total of fifty-four bass submitted along with a handful of other species. Read on for a closer look at the numbers.

Bass Totals (largemouth and spotted)

2024 Totals
March = 15 bass
April = 16 bass
May = 11 bass
June = 12 bass

Top 5 Weight by Month
March = 18-3 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-4,3-1)
April = 11-0 (2-8,2-7,2-4,2-0,1-13)
May = 14-15 (3-6,3-4,3-0,2-12,2-9)
June = 14-7 (3-12,3-0,2-10,2-9,2-8)

Boat vs. Bank
Boat = 37 bass
Bank = 17 bass

Boat vs. Bank Weight
Boat = 16-0 (3-12,3-4,3-4,3-0,2-12)
Bank = 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)

Public vs. Private
Public = 54 bass
Private = 0 bass

Public vs. Private Top 5 Weight
Public = 19-0 (4-6,3-14,3-12,3-10,3-6)
Private = no submissions

The Baits
Jerkbait = 17 bass (Top Bass 2-8 John Kirkemo)
Chatterbait = 10 bass (Top Bass 4-6 Jim Junk)
Propbait = 6 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Plastic Worm = 5 bass (Top Bass 3-4 Brent Jackson)
Popper = 5 bass (Top Bass 3-12 Brent Jackson)
Lipless Crankbait = 4 bass (Top Bass 2-6 Jim Junk)
Buzzbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 2-9 Troy Jackson)
Frog = 2 bass (Top Bass 2-8 Troy Jackson)
Spinnerbait = 2 bass (Top Bass 3-0 Troy Jackson)
Crankbait = 1 bass (Top Bass 1-11 Troy Jackson)

Monthly Top Bass
March
4-6 Jim Junk
April
2-8 John Kirkemo
May
3-6 Brent Jackson
June
3-12 Brent Jackson

2024 Top 10 Bass
4-6 Jim Junk 3/3
3-14 Jim Junk 3/18
3-12 Brent Jackson 6/27
3-10 Jim Junk 3/3
3-6 Brent Jackson 5/4
3-4 Jayce Jackson 3/31
3-4 Brent Jackson 5/5
3-1 Jim Junk 3/17
3-0 Troy Jackson 5/4
3-0 Troy Jackson 6/29

Angler Weights
Jim Junk 17-5 (4-6,3-14,3-10,3-1,2-6)
Brent Jackson 15-4 (3-12,3-6,3-4,2-7,2-7)
Troy Jackson 13-14 (3-0,3-0,2-12,2-9,2-9)
John Kirkemo 10-9 (2-8,2-7,2-0,1-13,1-13)
Julia Jackson 8-12 (2-10,1-10,1-10,1-8,1-6)
Jayce Jackson 3-4 (3-4)

Other Species

Bowfin
Troy Jackson 3-13 (3-13)

Channel Catfish
John Kirkemo 2-3 (2-3)

Gar
John Kirkemo 28” (28”)

Striped Bass
John Kirkemo 6-11 (3-5,2-6,1-0)

Trout (brown and rainbow)
John Kirkemo 24” (12”, 12”)

A solid June with a dozen bass added to the project. At fifty-four bass thus far, we are just over halfway to the annual target of one hundred bass for the year. However, we need to pick up the pace as the latter half of the year is typically leaner on submissions with most anglers already establishing an initial Top 5. Of course, there’s always room for others to join the quest. Good luck as we continue into the dog days of summer and talk to you later. Troy