When Bubbette Says It’s Time for “Bubba Do’s”

Bubba Knows He’s Got to “Get ‘Er Done!”

  By: Don J. Hampton

  Bubba is the type of individual that doesn’t like anything rockin’ his boat, unless it is himself. A Lake Fork big bass on the end of his line, causing his boat to rock is what Bubba classifies as “really living!” But, Bubba hasn’t been able to rock his boat as much as he would like lately.

  It hasn’t been from lack of desire because Bubba will fish in any type of weather, at any given time. His love of the sport is that strong. This desire for fishing is nearly as strong as his love and desire for Bubbette.

  Why is Bubba so disheartened then? It all boils down to one reason: “Bubbette’s Summer Bubba To Do List”.

  Usually by this time of the year (in preparation of the upcoming spawn), Bubba has all of his “Bubba Do’s” done. This year because of all the rain Bubba has fallen behind. To keep Bubbette happy and stay on her good side, Bubba knows he better do his stuff first.

  Bubba does try to postpone the inevitable whenever possible. Like when it is raining he will say, “Sugardumplin, I can’t work in the yard with this rain coming down. So what do you say I just go fishin’?”

  Well, we all know Bubbette’s response. She simply replies, “If you have the time and can fish in the rain, you can find the time to do some things around the house out of the rain”!

  With Bubba, that is the final answer and the gospel according to Bubbette. To keep from having a bologna sandwich rather than chicken fried steak, mashed ‘taters and gravy, Bubba will do as suggested. (At least until Bubbette takes off for Wal-Mart).

  Bubba does have an excellent attitude for doing his do’s. He explained it to me and after hearing it, I do believe he has seen the “Karate Kid” too many times.

  When painting the house and sheds he uses the up and down strokes, smooth and easy. This is a work-out for his jigging technique.

  Raking leaves builds his casting muscles in his shoulders and arms. Bending over and picking up limbs: endurance for putting his trolling motor up and down. Pulling weeds: hook setting technique. When he is carrying out boxes, the distance between his two hands is the size of the fish he caught.

  Even when Bubba rinses the dishes for Bubbette, he practices his “Catch and Release” program.

  Some of the chores that Bubba has to do, he is just “Lost in Space!”

  Watching him on the riding lawnmower (which was actually his Christmas present to Bubbette); you can see he is lost in a daydream and you know there is water involved. You know in his imagination he is in his bass boat speeding down the lake to some secret spot he has. (Especially as fast as he can mow the lawn!)

  Other chores Bubba really enjoys because as he explains it, “They are productive for catching fish!” One of these choice “Bubba Do’s” is digging up the flower bed, or as Bubba thinks of it, “Pro-curing bait for the catfish and bream.” No red-wiggler or night-crawler is safe when he is out there with his shovel, hoe, and coffee can.

  His best learning exercise he explained to me is putting up with Bubbette when he wants to go fishing. This teaches him “Patience” for when the bite is slow. I believe Bubbette may be learning this last lesson, having to put up with Bubba always wanting to fish.

  Bubba and Bubbette have a good philosophy in life they live by. Quite simply: “Everything has a bright side if you look at it in the right light!” 

4^th Annual Legend of Lake Fork Tournament

  By Don Hampton

    The 4^th Annual Legend of Lake Fork Big Bass Tournament hosted by Lake Fork Marina can only be viewed as a growing success.

  Coming to Lake Fork to compete for a guaranteed pay-out of over $210,000 in cash and prizes were 953 anglers representing 20 states and one foreign country. The list of states included Louisiana , Arkansas , Oklahoma , Illinois , Missouri , Mississippi , Kansas , Colorado , Tennessee , New Mexico , South Carolina , Iowa , Georgia , Nebraska , Wisconsin , New York , Ohio , Indiana, Florida , Texas , and two welcomed anglers from Mexico .

  The anglers were competing for over $1600 in pay-outs per hour and a chance of winning one of the four grand prizes of a 2008 fully outfitted Legend Alpha Series bass boat. As in all of the Legend of Lake Fork tournaments four different anglers would be taking home a new boat. As is specified in the rules no angler could win two grand prizes. In each hour the four places paid $600, $400, $300, $200 and the first knocked out of fourth received a $100 gift certificate from one of the sponsoring businesses on Lake Fork that help me make this tournament the best it can possibly be for the anglers. The second to get knocked out of the hourly pay received a $20 Sebile lure furnished by our sponsor Sebile USA .

  If the great fishing on Lake Fork wasn’t enticement for anglers to come and try their luck, there was a bonus feature. Each angler that participated in the tournament could purchase an American Eagle rod valued at $179 for only $50. If any anglers had problems with their engines during the tournament Mercury Support trailer was there to get them back on the water at no cost. If they had a problem with their depth-finders, Lowrance helped them out and displayed their new lines of electronics. If an angler wished a better view of the waters he was fishing Art Wright with Navionics was there.

  As is in each of the Legend of Lake Fork Tournaments, the staff of Legend Boats from Midway, Arkansas did an excellent job helping any anglers that might have had problems with their boats. The type, make, or model of the boat did not matter. What did matter to them which speaks volumes for Legend is that they were helping the anglers.

  During the course of the tournament 253 bass were brought to the weigh-in for a total weight of 559.76-pounds. The lightest weight to earn an hourly check in the tournament was 2.08-pounds with an estimated 85% of the check winner’s weights ranging from 2.20-pounds to 2.77-pounds.

  Most of the anglers in the tournament were fishing for the heaviest bass under 16”. The Legend of Lake Fork Big Bass Tournament was the first ever to introduce a tournament format that gave a grand prize to the heaviest bass under the slot. Winning in the tournament this year with a bass weighing 2.77-pounds was Tommy Burson from Hughes Springs , Texas . Tommy weighed his bass in on Saturday during the 8 to 9 o’clock hour and had to sweat it out hoping it held for the two days of the tournament. For his anguish and good catch he took home with him a fully outfitted Legend 199-Alpha, powered by Mercury, with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.

  The heaviest bass over the slot was weighed in on Sunday during the 11 to 12 o’clock hour by Tanner Morgan from Stephenville , Texas . For his catch he took home a fully outfitted Legend 211-Alpha, powered by Mercury, with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.

  The second heaviest bass caught during the tournament was weighed in on Sunday during the 7 to 8 o’clock hour by Ron Peterson of Mt. Pleasant , Texas . Ron’s fish weighed 10.09-pounds and won him a fully outfitted Legend 199-Alpha, powered by Mercury, with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.

  Beginning with this year’s tournament only early entries qualify for the draw boat. This would lead a person to believe that all early entries would remain for the drawing but that wasn’t the case this year. Three names had to be drawn before the winner of the boat was proclaimed. Winning the draw boat, a fully outfitted Legend 199-Alpha, powered by Mercury, with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance electronics was David Fuller from Mesquite , Texas . I would have to say I had my doubts if he was going to survive after his name was called. As with all prizes given away in the tournament, anglers had to be present to win. By now I’m sure the two individuals whom I called out first have heard of their misfortune and will be sick until next year’s tournament when they will have another chance to win. I’d bet they will not leave early next year.

  Besides just being a great tournament for anglers to take a prize home, The Legend of Lake Fork Tournament benefits “The Wish to Fish Foundation”. This year the tournament raised $4,765 for the program. To every angler that participated and made this possible, thank you!

  Anglers mark your calendars now! The 5^th Annual Legend of Lake Fork Tournament will be held May 16^th and 17^th, 2009 hosted once again by Lake Fork Marina. Anyone who wishes to be placed on the mailing list for entry forms should contact me at fishnews@lakefork.net or call 903-383-7748.

  I would like to thank all of our great sponsors that make this tournament possible and especially to Legend Boats, Mercury, Lowrance, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Navionics, Sebile USA, Pflueger Reels, Wave Fishing, MegaStrike Composites One, AOC, Cul M Rite, EZ Loader Trailers, and Motorguide.

  A very special thanks goes to The Wood County Industrial Commission and to Rains County Tourism Board, without their support in our endeavor we would not draw the numbers we have accumulated.

  The Fisherman’s Guide News would like to personally thank the Lake Fork businesses that helped sponsor this year’s tournament which include: Lake Fork Marina, A.J.’s Fish House, Century 21 Lake Country, Oakridge Resort, Hideaway Harbor, Diamonds N Design, Gotcha Distributing, Wave Fishing Inc., Scenic 515 Cabins, Lake Fork RV, Carts To Go, Moser’s Restaurant, Quitman Ford, Fisherman’s One Stop, Service Marine, Custom Angle Rods, Lake Fork Lighthouse Resort, and Froggy D’s.    

“The Moon Report” NAVIONICS AND CRAPPIE

  By Terri Moon

    Well, I must admit, I haven’t been this excited for a long time! But when Navionics was here for the  “Legend of Lake Fork Tournament,” I could not believe their newest platinum map chip for your depth finder that was in 3-D! It’s truly amazing! Before you could only imagine how the bottom contour of the lake really looked, but now you can see the trees, stumps, creeks, humps, ridges and break lines in 3-D. What was truly amazing was that now you can be more precise when putting out brush piles or when casting you’ll know when you are actually in the creek or the edge of the creek. It’s truly just one of those things you have to see to believe! It also would make a great fathers day gift! So, my hat is off to Navionics for making such strides in the fishing industry!

  Also I want to send a big “thank you” to the Lowrance boys for helping me get my new LCX-28HD hooked up in my boat. It’s amazing! They will be here for the Skeeter Boat Owners Tournament in June for those of you who have any questions about your units. They have all the answers!

  Now as far as the crappie fishing we’ve had a pretty good month with some ‘BIG’ crappie. We’re fishing 16 to 18 ft. in 25 to 35 ft. of water. The color of jigs have been “fire and ice” (orange w/blue tail) and “Bad Shad” grey w/black).

  Remember a while back when I told you Wave Worm was coming out with a line of crappie baits? Well, it’s happening – it’s the Wave Worm “Paddletail Shad.” I’ve had the opportunity to test this bait recently and I’m having some GREAT results. I’m rigging them 2 ways – first is on a lead head jig that I’m using in the brush piles and second is a Carolina rig where I use a split shot about a foot and a half above the #5 crappie hook. I’m using this at the bridges. This bait has some unbelievable action and is catching some really nice crappie! I was told recently that the new colors are coming in so I will keep you posted on availability.

  I want to wish a “Happy Fathers Day” to all of you and especially my Dad. Hope you have a great day! All the Best!

"The Tiki-Man Report"

Hello Big Bass Pals!

June is everyone’s favorite month. By dan da fish are on da summer pattern. Dis means da shallow water fish are set up in da shallow grass beds and da deep water fish are set up on da deep water structure such as main lake humps, deep points, deep road beds, and deep creeks.   

  When talking shal-low water we are talking water dat is 15ft. and less. Deep water would be 15ft. to 30 ft. When fishing for shallow water fish, da weightless tech-nique will produce lots of bites. Rigging da 5in. Tiki Stick, and da Tiki Shadick are deadly. When fishing eder of dese baits weightless, cast out and wait at least 10 to 15 seconds. Dan give da bait a couple of jerks with da rod tip and stop. Let da bait fall on slack line. Dis is when you will get da bite. Watch your line for da slightest twitch indicating a bite. Remember dat da bite will occur when da bait is falling after you give a couple of jerks.

  Da great ting about dese two baits is dat you can also Texas rig dem. Texas rig is a favorite technique among a lot of bass fisherman. Rig da 5 in. Tiki Stick and Tiki Shadick with a 1/8 or 1/16 oz. bullet weight and fish around da grass beds. Dis is sure to get you bit.

  When fishing da deep water, use dese same two baits on Carolina rig and hang on. One of Tiki Man’s favorite baits is da 10in. Ribbon Tail Worm. A big worm for big bass. Texas rigging dis big worm while probing da deep water could get your arm broke. Use wit caution. GET BAIT* GET BIT!

Stay safe, see you on da water and remember --  GET BAIT*GET BIT!

Strollin’ With Stroman Report

  By Dean Stroman

  June is deep water month on Lake Fork.  With the spawn over, bass are hungry.  Once you start catching them you can set your watch and count on them feeding generally the same time everyday.  The hottest part of the day and late afternoon is normally when you will get the best consistent bite.

  Location is the key for really great deep water action.  Key in on the 20 to 25 foot humps, ridges, ledges, long points, and roadbeds.  Also key in on break lines from 20 to 25 feet that drop to 30 to 40 foot depths working your lure though the break lines.   Carolina-rigged and drop shot plastics, worms, ring fries, and French fries will catch Fork’s deep bass.  Soft jerk baits on weighted hooks and swim baits will be the lure to use when you find schools of bass suspending over deep water structure.  Deep diving crank baits in shad pattern will also catch their share of bass.

  A good locater is a must for deep water fishing. Once you master the locater, your deepwater bass fishing success will greatly increase.  If you do not mark bait fish and fish feeding on the bait, fish move to another area.

  The shallow bite can also be good on most days.  The early bird will get the worm.  Get an early start because top water bite will be the first 30 minutes of daylight, longer on overcast days.  Look for points and banks that have good hydrilla growth on them.  Find the grass and you will find the bass.

  When the top water bite slows switch to jig/craw and Texas and Carolina rigged worms.  Fished around grass edges they will catch their share of bass.  When the shallow bite slows down, the deep water bite will start usually around mid day thru late afternoon.

  During June both the shallow and deep bites are good, but the night bite will be at its best.  Black spinner baits with a big Colorado blade will catch bass all night long. Fish the same area you would during the day.  Most of Fork’s main lake points will have night time bass action.  Find points with the best grass patches; they will hold the best fish.  Find the hydrilla points and work the area thoroughly.  If big spinners don’t produce Texas rigged hog/craw or big worm in dark colors will get their share of action.

  If you are planning a trip to Fork, give me a call!  I’ll be more than happy to help make your Fork fishing experience a good one!

  Dean, a fulltime guide on Lake Fork specializing in big bass, has over thirty years experience pursuing trophy large mouths.  Dean is sponsored by Legend Boats, Mercury Marine, Mossy Oak, Motorguide, and Century 21 Lake Country.  To learn more and improve your big bass techniques to catch your trophy bass, give Dean a call at 903-383-7214 (home) or 903-850-5083 (cell).  Good Luck and good fishing.

“Pack of Knowledge” Boat Docks for Bass

  By Tom Redington

    Boat docks are one of the most obvious forms of cover on any lake and they almost always hold bass.  On lakes without much cover, they are often the #1 option for bass.  Or if you’re on a new lake trying to put together a pattern, boat docks are a great starting point in your search. 

  As you might guess, not all docks are created equal.  In general, the bigger the dock, the better it is.  Big docks provide a lot of cover for prey, in addition to abundant shade for bass to launch ambushes.  Docks with sunken brush piles around them are typically even better because they provide more cover for the smaller fish that bass eat.  In a category by them-selves are large marinas with dozens or even hundreds of boat slips.  These large floating sanctuaries attract large numbers of fish and can be very productive year-round.

  In addition to the type of dock, its location is important as well.  Just like grass, rock, or wood cover, productive docks are situated in appropriate areas for the given season.  For instance, docks on secondary points or in spawning flats are normally best in the spring, while docks on deeper main lake points or near channel swings are typically best in the summer and winter.  My favorite boat docks, though, are ones off by themselves in a large area without any other cover.  These isolated docks are the only cover option for the bass to use and will hold fish on a very regular basis. 

  The key to fishing docks is casting accuracy.  Essentially, the further under docks you can place a lure and the closer you can keep it to the edges, the more fish you’ll catch.  Squeeze a bait into an area where few other anglers can place it and you’ll likely be rewarded with a good bass.  Good dock fishermen can pitch, skip, or roll cast a variety of baits into precise locations and they are able to make these casts both forehanded and back-handed.  On lakes without much pres-sure, get your bait near a dock and you’ll catch some fish.  On weekends or during tournaments though, all the easy ones get picked off and you’ll need to work the tight spots to catch them, especially the bigger bass.  Finally, don’t forget the back or shore side of docks.  Most anglers only fish the lake side of docks.  It takes a little work to get behind the docks and fish under the catwalks and cables in the rear, but the extra effort is often rewarded with a big bass.

  Once your casting is perfected, most fish can be caught on a few basic lures.  When bass are feeding on shad around docks, spinner baits, chatter baits, and shallow running crank baits will catch them.  For floating docks, let your bait run just below the level of the Styrofoam and bring them parallel to the dock structures, as close as possible.  While hard baits catch fish around docks well, they are hard to skip into tight spaces or under low hanging structures.  Therefore, I like swim baits and swimming jigs around stationary docks because they skip well and still attract bass that are chasing shad.  A 3.5” or 4.5” Live Magic Shad rigged on a weighted Ultimate Swimbait Hook casts and skips well because of it’s flat side, while the swimming action gives dock fish a new look.  Or skip a 3/8 oz Mega Weight jig with a Fork Baby Creature trailer.  For more action, use the entire bait, or clip off the grub tail of the Baby Creature for a more subtle action. 

  Often, bass relate to posts and brush piles around docks, so pitching soft plastics and jigs work better in this case.  A Texas rigged Fork Flipper is hard to beat when I’m trying to get my bait to drop straight down around cover, especially when it is windy.  Plus, the Flipper is flat enough to skip very well.  If the bass are chasing bait and I’m trying to get a little more of a gliding and swimming retrieve from my Texas rig, I’ll put a Fork Baby Creature on my hook.  In contrast, if I need to aggressively skip my lure way back into docks, I switch to a 3/8 oz Mega Weight jig with a Pig Claw trailer.  The flat surface of the trailer and the weight of the jig allow me to skip it a mile.  Furthermore, the jig will stay intact after vigorous skip-ping, while the hook on a Texas rig can become exposed and lead to snags with a lot of skipping.  In those cases where more finesse is required, skipping tubes or Twitch Worms on 1/8 to 3/16 oz Screw-Ball jig heads work better.  Rig the jighead on a spinning reel with 10 to 20 lb Spectrex braid with a 6’ leader of 10 lb P-Line Fluorocarbon and you’ll have a perfect combination of finesse and power. 

  Give these dock fishing tips a try and you might just catch a few more bass on your next trip.   Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams.  If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through my website, www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com. 

  Tom Redington is a full time bass guide on Lake Fork and is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Diamond Sports Marine, Lake Fork Trophy Lures, Minn Kota, Humminbird, and P-Line Fishing Lines.

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This site last updated on Sunday, June 08, 2008 04:47:32 PM