We wrapped another great year on the Old North CATT Trail! We will have the Old North Fall schedule out soon PLUS the 2025 Spring Old North schedule will follow!
Use PHANTOMCATT15 at check out and earn 15% off your next Phanton Outdoors Apparel order! Tap on the Phantom caps to start shopping!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The 2025 CATT Academy Championship will be May 17-18, 2025 at Kerr Lake, NC!
See you there!
Mark Herndon weighed in 5 bass at 28.63 lbs along with the BF at 7.81 lbs taking 1st Place worth $8,950.00! Great job Mark!
5 teams weighed in over 20 lbs!
Our 2024 Old North Spring Point Winners! Lucas Labough & Jeremy Moody!
Whitewater Fishing innovative new Merino Fishing Hoodie blends the natural qualities of premium Merino wool with added features and performance for fishing.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (June 20, 2024) – Yes, a wool sunshirt. Leave it to Whitewater Fishing with their combined 100-years of apparel design expertise to leverage the inherent comfort, moisture-wicking, and cooling properties of Merino wool and merge them with sunshirt features and technologies. And it’s called the Merino Fishing Hoodie…What is Merino wool?For starters, it’s not that itchy, scratchy fabric in your ugly Christmas sweater. Rather, it’s a superfine natural fiber that’s sheared from Merino sheep. Originally from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised in South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.Key to Merino wool of the highest quality is the diameter of its fibers, measured in microns (one millionth of a meter). For example, routine Merino wool measures in the low 20’s, whereas Whitewater’s new Merino Hoodie comes in at 18.5 microns. That means more of Merino wool’s beneficial properties per square inch of material. (To give you an idea of how fine that is, human hairs average between 50 and 100 microns.)
So, what are those beneficial properties?Temperature RegulationMerino wool adapts to your body’s needs. It provides a degree of warmth when it’s cold and offers breathability when it’s warmer. So, in the case of Whitewater’s Merino Fishing Hoodie, it can perform as a lone outer-layer if it’s warm – or – there’s a bit of a nip in the air. Additionally, the Merino Fishing Hoodie serves as the ultimate mid-layer under raingear, such as Whitewater’s Great Lakes Pro and Tamer jacket. Sun ProtectionPerhaps surprising to some, Merino fibers possess natural pigments that absorb UV light. This inherent UV resistance provides some level of sun protection, but not enough for Whitewater. They jacked up the sun protection on the Merino Fishing Hoodie to 50+ UPF.Odor ResistanceWhile Whitewater is famous for its antimicrobial treatments, in the case of the Merino Hoodie, the fabric alone offers native antimicrobial properties. This comes from a sheep’s ability to produce a natural wax (sheep grease) that repels water and prevents the accumulation of bacteria, mold, and fungus. Moisture WickingSpecialty fabrics and treatments, including some of those from Whitewater, are purposed for wicking moisture off your skin. Merino wool? It naturally lifts perspiration off and away as it does for sheep. Mother Nature is amazing…ElasticityUnlike conventional wool, Merino wool offers a degree of elasticity. Meaning, the fabric holds its shape. For the purposes of the Merino Fishing Hoodie, Whitewater blended in nylon and elastane to add the stretch and motion-promotion required for fishing. Comfort and SoftnessThis is the no-brainer. Instantly feel the softness with one touch of the fabric. This softness translates into unrivaled comfort against your skin. HypoallergenicMaybe not a requirement for fishing, but it’s factual, nonetheless. Merino wool is officially recognized as asthma and allergy friendly by the international certification body Allergy Standards Limited (ASL).Fire-ResistantYes, it’s true. Merino wool fibers are difficult to ignite, have limited ability to sustain a flame, and can self-extinguish. Merino wool clothing is worn by firemen, police, soldiers, and rescue teams because of its natural fire protection.
Construction-wise, the Merino Fishing Hoodie features flatlock seams for maximum durability and comfort. The exceptional flatlock seams are visible on the outside and designed to keep the smooth Merino feel on the inside.The Merino Fishing Hoodie’s premium 3-piece hood is designed for fit and comfort, as well as sun protection. And, in cooler conditions, it yields a level warmth. You might pay a little more for the Merino Fishing Hoodie, but when you consider all the benefits of Merino wool, it’s really more of an investment.Merino Fishing Hoodie FEATURES: Featuring 83% 18.5-micron Merino wool, 12% nylon, and 5% elastane for the perfect blend of stretch with all the benefits of Merino wool Lightweight 120g fabric Natural thermal regulation Natural moisture-wicking Natural antimicrobial Natural sun protection increased to 50+ UPF 3-piece hood offers sun protection and warmth if temps drop Flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort and overall durability $129.99
The 50-year-old Jasper, Ala., resident is known as something of a wizard on the lake, having won a Bassmaster Southern Open tournament here a decade ago — one of four B.A.S.S. victories in his lengthy career, and all coming in his home state. Kilgore is a fierce stick on Smith, and he proved it by winning consecutive one-day derbies on the 21,000-acre fishery last month.
So how does the hometown ace, who’s currently fishing the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, think his favorite fishery will perform when 99 Elite anglers compete here June 27-30?
“No one knows really,” he said. “It’s a mystery.”
Kilgore’s not being coy or trying to keep the world’s best bass anglers from hitting his Smith Lake honey holes. Not at all. He said he really isn’t sure what the Elite Series crew should expect later this month.
And why?
“This tournament is pretty late in the season and there have already been a lot of tournaments in there this year,” he said. “I won two up there with 15.8 and 17 pounds a month ago. But the 15- and 16-inch spotted bass the place was filled with three or four years ago, those 3 1/2- and 4-pounders, they’ve been much harder to find.
“So, I think you’re gonna see a lot of 9-, 10- (and) 11-pound bags coming in. The bass have been a bit smaller, and while that may be promising for the future, it’s not especially great for right now.”
Kilgore suspects the best bags will come from anglers who locate pockets of herring off points in the lake. He assumes most anglers will be using forward-facing sonar and thinks key offshore bites could play a role, too.
The scalding Alabama heat should also play a role, and likely in more ways than one.
“Thursday and Friday fishing should be OK, but by Saturday, boats are going to be everywhere on the water,” he said. “I took off recently from Cullman about 5 a.m. with no problem, but when I got back at noon, it was absolute chaos over there. The recreational boat traffic on the weekend — the ski boats, the Jet Skis — those boats are throwing big wakes.
“They’re not doing it because they’re mad at us or anything. They just don’t realize how a 4-foot wave can knock you around in a bass boat. They’ll smile and wave as they zip by. It’ll be interesting to see how the LiveScopers handle that, trying to hold a spot on a fish when they’re bouncing around out there.”
Kilgore thinks anglers with early bites will have the best chance. When the summer sun gets overhead, though, he thinks action could slow to a crawl.
“If there’s some chop out there, they could be OK,” he said. “But if it’s slick, it could be a long day for a lot of guys. I’d fish super-shallow early, looking for a largemouth bite on a bluff. You might get a couple hours out of that. Then I’d fish every point I know, LiveScoping with a topwater bait like a Strike King Sexy Dawg. I might try a Fluke-style bait if I need to be under the water a little bit.”
As for a winning weight, Kilgore made a conservative estimate.
“I think 15 pounds a day wins it, unless someone finds the mother lode of big spots out there,” he said. “But if I had 15 pounds a day, I’d be thrilled.”
Only time will tell if competitors will feel the same come tournament time.
The TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Elite at Smith Lake will begin at 6 a.m. CT each day from Smith Lake Park in Cullman. Weigh-ins are scheduled for 2 p.m. The full field will fish for the first two days of the derby with a cut to the Top 50 on Day 3 and to the Top 10 on the final day. Fans can follow the action live on Bassmaster.com.
Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days, and coverage will also be available on FS1 on Saturday at 7:00-10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 7:00-a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Unified Pros Announces the Ultimate Angler World Championship Unified Pros and the State of Alabama Join Forces to Offer the Largest Pro & Amateur Bass Fishing Tournament and Payout Ever on Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, AL, October 5th-11th, 2025. Scottsboro, AL (June 19, 2024) – Dig into tournament bass fishing and history reveals the blood, sweat, and tears of a dedicated group of bass anglers and hard-working folks in Alabama. Front and center, we are talking about the late Ray Scott, the genius behind the first pro bass fishing tournaments going back to the 1960s.
Years after the launch of the Bassmaster Series and the Bassmaster Classic (aka “The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”), numerous other national pro bass fishing circuits popped up, many of which still exist today, like Bassmaster itself, MLF, NPFL, and many others.
Well, meet a new organization similarly founded in Scott’s home state of Alabama, a group that refers to itself as Unified Pros, a nonprofit with no ownership, promising to be the biggest news in tournament bass fishing since those early days of Ray Scott, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, and other passionate anglers who got the whole ball of wax started, thus creating a billion-dollar-plus industry across the world. Working hand-in-hand, the new organization Unified Pros and the state of Alabama will launch its first tournament, the Ultimate Angler Championship—October 5th- 11th on Lake Guntersville, near Scottsboro, AL. with a guaranteed 1st Place payout of $500,000—the largest pot in bass fishing’s history—the tournament will offer a total of over 1 million in cash payouts.
The vision is to inspire and unify a global community of professional athletes from all leagues to champion the power of the outdoors, fostering unity, excellence, competition, and philanthropy—and elevate the sportfishing, the outdoors, and conservation.
Alabama State Senator Majority Leader, Steve Livingston, comments: “Alabama offers outdoor recreational activities unlike any other place in the world, and we are committed to conserving our abundant, God-given natural resources. We are absolutely thrilled to host The Ultimate Angler World Championship in Scottsboro, as we put Alabama on the map for competitive fishing and will continue to raise funds for further conservation initiatives.”
How did the group conceive and underwrite such an amazing tournament? The team’s concept was driven by passionate pro anglers and other industry folks looking for a way to unite and raise bass fishing to an entirely new level for “the love of the game.” In combination with the state of Alabama, as well as local partners, City of Scottsboro, Jackson County and state leadership, the group also wanted to raise awareness of the state’s healthy bass fisheries and help raise funds for conservation—ultimately, to fund grants for federal-matched dollars for conservation grants. The unprecedented payout is secured and over $1 million will go to a guaranteed, top 10 finish payout to kickstart United Pros’ and greater Alabama’s first event, which is slaterd to every year in Alabama.
The team modeled the Ultimate Angler Tournament after the Masters US Open, and like the Masters US Open, Ultimate Angler will be open to qualifying college anglers, amateurs, and pros. United Pros also modeled the tournament after AP college football, essentially creating a bass fishing version of an FCS game, the first and only champion crowned across multiple leagues and tournament trails. The other thing that separates United Pros inauguaral event from other tournaments is that it will not be sponsor-driven. All of the money is being underwritten by the state of Alabama, Jackson County, and the City of Scottsboro.
Also note: This tournament will have a five fish limit and prohibit use of forward-facing sonar. Nothing against today’s fishing technology, but United Pros really wanted to bring the sport back to what it used to be before forward-facing sonar. This event will showcase all the lures and techniques that make up professional bass fishing. It may just bring more intuition, hard work, and even luck back into the game; After all, that’s how bass fishing started with conservation and love for the outdoors.
Event Formats: Unified Pros’ “Ultimate Angler” Intro—World Championship Get ready for the most exhilarating showdown in the world of bass fishing—the Ultimate Angler Championship! The largest payout ever to declare a champion across all professional fishing leagues, and with one of the largest cash payouts in bass fishing history.
Brace yourself as fearless anglers paint a breathtaking backdrop; this championship promises heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping catches that will leave you in awe. The anticipation is palpable as top-notch fishermen armed with their skillful techniques, cutting-edge gear, and unwavering determination prepare to battle it out for the coveted title of “Ultimate Angler.”
Goose Pond on Lake Guntersville sets the stage like no other venue can. With its pristine waters shimmering under the golden sun and surrounded by lush greenery, it is a true angler’s paradise. The legendary body of water boasts some of the biggest and most elusive bass known to mankind. Only those who can decipher their secretive behavior and masterfully lure them into biting will triumph over these formidable opponents. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as spectators line the shores, eagerly awaiting each cast and electrifying hookset. As boats race across the crystal-clear lake surface, adrenaline courses through every angler’s veins while they navigate through hidden cover and strategic hotspots in pursuit of that mythical catch.
The Ultimate Angler Championship is not just a fishing tournament; it is a celebration of the enduring spirit of those who dare to chase their dreams. It unites anglers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting their talents while fostering camaraderie and mutual respect for the sport we all love at a place “Where tournament bass fishing all began… Alabama.”
So, mark your calendars for October 5-11, 2025, and make your way to Jackson County, in Scottsboro, Alabama. Witness history unfold as the finest qualified bass anglers in the world battle against nature in an epic quest to become the Ultimate Angler World Champion. Prepare for non-stop thrills, heart-stopping moments, and an experience that will forever be etched in your memory—and bass fishing history. About Unified Pros
Unified Pros, a nonprofit alliance of professional athletes, through our sanctioned competitions, charity events, and membership, aim to elevate the love for outdoor competition while raising awareness for our fisheries, habitat, and their continued conservation. We envision an inclusive world where athletes collaborate and compete in the outdoor arena to create transformative experiences that make a lasting impact on individuals, communities, professional athletes, and the Sport of Bass Fishing.
Through collaborative partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Major League Fishing Anglers Association (MLFAA), Bassmaster Professional Anglers, National Professional Fishing league (NPFL), NFL Professional Players Association (NFLPA), MLB Players Association (MLBPA), NBA Players Association (NBAPA), and Professional Golfers Association (PGA), we aim to create Pro-Pro events that bring together professionals from various sports disciplines in unique competitive formats. These events will not only offer major payments to winners but also serve as platforms to raise awareness for outdoor activities and conservation efforts. By harnessing the collective influence of these associations, we envision creating extraordinary experiences that unite athletes, build camaraderie, and promote the importance of preserving our outdoors and fisheries.
Summer means peak fishing season, but it also brings intense heat that can test an angler’s mental and physical limits. Staying mentally tough is crucial for making smart decisions, maintaining focus, and enjoying your time on the water. Here’s why mental toughness matters and how to cultivate it when the temperatures soar.
The Importance of Mental Toughness
Laser-sharp Focus: Heat and discomfort can drain your concentration, leading to poor choices about fishing spots, lure selection, and fish-fighting techniques. Mental toughness helps you stay locked in on your goal.
Resilience Against Frustration: Fishing can be unpredictable, and slow periods can foster irritability—made worse by sweltering conditions. A tough mindset allows you to stay positive and persistent instead of getting demoralized.
Adapting to Changing Variables: Summer’s heat impacts both you and the bass. Mental fortitude enables you to quickly adjust strategies based on the fish’s behavior and environmental factors.
Sustaining Physical Stamina: Mental exhaustion compounds physical fatigue. Staying mentally engaged prevents premature burnout, allowing you to power through long days.
Beating the Heat Mentally
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is key for mental clarity. Sip water or sports drinks regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration causes headaches, mental fog, and irritability.
Dress for the Weather: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics help keep you cool. Wear sun protection like a vented fishing shirt, buff, and polarized sunglasses.
Use Cooling Gear: Pack a cooling towel or vest to help regulate your body temperature during breaks. Getting a quick chill can revitalize your energy and focus.
Practice Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with empowering affirmations about your skills and past successes. Believing in yourself boosts motivation.
Take Strategic Breaks: Don’t hesitate to take short rests in the shade to rehydrate and reset your mind. Even brief mental breaks can sharpen your clarity.
Have a Flexible Plan: Structuring your day with backup fishing locations and techniques prevents feeling overwhelmed if Plan A isn’t working.
Fuel Your Body: Stabilize your energy levels by snacking on nutrient-dense foods like trail mix, fresh fruit, or protein bars. Consistent fuel prevents mental fatigue.
Visualize Success: Imagine making the perfect cast, hooking into a trophy bass, or winning a tournament. Positive visualization can increase confidence and concentration.
Training Your Mental Muscle
Just like physical training, developing mental toughness requires consistent practice. Try incorporating mindfulness exercises, positive self-talk, or meditation into your routine to build your psychological stamina. Over time, you’ll cultivate the fortitude needed to thrive while fishing in the summer heat.
The scorching summer can make a day of fishing incredibly challenging—or incredibly rewarding if you have the proper mental game. Use these strategies to keep your mind sharp, your spirits high, and your personal bests within reach, no matter how brutal the temperatures. Stay cool, stay focused, and tightlines!
4th Annual Lloyd Kirby Father’s Day Tournament Mayo Lake – 6/15/2024
The 4th Annual Lloyd Kirby Father’s Tournament is in the books! We were Blessed with another awesome turnout. We had 52 teams show up consisting of Father’s and sons, Father’s and daughters, mothers and sons and Grandfather’s and Grandkids. Before we get started with the story of the day me and Jeff Brann want to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated money and prizes and everyone that showed up to be apart of this awesome event.
As I blasted off each individual team and called their boat # it made my day seeing all of the smiles and excitement on the faces of everyone. I can honestly say that I feel that this was not a tournament of competition but a tournament of seeing who could have the most fun. That is the reason that me and Jeff Love doing this tournament each and every year.
When the weigh in concluded it was the team of Austin Woody and Keith Woody that took home the WIN
They had a 3 fish limit weighing 13.26 pounds. That earned them $500.00, Stainless steel fish cooker valued at $500.00 and the Winners plaques. Awesome job to them on a great catch and Win. They were followed by last years winners of the Father’s day tournament. The team of Porterfield & Porterfield had a 3 fish limit weighing 12.45 pounds. That earned them $400.00 and two custom made glide baits valued at around $100.00. Great job guys! The Winners of the Earnst Dixon Big Bass Award was the team of Ashley & Ashley. They had a fish weighing 5.79 pounds. That earned them $520.00 and the Eanest Dixon Big Bass Award plaques. ( That being said if anyone knows how to get in touch with Mr. Ashley please tell him to contact me as I forgot to give them their plaques
We paid back 24 spots and gave out around $5000.00 worth of door prizes. After payout and door prizes close to $8500.00 was handed out. Everyone that participated walked away with something.
Please take a look at this list of people and businesses that donated to make this tournament happen. If you get a chance go check out these businesses and people and Thank them for making this happen!
List of Donators!
Pico Propane of Yanceyville (Ryan McPherson)
Chris Lappin with Farm Bureau
Marcus & Tracey Richmond with R&S Race Cars
David Trickey , Kayleigh Trickey , Taylor Puryear, Caroline Puryear & Jordan Puryear “In Honor of Kevin Puryear”
Ricky Davis In Loving Memory of Malinda “ Shorty “ Davis
Frank Dalton
Jeff & Sylvia Wagner “In Loving Memory of Lloyd Kirby”
Jeremy Clayton with Re/Max Premier Realty
Mike Riggs with Riggs Rods
Shane Brantley with Caswell Glass Company
Jason “Skeet” Wilborn with Skeet’s Concealed Carry
Jeff Gentry “In Loving Memory of Judy Gentry”
Tony McGhee with T.M. Custom Glide Baits
Jeff Brann & Robin Gentry “In Loving Memory of Percy Brann Jr , Charles Suitt , Dennis Brann, Herman Gentry Sr. & Dwight Williamson “
Kenneth & Mable Dixon “ In Loving Memory of Ernest Dixon “ added money to the Ernest Dixon Big Bass Award
WF Cox
Grissom & Holloman Attorneys at Law
County Line Automotive
Wild Blossom Boutique
Sherry Huff Clayton with Huffs Insurance and Realty Inc.
Revels Construction
Carolyn & Wendy Chambers “In Loving Memory of CW Chambers”
Buoys on Hyco
Toreros Mexican Restaurant of Roxboro
Tammy Cox Foster “In Loving Memory of Kelby Lane Oakley”
Old Country Club Steakhouse “In Loving Memory of Chris Long”
Shane Perkins
Jonathan Hubbard with Hubbard’s Roofing
Kristy Sheppard with Kristy’s Kleaning Service
5 Alive Team Trail
Kenyon’s Meat Market
Will Carver
Edward & Charlie Franklin
Pete & Susan Tuck “In Memory of JD Tuck and Honor of Richard Duncan.
What’s up fishing fans! So I’ve decided to do a write up, call it my editorial debut if you’d like. All in all I was thinking of ways to provide you, the fans, real live fishing experiences without it sounding like a never ending commercial. So I decided on a monthly recap with techniques and patterns that worked for me. My goal here is to help the blue collar guys who work crazy hours, raising a family, etc. make the most of the little time they do have on the water. Also so you as a dad can take your kids fishing with confidence so they’ll have memorable moments that will last their lifetime. Since these monthly recaps will be after the fact it may not apply to you now at this moment or to your area. Going forward though, this information will live forever on the web where you can access it for years to come. Let’s get this party started!
Throughout the month of May and into early June, I spent 21 days on tidal fisheries. This includes both practice and tournament days on the Connecticut River in CT and the Potomac River in MD/VA. Although the tidal swings between the 2 are vastly different the fishing is very similar.
Spawning season.
With timing of the spawning season in May, I was able to fish for both pre and post spawners. In both cases I found my most consistent bites for Largemouth to be in creeks closer to brackish segments of the main rivers. I’m going to put this bluntly, I’m not a finesse guy. I’m an old school power fisherman who will chuck and wind till my arms fall off. So as far as I’m concerned, leave the spinning rods at home, unless your kids are under 10.
First let’s talk areas.
Not everyone has access to a boat or the funds for a guide. Creek arms on rivers typically have either a ramp or marina near the mouth/entrance of the creek. As long as the areas are not private property it’s fair game as far as I’m concerned. Keep in mind Bass will spawn all through out creeks not just under docks of the river front properties, or all the way deep in the back. I’ve seen beds everywhere. In my opinion focusing on the Bass near the mouth gives you the most opportunity as these areas are typically deeper which will allow you more time to fish the tide in productive water. If there’s enough depth for large boats to moor or dock then there’s enough depth for big bass. These areas are highly productive since baitfish congregate through the weed beds near the mouths of the creeks. With an abundance of forage and deeper water close by, bass love to call these areas home. Since tidal water is fairly turbid seek out areas where vegetation is typically visible from the surface at low tide. Milfoil and Hydrilla are natures water filter so in these areas you’ll typically have better water clarity. This provides cover for baitfish which helps allow bass to use sight to hunt. Bass will also spawn heavily around these areas.
Your targeting approach is fairly simple.
While the weeds are low, cover the entire area with casts. As the weeds grow, focus on targeting the inner and outer edges of the weeds. There will be sparse grass towards the channel. These areas can also be productive especially while bass are schooling. Any wood you see including logs, lay downs, dock pilings, beaver dams, etc. will typically hold bass and create coverage areas for beds.
When to fish.
I would like to think if you’re going fishing it’s probably going to be for several hours. I suggest to start fishing 2-3 hours before high tide and throughout the outgoing tide.
Next let’s talk baits.
Lipless crankbait.
I typically start with a 1/2oz then move up or down depending on the situation. I have 2 schools of thought here, imitate bait or just loud color. When imitating bait fish use colors like chrome when you have bright sunny days and white on days that are overcast. But let’s say the weeds aren’t really showing yet so the water is stained and you want to see if the bass are around staging to spawn. Use loud bright colors like chartreuse or bright red. Retrieval you want this bait cooking. Personally I’ve never had luck slow rolling or yo-yoing from the bottom. Burning this bait fast and ripping it violently out of anything it catches on generates reactions strikes from bass. Be cautious ripping it from grass close to the boat or bank as it may come flying back at you with sticky trebles and could end your day on the water. When the weeds get too thick to effectively throw this bait is usually when I’ll put it away for the season. Recommended equipment: 7’3” Medium Heavy Mod-Fast rod, 7.1:1 speed reel, 15lb fluorocarbon.
Bladed Jig aka Chatterbait.
3/8oz with a swimbait style trailer is a fish catcher for sure. I keep this simple, 3 colors. Black and Blue, Green Pumpkin, and White. With this bait I believe your imitating crayfish more than your imitating bait fish. Feel free to mix and match trailers and experiment on your home waters. Vary your retrieve speed based on water temp. If the water is very cold you’re going to want to slow roll this bait. Creep it along the bottom or nick the tops of the grass. As the water warms up throughout the month feel free to speed things up. A good indication to move it faster would be if you’re seeing bait swimming quickly around weed beds and docks. If your local tackle shop doesn’t have bladed jigs in stock another good option will be a Spinner Bait with double willow leafs. White or white with chartreuse in 1/2oz is typically all you’d need. Blades I like to keep it gold and nickel, you don’t need to over think this. Recommended equipment: 7’3” Heavy fast action rod, 7.1:1 speed reel, 20lb fluorocarbon.
Walking Bait.
This is my gold standard search bait for river systems. I typically stick with white regardless of conditions and go with a larger size than most would use this time of year, 115-135mm length. There’s a lot of large bait fish left over from the prior year. So my school of thought is to imitate those as a sick or dying easy meal for bass. Using one with a louder than average knocker will also pull those deeper fish you wouldn’t normally be targeting with top water. As far as retrieve goes experiment with the cadence. Get creative and experiement on a 1-1-1 or 3-1-3 type pattern. Let the fish tell you what they like. Recommended equipment: 7’3” Medium Heavy Fast Action Rod, 8.1:1 speed reel, 50lb braid with a 20lb mono leader.
Well there ya have it guys. Now it’s time for you to get out on the water and start catching some big ones! Be sure to check out www.davemillerfishing.com to follow me on the tournament trails or to inquire for guide services. See you guys here again next month for the month of June recap. Lastly, shoutout to The Bass Cast for giving me the platform to give this blog a home.
