Category: Flashbacks

Friday Flashback – October 24, 2015

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Have I ever mentioned how much I dig fall fishing?

Even though I know that winter and a lengthy fishing drought loom on the horizon, I always look forward to chasing fall bass as my year winds down. And every once in a while you find one of those magic days when the bass provide quite a sendoff.

Originally Posted 10-29-15

Stats
Date: October 24, 2015
Location: Little John Conservation Club (3 lakes)
Time: 9:30am-4:05pm (5.75 hours fishing, the rest relocating)
Weather: Overcast/very windy
Air Temp: 61F-57F
Water Temp: 59-62F
Totals: 33 bass
Lures: Booyah Counterstrike Spinnerbait (salt & pepper) – 21 bass, Strike King Red Eye Shad (sexy shad) – 9 bass, Senko wacky rig (baby bass) – 2 bass, Berkley Havoc Pit Boss (green pumpkin) – 1 bass
Top Bass: 4-13 (Booyah Spinnerbait)
Weight: 18-1 (4-13,4-10,2-15,2-14,2-13)

9:41am – First Bass at 20.5″ and 4-10 on a lipless crankbait

Notes & Nonsense

20 pound Club – I was out in search of five more ounces on my creel in order to reach the 20 pound mark. For me that’s a real solid year and sitting at 19-11 as I drove to the lake meant that I needed to find a 3-4 in order to reach my goal. I had a pair of lakes in mind where I thought I had a solid shot at fooling one of that weight. Eleven minutes into casting I had my first fish which tipped the scales at 4-10, so all pressure was off by 9:41am. I’d actually hooked a small bass on my very first cast which can be viewed as sort of a curse but luck was on my side as the little catch threw the lipless crank before coming aboard much to my relief.

The Wind Giveth – An area full of wood on my second stop was just taking a beating from heavy winds out of the west southwest. And the bass were right there where they were supposed to be to the tune of seven fish in 46 minutes. Not only was the quantity to my liking but so was the quality. Between 12:36pm and 1:22pm the following were jotted down in the log:

12:36pm 15” 1-6 Booyah Spinnerbait

12:44pm 18” 2-14 Booyah Spinnerbait

12:54pm 15.5” 2-0 Booyah Spinnerbait

12:57pm 17” 2-13 Booyah Spinnerbait

1:06pm 16” 1-15 Booyah Spinnerbait

1:14pm 18” 2-15 Booyah Spinnerbait

1:22pm 15” 1-11 Berkley Havoc Pit Boss

All came while working maybe a thirty yard stretch of a small cove littered with laydowns and stumps. I milked the spot for that last fish by employing a slowdown technique with the Pit Boss creature type bait and was pretty proud of myself for changing it up. But then I thought, boy that is dumb when the bass had really been playing to my strong suit of power fishing with a spinnerbait and lipless crank to that point of the outing. The remainder of my day would hold thirteen more bass and not a single one while slowing down (did catch a pair on some quick pitches with a Senko wacky rig but it was what I consider a power wacky approach-pitch it, twitch it and pull it).

 

The Wind Taketh Away – On my third stop I nailed another bass on the Red Eye Shad which I observed to be in the four pound range. In fact, I could clearly see the fish as it ran me right around a stump on the dropoff of an underwater point. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing me away from the snagged fish (boat not anchored at the time) so I had to disengage my spool as I went for the oars to get back to the spot. In a matter of a few seconds I was back over the stump but there was no longer a bass and I could not see my lure. I gave a pull on the still taught line before employing my lure retriever and promptly broke off, thus also losing a quality lure. I was briefly bummed (more so about the bass than the lure as I had a spare) but then gave thought to the fact that perhaps I was being a little greedy as I’d already had quite a day…it happens.

And Then There Was This One – So after the flurry in the windblown cove as listed above, I continued to work my way around the second lake having no bites from similar structure on the sheltered bank. While mentally analyzing the situation I resolved that I was wasting my time on the slack water as the wind action was the key to the day’s success. Well, nothing like having your daydream and your assessment of the day’s pattern shattered by the Top Bass of the day at 4-13. Quite a pleasant surprise as a new lake record from a spot that you were about to vacate leaves you scratching your head with one hand and lipping the fish with the other. Simply another reason to dig this hobby.

1:39pm – Top Bass at 20″ and 4-13 on a spinnerbait

The Ones That Got Away – So I lost the four plus described earlier and also had another similar fish swipe and miss my lipless crank at boatside early in the day. In addition, I had one around two and a half escape due to slack as I sat in about two inches of water after being blown into shore perpendicular to an underwater point. I took a stab at grabbing that one after the Red Eye Shad got tossed but all I got was a wet sweatshirt sleeve as he not surprisingly slipped from my grip. You know, I don’t think I lost a quality fish prior to this trip all year so I suppose I was due and I can live with that.

In the end, I wound up with one of my best days ever on the water in terms of a Top 5 weight at 18-1. But you know, if I’d got the four pounder that snagged a stump, and even if the one I witnessed taking a swipe was three and a half, add that to the ones I landed…Why, I could have wound up with a twenty pound day when just shooting for one more good fish to give me a twenty pound year, that’s like Bassmaster stuff right there! Not meant to be on this enjoyable day but I’ll keep on casting because maybe next time…

Well, after a balmy day yesterday, next time is kind of up in the air for 2020 as the weather looks to take a dip. My sights are set on a November bass and I will certainly let you know if I get it done. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – Oct. 21 & 22, 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

I’ve long been a fan of the fall drawdown at Lake Storey just north of Galesburg, Illinois. From a fishery management standpoint, I support the practice 100%. Part of the concept is to leave the shoreline cover high and dry which diminishes the hiding places for smaller prey fish. This gives the predators a much better shot at a meal and helps to promote a healthier overall population structure. And sometimes those larger predator fish let their guard down. Dad and I found a handful of such quality fish including one that was something extra during a couple trips in October of 2010.

Originally Posted 10-22-10 as part of “There’s No Fish in Lake Storey”

Such is the mantra I’ve heard from frustrated local anglers for as long as I can recall. I’ve been there too. But over the years I’ve come to learn a thing or two about one of my regular fishing holes. Good things can happen when you put the odds in your favor as evidenced by the 10 pound 2 ounce walleye pictured below. This trophy decided to stick up for Lake Storey when it nabbed my Bomber Flat A crankbait (baby bass) as I cranked and bounced it off the bottom in about six feet of water.

October 21, 2010 at 12:29pm – a 10 pound 2 ounce Lake Storey walleye

Now I won’t pretend that I’m a walleye fisherman as Dad and I were actually pursuing bass but there’s something to be said for being in the right place at the right time. Stable weather, the fall drawdown, a windblown point, relatively deep water nearby, early afternoon, direct sunlight, stained water and a few scattered rocks littering the area were an appealing, and in this case, successful combination. Throw in the fact that I’ve always viewed Lake Storey as a “crankbait lake” with a nod towards black and orange color combinations on whatever you’re throwing and it can certainly add some confidence to casting. Of course, maybe I’m overanalyzing but that is one of the extremes we anglers sometimes find ourselves dealing with during the highs and lows on the water.

October 21, 2010 at 1:34pm – Dad with a 1-7 on a spinnerbait

Originally Posted 10-23-10 as part of “Lake Storey Report”

With Snakeden closed to anglers and limited time to spend on the water, Dad and I chose Lake Storey for our destination on October 21. True to form, the trip reinforced much of what I detailed in my September series on fall fishing. Here’s a look at our day on the lake.

New Walleye Record – If you saw yesterday’s entry you know that being in the right place at the right time put a 29” ten pound walleye in the boat. The running dialogue kind of went like this, “I’ve got a good one, I’m not really sure what it is, oh man, that’s a walleye, do you think it will go ten, I think it will go ten, that is a brute.” The fish eclipses my old personal best, a 7-14 from Lake Storey on 10/2/08.

Okay, what the heck, a second picture of the 10-pound walleye

Top Bass – We did manage to add another bass in the three pound range to the record book. The fish hit on a textbook spot as I reeled my spinnerbait up to and over a partially submerged tree before letting it fall on the other side. It’s great when it works like that though I will admit that we also tried this approach on several other pieces of structure where we came up empty.

October 21, 2010 – Top Bass at 3-4 on a spinnerbait

Yet another rewarding fall trip as we try and squeeze in those last few bass before putting away the gear for the year. You can’t beat the icing on the cake when it’s a ten pound walleye but I guess I shouldn’t be overly surprised. For as Dad made his way across the parking lot after launching the boat, I saw him stoop down to pick something up. It was a penny, heads up. He commented on the fact that he hadn’t found one for a long time and speculated that we would indeed be in for some good luck. And while I wouldn’t argue against anyone describing the walleye as a lucky catch, they all count in my book.

Posted 10-24-10 as part of “Lake Storey Report Two”

Initially, I’d planned a trip to Emiquon but reconsidered after the forecast called for winds in excess of fifteen miles per hour. I just don’t have access to a boat (minus an outboard) that can hold up in those conditions. Besides I could only manage a half day trip and it’s not worth the drive. Instead we stayed closer to home risking going to the well once too often by hitting Lake Storey again. Things weren’t quite as successful the second time around but we did manage to add another good fish to the record book.

October 22, 2010 at 3:18pm – Top Bass at 3-11 on a spinnerbait

Top Bass – My 3-11 came off of some brush sticking above the surface in less than two feet of water. The previous day I’d had a fish nip the trailer of my spinnerbait as it approached the structure. Then seconds later as I came through some branches I saw a flash near my bait. At that point, I made the mistake of setting the hook too soon, pulling the lure away from the fish and sending my spinnerbait flying out of the shallow water. I should know better but sometimes the excitement gets the best of you. Anyway, I figured the spot was worth a return visit the next day and as the above photo shows, we were not disappointed.

October 22, 2010 at 4:31pm – Dad with a 1-7 on a spinnerbait

Totals
Dates: October 21 &22, 2010
Location: Lake Storey with Dad
Time: 9 hours fishing
Totals: 11 bass, 1 walleye
Lures: Quad Shad or tandem spinnerbaits (white or white/red) – 7 bass, Bomber Flat A (baby bass) – 2 bass & 1 walleye, Vicious Fishing Muskrat (green pumpkin) – 1 bass, Mann’s Baby 1- (unknown) – 1 bass
Top Bass: 3-11 (Troy – Quad Shad spinnerbait)
Top 5 Weight: 11-3 (3-11,3-4,1-7,1-7,1-6)

Bomber Flat A crankbaits (baby bass pattern) – my favorite walleye lures when I go bass fishing 

As always, our bass fishing trip was strictly catch and release, walleye included. Fooling that toothy critter with Dad on board was pretty cool. We’ve got quite a collection of fishing memories but that catch ranks among my favorites. All of these years later, I wonder if that fish ever got fooled again and made someone’s day. While not what I was targeting, a walleye that size in Illinois is pretty special. If it wasn’t the Lake Storey record at the time, it had to be darn close. We’ll never know, but since I’m the guy telling this fish story…Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – October 8, 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Today’s flashback revisits a crazy place called Emiquon. My rough draft of this post began as an essay on how the elements of a fairytale pertained to that old fishing hole. You know, occurs in the past, an enchanted place, heroes and villains, make believe (or actually believe it or not in this case) and so on. However, I put that one on the shelf as it was worthy of some more work and research. Instead, I am going with the original report from a trip that took place a long time ago on a fishing hole far, far away…

Originally posted 10-10-10

Last Friday offered up an ideal day to pay an overdue visit to The Emiquon Preserve with unseasonably warm temperatures and winds forecast in the single digits. Launching and parking were a bit less spacious but with an October crowd of half a dozen and dry conditions all was just fine. Here’s a look at how we fared.

Date: October 8, 2010
Time: 11:05am-6:05pm
Location: The Emiquon Preserve
Weather: Sunny/windy
Air Temp: 65-75F
H20 Temp: Not available
Results: 23 bass, (Dad – 12 bass, Troy – 11 bass)
Lures: Vicious Fishing Muskrat (watermelon seed or green pumpkin) – 16 bass, Strike King Pro Series Model 5 crankbait (sexy shad) – 3 bass, Yum Wooly Curltail (green pumpkin) – 3 bass, Strike King Red Eye Shad (chartreuse sexy shad) – 1 bass
Top Bass – Troy 1-15 Yum Wooly Curltail (our first bass of the day)
Top Five Weight: 9-4 (1-15, 1-14, 1-14, 1-14, 1-11)

11:41am – First bass and Top Bass at 15″ and 1-15 

Notes and Nonsense
Guessing Game – The temporary ramp is about a mile south of the former access so it ruled out a lengthy run north to our normal stomping grounds. On the bright side it kind of forced our hand in regards to exploring some new water. One drawback is not having a true depthfinder. But we spent many years using an oar, the anchor or a lure so we weren’t exactly in unfamiliar territory.

Pattern – Our best results came while casting Muskrats tight to weed edges near, but not on, ditch edges. The key was having room to crawl the baits out of the weeds and along the short four to six foot deep ledges before hitting the twelve to fifteen foot deep ditches. If the border of the weed edges sat right on the dropoff it was no good.

12:45pm – Dad on the board via a Muskrat as included in pic

Observing Others – Another pair of anglers appeared to be having some success running lipless crankbaits through the scattered weeds as we witnessed several catches from fairly close. About fifty feet close, in fact. We were once again left perplexed as the boat came from about half a mile away to fish right where we’d been anchored during their entire approach. On the other hand, we had the decency to keep our distance from another boat that was nailing some fish with an undetermined lure (I need to start packing some binoculars) about a quarter mile away. However, you can bet that we will be all over that spot if it is vacant on a return trip.

Lost Fish – Dad got me by one bass although it would have been no contest were it not for some hook problems. For whatever reason he was having difficulty keeping fish on as he lost roughly half dozen at boatside that just let go. I only lost one fish as I busted off my last Wooly Curltail on a short hookset.

2:09pm – Dad’s Top Bass at 1-11

Lost Lure – I also lost a Strike King Pro Series Model 6 crankbait to a bush although I gave it a valiant rescue effort with my lure retriever. I can’t recall the last time the retriever let me down but the line appeared to be wrapped in some branches above the lure preventing me from knocking it free. Unfortunately, I did not have a replacement for the crankbait which had caught three bass off the spot in the previous ten minutes.

Bad Timing – My Bass Pro Shops order showed up at home while we were on the water. Therefore, I had only one Wooly Curltail and it landed three of my first six bass before busting off as noted above. I also had a few new “secret weapons” in the order that will now have to wait for another day. But I only have myself to blame as the order was placed using a gift card received from my wife for my birthday on July 23. I can’t wait for the East Peoria store which also reminds me that I need to start saving some money (yeah right).

2:24pm – Top Bass Runner-up at 15″ and 1-14 on a Muskrat

Overall, I’d have to say that the day was pretty much what I’d expected. Twenty three bass with nearly all between thirteen and fifteen inches, a lot of time spent trolling on the expanse of water and no mistakes by any lunkers seems to be par for the course these days. What a difference a year makes as 366 days prior, my brother, Brent, and I reeled in 154 bass. It’s got me wondering if you can actually refer to something that happened only a year ago as “the good old days.”

Ten years of water have passed under the bridge, so to speak. And the water has changed dramatically at Emiquon rendering it a mere shell of its former self. Perhaps that is a topic for another day. For today, it is simply time to remember what certainly qualifies as the good old days on a fishing hole that was like no other. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – September 29, 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Original log entry from September 29, 2010

Ten years ago this week, Dad and I hit up Lake Storey for some bass fishing on his birthday. Below is the original fishing report from our day on the water, a solid fall drawdown outing.

Originally Posted 9-30-10
It always brings a smile to hear someone groan that fishing at Lake Storey is “a waste of time” or gripe that “there’s no fish in there.” There have been days when I’ve felt their pain, but in the end, I know better. This highly pressured body of water can no doubt be a tough nut to crack but that makes it all the more rewarding on a day like yesterday.

Date: September 29, 2010
Location: Lake Storey
Time: 8:55am-3:40pm
Air Temp: 60-74F
Totals: 16 bass (Dad 9, Troy 7)
Lures: Mann’s Baby 1- (unknown) – 4 bass, Quad Shad spinnerbait (white) – 4 bass, 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (natural shad or smoke with large black flake) – 4 bass, Bomber Flat A (honey shad or baby bass) – 3 bass, Vicious Muskrat (green pumpkin) – 1 bass
Top Bass: 3-11 (Troy – Quad Shad spinnerbait)
Top 5 Weight: 10-3 (3-11, 2-2, 1-8, 1-7, 1-7)

8:55am – Dad with a first cast bass before I ever got in the boat

Notes and Nonsense

No Jinx – After getting the boat in the water I had to make a restroom stop in the bushes before starting the day. Upon returning to the boat, Dad already had me down one to nothing without ever leaving the bank. His Senko produced a bass on his very first cast of the day along a laydown. We’ve long viewed this as a bad omen but Dad went on to prove that such superstitions are unfounded. Then again, perhaps it was simply negated by his lucky buckeye.

Variety – Unlike the Senko domination at Lake McMaster, Lake Storey required a more varied arsenal. On one hand, I don’t really care how we catch the bass as long as we catch them. But, on the other hand, the change of pace was certainly fun as each lure has its own merits along with an entirely different feel in regards to presentation and strikes.

12:05pm – Top Bass at 19.5″ and 3-11 on a spinnerbait

Redefining Shallow – A lunchtime gamble turned a fair day into a good day with six bass along a couple hundred yard stretch of shallow, windblown bank. I’d pulled this stunt one other time back on November 1, 2008 and figured the conditions made it worth another try. We hit isolated pieces of cover including cinder blocks, logs and chunk rock along an extended flat sometimes having to make multiple casts or change angles to get bit. A key to the pattern was schools of baitfish that would scatter as a crankbait or spinnerbait landed within mere inches of the shoreline.

Super shallow wood chunk where I caught our Top Bass, its a wonder his back wasn’t sunburned

Top Bass – A prime example of this shallow water pattern was my 3-11 taken off a chunk of wood (beyond my right shoulder in photo above) in what couldn’t have been more than 6-8” of water. While this was the desired result it still had us shaking our heads in disbelief as it was amazing that the bass’ back wasn’t protruding above the surface.

Fun to take a visitor for a boat ride and introduce him to a Lake Storey bass

Guest Angler – My little guy, Jayce (age 16 months), joined us for a boat ride and got to check out a bass we’d briefly stashed in the livewell for him. The only thing was the poor kid had to wear a pink lifejacket but such is the price of having a pair of older sisters. Regardless, he still seemed to enjoy the ride as he took in the scenery and gnawed on some French fries while rather immobilized by the bulky flotation device.

Same fella, nine years later with a Lake Storey catch of his own and minus the pink life jacket

Happy Birthday – Although my annual birthday outing never materialized back in July, I was happy to share the boat with Dad on his birthday. The kids made him some creative cards and we went with the standard gift of fishing stuff. The lures provided immediate reward as he landed a 1-7 on a Vicious Muskrat and his first cast bass came on one of his new Senkos. He also outfished me nine to seven as I decided to give him all the good spots being it was his day.

Good old Lake Storey with Dad, one of many memories dating back to the 1970s. Crappies on the Gapen Fishie lure, a tall tale about tobacco juice enhancing the bite, a day of dueling muskies, the one-eyed bass record, a jaw-dropping walleye, a bass out of the top of an exposed stump, a crappie tip from an old-timer at Al’s Sporting Goods, catching bass on picnic tables…Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – September 28, 2005

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Fifteen years ago this week, I took a few days off of work to focus on some fall fishing. The combination of encountering a potential for a fall feeding frenzy and knowing that the end of another fishing year is near make this period my favorite time to hit the water. This trip to Knox County Illinois’ Lake Bracken, which was once in my backyard, did not disappoint. Below are some stats, pics and most of the original fishing report.

9:13am – Top Bass at 4-2 on a Mann’s 4- crankbait

Originally posted on 9-30-05

Day Three provided exactly what I was looking for from my Fishing Vacation. Lake Bracken came through with quality and quantity, as the bass were on a classic fall feeding binge complete with an approaching storm front. It would be tough to find a better time to be on the water during an unpredictable time of the year.

Site: Lake Bracken
Time: 7:10 am – 12:25 pm
Totals: 20 bass
Lures: Mann’s 4- crankbait (blue/chartreuse) 13 bass, Mann’s Baby 1- crankbait (rainbow) – 6 bass, 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (black) – 1 bass
Top Bass: 4-2 (Mann’s 4- crankbait)
Top 5 Weight: 8-15 (4-2,1-8,1-3,1-2,1-0)

Original log entry from the outing

7:00 am to 8:00 am – My first cast hits the water at 7:10 am and I boat my first bass at 7:13 am along ramp road on a Mann’s 4- crankbait (blue/chartreuse). It’s a nice 11” fish and I get the feeling things may go well today. Our past few outings on Lake Bracken haven’t given up many fish even at some of our “old faithful” spots. This one comes from The Sticks three minutes into my trip and gives a welcome boost to my confidence. The Beaver Lodge in West Bay gives up a pair of bass including a healthy 1-3 and things are looking good as two proven spots produce.

8:00 am to 9:00 am – Three more bass are added to my creel with one each on a Mann’s Baby 1- crankbait (rainbow), a Mann’s 4- crankbait (blue/chartreuse) and the Senko finally makes another appearance. At 8:11 am, a 13”, one-pound bass becomes bass number 100 for Lake Bracken this year. I also lose a two-pounder that throws the hooks after a brief battle on The Beaver Lodge in Spillway Cove. I’m sticking with a run and gun approach as the weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse somewhere around late morning. I’m hoping to hang in until noon and plan to move quickly to a number of proven spots. Crankbaits are the order of the day allowing me to cover a lot of water in a hurry while hoping to run into some active fish. So far so good.

9:00 am to 10:00 am – This turns out to be my most productive stretch of the day as I boat eight bass, seven of which come along The Dam. The crankbait bite is in full throttle as I also add a pair of fish to the record book. The first is a 1-8 while the second comes in at an impressive 4-2. The latter fish bests Brent’s 4-0 by two ounces for Top Bass of the month. Needing to share my success, I phone Dad who is on his way to Kentucky with Mom for a fall getaway. I end up talking with Mom as Dad is driving and she relays my results. Despite my success he decides to continue on his vacation rather than come back to get in on the feeding frenzy. However, Dad does mention that it is funny that I have no witnesses to verify my big fish. I guess Walgreen’s photo lab will have to back me up as I always bring along my camera. I also call and leave a message on Brent’s answering machine to greet him/rub it in when he gets home from work.

I still pack this item along but now primarily use a phone for a camera

10:00 am to 11:00 am – I add four more bass including two over 12”, all on my Mann’s 4- crankbait. Two of the fish during this hour come on a return trip to The Dam. I figured it was worth a second pass after leaving the fish alone for an hour.

11:00 am to 12:25 pm – Things slow down considerably during my last hour and a half on the water as I only catch two more bass. My final bite comes at 12:12 pm and while the bass is 12” long, it falls just a bit short of 12 ounces. As I reel the bass in I can see the first few sprinkles of rain making their way across the lake towards me. Wanting one more shot at The Beaver Lodge in West Bay, I hope the heavy stuff can wait just a little longer. It turns out I was being a bit greedy and should have been happy with twenty bass instead of going for twenty-one. The skies open up, barely allowing time for me to don my rain gear. I head for the ramp at 12:22 pm satisfied that Mother Nature cooperated as long as she did as the sky looked rather ominous most of the morning.

I sure miss the TracPhone days when my livelihood wasn’t tethered to a device

Always fun for me to look back on this stuff that I documented and hopefully it provides a little escape and perhaps some fishing insight for those who invest a few minutes to read. It is also fun to ponder the peripherals of a camera versus today’s smartphone along with the reference to getting pictures developed at the photo lab. Much has changed for me in the last fifteen years but many things also remain the same. This flashback featured Dad’s old Bass Tracker which will be put to use again this weekend as me and Brent have a trip in the works to a lake I last fished in 2013.

But that’s another story. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – September 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Well, I’ve been writing a great deal about Snakeden Hollow in celebration of 30 years of public access. So, how about a look back ten years ago at some results from three trips within a week to Snakeden’s Lake McMaster. Welcome to another Friday Flashback courtesy of some notes, numbers and pics from September 2010.

Slideshow below of some highlights along with plenty more from late September back in 2010, as I remember, what a week.

 

Originally posted 9-23-10

Having a full day to fish, Dad and I decided on an early start and chose Snakeden Hollow’s Lake McMaster for our destination. We’d fished it back on May 20 with fair results and figured we’d give it another try before the area shuts down to anglers on October 1. We had to work for our fish but had a successful day once we pinned down some cooperative bass.

Original log entry from September 22, 2010

Date: September 22, 2010
Time: 7:20am-2:20pm
Results: 19 bass, 1 green sunfish (Dad – 10 bass, Troy – 9 bass, 1 green sunfish)
Lures: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (natural shad) – 13 bass & 1 green sunfish, Zara Spook (black shore minnow) – 3 bass, Lizard – 2 bass, Zoom Baby Brush Hog – 1 bass
Top Bass: 3-6 (Troy – Senko)
Top Five Weight: 11-4 (3-6,2-1,2-0,2-0,1-13)

September 22, 2010 – First bass at 7:31am on a lizard, weight 2-1

Notes – September 22

Toothy Encounters – We each had an opportunity to add another more impressive species than my lone green sunfish. About thirty minutes into our trip I had a muskie (upper 30 inch range) blow up on my Zara Spook. I’d seen the fish in pursuit and committed the cardinal sin of Spook fishing as the water exploded. I set the hook before I felt the fish and came up empty. I know better but if you’ve been in my shoes I hope you can relate. Dad also had a similar size fish follow a hooked bass to the boat but it wouldn’t commit to the easy meal.

Beaver Lodges – If I had to pick my favorite piece of structure it would likely be a beaver lodge and we picked three bass off of the two spots we fished today. Our first fish of the day was Dad’s 2-1 on a lizard and I quickly followed his fish with a 0-15 on a Baby Brush Hog. Fifteen minutes in we had three pounds on the board and high hopes.

Top Bass – My 3-6 came from a series of laydowns crossing a small, fairly deep shoreline pocket. It hit shortly after my Senko landed near one of the laydowns and the bass dove between a pair of the tress scraping my eight pound test along the wood. I could see it was a decent fish but had little choice other than horsing it to the surface in hopes it would clear the trees into some open water. In the end, I got lucky and have a new personal best for 2010 (for the time being).

Originally posted 9-24-10

Wednesday’s success on Lake McMaster brought us back for Round 2 on Thursday. Once again, we had to work for our fish but presentation was more of a chore than location as the weather forecast was right on with high winds.

Original log entry from September 23, 2010

Date: September 23, 2010
Time: 8:40am-1:25pm
Results: 17 bass, 1 bluegill (Troy – 13 bass, 1 bluegill, Dad – 4 bass)
Lures: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (natural shad) – 16 bass & 1 bluegill, Zoom Baby Brush Hog (watermelon seed) – 1 bass
Top Bass: 1-9 (Troy – Senko)
Top Five Weight: 4-9 (1-9,1-1,1-0,0-15)

September 23, 2010 – Top Bass 1-9 at 10:47am on a Senko

Notes – September 23

Some Words on the Wind – The reports indicated gusts of up to 33 miles per hour but I think there was a fair amount that exceeded even those predictions. A couple nearly knocked me off balance and more than once I found myself having to lean into the wind as I fished. On the upside, the wind helped to position a few bass but it never fails that the wind is working against us when trolling back to the ramp.

Back of the Boat Blues – Such was Dad’s assessment as he joked about having a tough day on the water. Typically I’m up front on the trolling motor while Dad is in the back sometimes getting “used” water despite my best efforts. But all he had to do was ask and on this rare occasion I would likely have traded places and let him fight the wind.

Solitude – As I wrote about last week, fall is a good time to have the lake to yourself. Today was a prime example as we showed up to an empty lot, never saw another angler the whole day and returned to find the lot just as we’d left it. It could be argued that the absent anglers simply had enough sense to stay out of the wind. But, you know, we got seventeen more bass than we would have hooked in the living room and it sure beats mowing the yard or doing the dishes.

Originally posted 9-29-10

Our pursuit of a strong fall finish continued Tuesday after a weekend at work and a Monday of grown up responsibilities. Dad and I selected Snakeden’s Lake McMaster once again in light of our recent success while hoping that the days off had given the bass in our hotspot time to recharge. We weren’t disappointed.

Original log entry from September 28, 2010

Date: September 28, 2010
Time: 9:10am-2:10pm
Results: 16 bass, 2 green sunfish (Dad – 9 bass, 2 green sunfish, Troy – 7 bass)
Lures: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (natural shad) – 13 bass, Zara Spook (black shore minnow) – 2 bass, Mann’s Baby 1- 1 bass, 2 green sunfish
Top Bass: 3-9 (Troy – Senko)
Top Five Weight: 12-10 (3-9,2-13,2-11,1-14,1-11)

September 28, 2010 – Top Bass 3-9 at 11:01am on a Senko

Notes and Nonsense
81% – Of our 16 bass, 13 came from one general area in the span of just over an hour and a half. All but one came on a Senko with the lone exception hitting the Zara Spook. This was quite similar to our trip on 9/22 where the spot produced 13 of 19 with 10 on the Senko and 3 on the Spook. We had the area to ourselves despite half a dozen other boats on our latest outing so apparently nobody has caught us catching bass.

Misses – While we weighed a decent stringer (all released of course), there were a couple others that got away. Dad lost a two plus pounder when it dove into some heavy weeds and I had a big blowup on the Spook that unfortunately had bad aim. Near the end of our day I also had a small muskie nose my Senko part way back to the boat before slowly turning away.

Top Bass – At 9:53am I landed a 2-11 on my Spook to set the bar for the day’s big fish. It stood until Dad reeled in a 2-13 at 10:20am on his Senko. As soon as I set the hook on my bass at 11:01am I told Dad that I was going to need a net man. Upon seeing the fish in the clear water I further told Dad, “I think I’ve got you if I get this one in.” My eyes did not deceive as the 3-9 on my Senko would not only claim the title but eclipse our lake record of 3-6 from 9/22.

Final Stats
16.75 hours produced 52 bass (Troy – 29 bass, Dad – 23 bass)
3.1 bass/hour average (solid anywhere but very good for Lake McMaster)
Lures: Senko – 42 bass, Zara Spook – 5 bass, Lizard – 2 bass, Zoom Baby Brush Hog – 1 bass, Mann’s Baby 1- crankbait – 1 bass
Top Bass: 3-9
Top 5 Weight: 14-8

September 28, 2010 – Dad Top Bass at 10:20am on a Senko, weight 2-13 

All in all, a darn good “week” on the water and fun to take a walk down Memory Lane. Hope someone else got some insight along the way as well. Got at least a couple more Snakeden pieces to post before I wrap up the 30 year Snakeden celebration. Stay tuned and talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – September 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

A couple late summer fishing trips to an area farm pond with Dad were custom made for a pair of days when I had a few hours to get away. Not only was it several enjoyable and successful hours with Dad but it also answered the often asked question:

“Who is the U.L. Washington of fishing?”

Is Terry Jackson the U.L. Washington of fishing? Or, is U.L. the T.J. of baseball? Take your pick from these masters of the toothpick.

Originally Posted 9-12-10
On Friday I had a few hours to get away after dropping off the girls at school and was torn between Little John Conservation Club and Snakeden Hollow. Instead, Dad invited me along to a farm pond on some land that he traps. He’d caught over a hundred bluegill during a pair of recent solo trips while fishing from the bank but with less than a quarter of the shoreline fishable on foot he figured that we’d take the little johnboat and explore the rest while taking a shot at the bass population. Here’s how it went.

Date: September 10, 2010
Location: Warren County farm pond
Time: 9:00am-12:30pm
Air Temp: 65F
Totals: 17 bluegill (Dad 17, Troy 0), 16 bass (Troy 14, Dad 2)
Lures: 5” Yammasenko wacky rig (natural shad or bubblegum) – 14 bass, Zoom Baby Brush Hog – 2 bass, waxworms on jighead hung from bobber – 17 bluegill
Top Bass: 2-3 (Troy – Senko)
Top 5 Weight: 7-10

September 10, 2010 – Top Bass at 2-3 on a Senko

Notes & Nonsense

Different Targets – In all fairness to Dad, he stopped fishing for bass after our first lap which only produced five fish so the final totals are skewed in my favor. On the other hand, the bass kept me interested enough that I never picked up the ultralight rig I’d packed along just in case.

One That Got Away – On an earlier trip, Dad lost a roughly five pound catfish at the bank while panfishing with waxworms. This time around, an even larger whiskered fish took a shot at the bait but spit the jighead following a wild explosion at the surface. It seems like it might be worth targeting another species at some point in the future.

New Terminology – For years we referred to short bass (9-10”) we caught anywhere as “Bracken Bass” due to the multitude of these fish that called Lake Bracken home back in the 1980’s. In a similar development, Dad called the fish pictured below an “Emiquon Bass” as I lipped it at boatside. Sure enough, the healthy looking bass measured 14” and tipped the scales at 1-9, quite like its thousands of relatives to the south.

September 10, 2010 – A solid bodied “Emiquon Bass” from Lucas’ Pond

Originally posted 9-22-10

Date: September 21, 2010
Location: Warren County farm pond
Time: 8:45am-11:45am
Air Temp: 75-85F
Totals: 11 bass (Dad 6, Troy 5), 1 redear (Dad)
Lures: 5” Yammasenko wacky rig (natural shad or clear with large black flake) – all fish
Top Bass: 1-5 (Dad)
Top 5 Weight: 3-8 (only three bass 12” or better)

Notes & Nonsense

Surprise – Well, we were certainly aware of the pond population containing bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. But a slight flash of red below the surface as Dad reeled in a hookup prompted me to say, “That looks like a redear.” Sure enough, my assessment was correct as evidenced by the photo below.

September 21, 2010 – Dad with a redear to claim the species title

Luck – Dad offered me a good luck charm off of the patio table before we left but I declined. So I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised that he wound up with Top Bass, most fish and claimed the species title as well. He reminded me of my decision as we got back in the truck to leave, producing a lucky buckeye from his pocket. He and my brother, Brent, have employed the lucky buckeye tradition for many years particularly when squirrel hunting. Maybe next time I’ll give it a go instead of relying solely on my floppy hat and shirts that should have bit the dust long ago.

September 21, 2010 – Dad with Top Bass at 1-5 on a Senko

I only work two days for the rest of the month and have plans to get on the water as much as the daily routine allows. I’m sure Mother Nature will have her say as usual during my vacation but I’ve got my fingers crossed. Hopefully we can also turn up some better fish as 2010 has left much to be desired in terms of quality. But such is one of the perils I foresaw when deciding to do the blog thing. I’ve got to tell it like it is, whether it’s flattering or not.

Sure wish I only had to work for two more days the rest of the month in 2020, but no such luck. However, another aspect of that original concluding paragraph turned out to be right on the money as we were able to “turn up some better fish” as 2010 wound down. Those fish are the subjects of several Friday Flashbacks over the next month or so. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – September 1, 2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

A pair of recent Friday Flashbacks hearkened back to 1985 and included mention of a few high school friends and fishing partners. One of those co-anglers is featured again today as we were fortunate to be casting together again 25 years after those days back in the summer of ’85.

Originally Posted on 9-3-10

Forty two days between bass during the summer is not really a good thing if you cite bass fishing as a hobby. But such was my plight, fortunately due to not fishing as opposed to being completely inept. On Wednesday evening I got a chance to hit a subdivision pond with John and Brady Junk to see if we could fool some bass before dark. Here are the stats followed by a few highlights.

Date: September 1, 2010
Time: 7:10pm-8:25pm
Air Temp: 75F
Water Temp: Not available
Location: Still working on a name
Totals: 4 bass
Top Bass: Troy 2-2
Lures: 5” Yamasenko wacky rig (bubblegum), Stanley Ribbit Frog – 2 bass each

Notes and Nonsense

Respecting Your Elders – On this particular trip, Brady, the lake record holder (6-8 bass), deferred to the old guys. John and I each landed a pair of bass as Brady chose not to embarrass us. John did offer a bit of a taunt in claiming that he’d actually caught the lake record and simply allowed Brady to hold it for the picture. Brady argued otherwise and I was left believing the original report. After all, I’ve known John for many years and have learned be on the alert for a fish story whether or not we’re talking fishing.

Wearing Out My Welcome – John also commented to Brady that I wouldn’t be allowed to come back due to outweighing his catch by a mere three ounces. I posted a 2-2 and a 1-14 while John’s bass tipped the scales at 1-15 and 1-14. I think he was joking.

Other Bites – I did have a couple halfhearted hits on the Zara Spook and one that blew the lure clear out of the water. Following the latter strike I tossed in my Senko and the 2-2 bass came through just like he’d been schooled in Bass Fishing 101. I love it when they make you feel smart. While the bass bite never really materialized, the mosquito bite certainly did leading to a sort of “swat, twitch, swat” Senko retrieve.

A Potential First – At one point, John commented that it was likely the first time that he’d provided me with access to a fishing hole. In the past we’d either both had memberships/permission, gained access through friends or I’d brought him along. Whatever the case, I’m always up for a new spot and definitely enjoyed the brief visit. Too bad he’s threatened to not let me come back; did I mention that I hoped he was joking?

It’s funny though, as ten years later I haven’t been back on the lake.

Of course, a lot has happened in those ten years. As co-pilots to our wives, we’ve guided a batch of kids through the multitude of activities and events associated with their various stages of growing up. Here in 2020, those commitments remain top priority for these two old fishing partners with my bunch still requiring a bit more attention as they work towards increasing independence. (Note: I even added one more kid since that fishing trip back in 2010.)

So, while a return trip hasn’t materialized, it’s clearly more about life than about barely outfishing the host. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – August 20-25, 1985

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Inside of an old green spiral notebook are a series of fish stories dating back 35 years. Those stories begin on January 19, 1985 and run through August 25, 1985 in a collection of 64 fishing log entries. The timeframe covers the latter half of my senior year in high school and the following summer.

Today’s flashback features the final three entries in the logbook and reinforces why I am glad that I took up the practice of documenting fishing. Things like the fishing partners, the fishing holes and the fishing habits are a treat to look back on and reminisce.

In terms of fishing partners in these last three log entries, the two fellow anglers were a couple of my best high school buddies. The August 20 entry notes John Junk, a friend since our sophomore year in high school and sports opponents going back several years prior. The fishing partner on August 21 was Jeff VonDrake, a friend going back to middle school. Many memorable fishing trips with those guys back in the day and just a few hijinks, on and off the water. Probably for the best that some of those were not documented for posterity, however.

Fishing holes in these entries consisted of the dynamic duo of Lake Bracken and its entertaining spillway. 35 years later I no longer have access to those spots but I do have plenty of memories to last a lifetime. It is also interesting to note the mention of “The Clubhouse” as the lakeside venue no longer exists having burnt down in January of 1987.

Fishing results were not stellar during that August week 35 years ago but no matter. It’s just fun to read of doughballs, chicken liver, poppers, Mann’s Jellyworms and Mister Twister jigs. A much simpler and less expensive time in bait and tackle.

What is also fun is reading the beginning of the summary for the August 25 entry, the final fishing trip documented for 1985.

It reads,

“I went out by myself for about 2.5 hours in a steady downpour…”

And thus, my fishing for 1985 likely ended. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to head for college shortly after that final trip. I suspect that new chapter in life put fishing (or at least logging any trips) on the back burner for the remainder of 1985.

Here in 2020, reading that last entry, I envision an eighteen year old kid rowing across Lake Bracken on that rainy summer day pondering a wide open future. High school behind, college, employment, adulthood and more ahead. A romantic vision, perhaps. More likely I was pondering whether I should throw a worm or a crankbait.

Makes for a good story, though. Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback – August 25, 2005

Posted on by Troy Jackson

It looks like 2005 was the “Summer of the Creek” as me and Dad made a trio of trips to what we called “Pat’s Creek” in July and August. Nothing like a wade on a warm summer day and in this case, rain or shine. No better place to fish in the rain either. If you are doing it right you are going to wind up soaked anyway, so what’s an added downpour.

Original log entry from the outing

Below is the brief, original entry from the trip posted back in September 2005.

August 25 – Dad and I hit Pat’s Creek and emerge soaked to the bone following a steady downpour and a walk through a saturated cornfield. However, the fish were cooperative, leaving our spirits much less dampened than our bodies. Final results were fifteen fish made up of six species and three new carp for the record book. Tops was my 7-3 which set a new record for Pat’s Creek by one ounce as it unseated Dad’s catch from May of this year. The fish also sits as Top Carp for 2005. I also managed a 5-9 while Dad landed a 4-5.

 

Not even bad weather can rain on a good time and some good fishing with a good fishing partner. Talk to you later. Troy