In Pursuit Of Giant Bass ~ One Man's Journey

[A-Jay]

I have taken some photos.  The pics don't really match the thread's title.  So I've chosen not to post them just for the sake of showing what Manual would clearly call "Lunchies".  

Additionally, I did a "Stitching Demo" but I'm having some computer video card issues.  My in house tech support (aka Lynn) is working feverishly to rectify the problem.  Once we're up and running I'll post it.

 

Please know that the management certain appreciates your patience and again we do apologize for the delay . . . .

 

A-Jay

[00 mod]

Lunchies.......that is about all I have been catching lately. 

 

Jeff

[A-Jay]

I know you've heard of an "Impulse Purchase" - well how about an "Impulse Fishing trip" ?

 

I can't take it - I'm Out ~

 

A-Jay

[00 mod]

Yes sir!  Do it, and tell us how you ended up!  I am going tomorrow!

 

Jeff

[A-Jay]

**** Trip Log ****

 

Fished  2pm – 7pm - Air temp low 60’s – Water Temp 55 -  Over Cast - Winds SE 10 -  Water is very clear.

 

 I hadn’t planned on fishing today but the overcast sky was just too much to handle.  So off I went. 

Got to the ramp just after some people launched three jet ski’s – That’s a new one on this lake.  I kind of doubt it will improve the fishing.  Really a bummer – it’s always been a very quiet place where you can hear loons, elk, eagles and turkeys calling; Not any more .    I’ll simply not fish the weekends.

 

 To avoid the insanity, I head to the southernmost (third) lake.  Stitched a worm for the first half of the afternoon without as much as a bump.   Moved off that spot and tried hitting the deep side of a big beaver made brush pile in 25 ft of water.  This spot has produced some very respectable bass in the past.  After drowning a couple of different worms with no takers, I went to work with my favorite jig and craw. 

  I even tried probing right down in the middle of that big gaggle of branches; Nothing.  The saddest part was before leaving I drifted right over the top of it.  There were plenty of bass all over, inside and under that darn mess. Didn’t see any monsters but that didn’t make me feel any better.    

 

So I got skunked.  I dislike both getting skunked and the term itself.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this might be a semi-common occurrence during this quest.  I don’t want to keep making posts reporting no fish and using that term.  So I will be using the word Jambalaya to describe the trips where I effectively eliminated water.    It sounds so much better and it’s fun say.   

 

So today I had a full serving of Jambalaya. 

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

[CiMo]

First and foremost you sir have the utmost respect from me ( not that that may mean much ) what you are doing is awesome, entirely. Thank you for making this thread and going about it the way you are. I read the title and just sat here and read every post in this thread. Please continue with updates I enjoy this thread possibly more than I enjoy... okay I won't compare anything cause things might get weird then haha. Awesome A-Jay, is how I will refer to you, what you're doing takes skill, patience beyond beliefe and determination without a doubt, maybe it helps ya some knowing some of us love this thread and are right behind you every step you take, and I for one will be learning a lot from you. Thanks and keep it up Awesome A-Jay!

Edit for spelling... smartphone not so smart...

[CPBassFishing]

X2^

If it isn't raining today I'm gonna try stitching a worm.

[Dwight Hottle]

As long as you don't become the president of the "Jambalaya" club.

[A-Jay]

LOL ~ !

 

I do have some dreams and aspirations, and that's not one of them . . . .

 

A-Jay

[CPBassFishing]

A-Jay, what worm are you stitching and with what hook?

[A-Jay]

I am fishing a few different brands, models and sizes. 

I've chosen these particular worms because I caught decent bass on them in the past and I have confidence in them. I believe that if I get them near a fish that is willing to eat, I should get bit. So far the smaller fish like them OK.  I encourage you to select / use baits that you feel this way about.  The baits listed below work for me, you should use what works for you in / on your home waters.

 

Mann's Jelly worm 9 inch and after the spawn I'll use 12 inch also.

Zoom Magnum Trick worm  only come in 7 inch

Berkley Power worms 7 & 10 inch

Assorted stick baits 6 & 7 inch  mostly Senkos

 

Colors are few - Black, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Red Shad, And Black Grape.

 

As for hooks, Mr Murphy used a Gold Eagle Claw Bait holder hook #181 in smaller sizes to match / hide the hook.  He also "Skin Hooked" the baits.  I am not using that hook though it's still widely available. 

I am using smaller hooks than I used to, brands are all EWG Gamakatsu, Owner & Trokar.

Hook gage must be sufficient to hold the fish but not too much that it will hinder the hook set on the spinning gear.

Try to keep it simple.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[J Francho]

The Berkley 10" Powerworm, in black, is responsible for my personal best NY bass, 7-2.  I was tossing to a weed edge that tapered off and dropped from 17' to about 40'.  For some "stupid" reason, I decided to let that work fall to the depths.  Not sure how deep it went, but when I jiggled it after several minutes, there was something there - felt like a wet boot.  Turns out it was a monster.

 

Keep up the good work.

[A-Jay]

Thanks J -

 

The Berkley 10" Powerworm in black has probably accounted for many a PB all over the place.

 

A-Jay

[pbrussell]

I will never look at jambalaya the same way again.

[ClackerBuzz]

I'm not from the south but have had my share of all-you-can-eat Jambalaya buffets.

[A-Jay]

The past few days this area had some very unstable weather which spawned sporadic and powerful Thunderstorms. 

 

 After high gusty winds and golf ball sized hail abused the landscape, it looks like they have moved on and I'll be able to get back on the water in the morning.  (Without the crash helmet)

 

A-Jay

[pbrussell]

I quiver with anticipation for the next report.

[Brian6428]

I quiver with anticipation for the next report.

x2

[A-Jay]

 I'll be on the water in the morning.

 

It's being a down pour rain for several days and today the post frontal cold North wind is blowing 20 mph plus.

 

 Forecast is for it to settle down a bit over night.

 

 I'm chomping at the bit myself.  Saturday's full moon might stir things up a bit but with the barometer on the rise and cooler air temps - could be slow as well.  We'll see.  I'll let you know.

 

A-Jay

 

[senile1]

Nice stuff, A-Jay!  I haven't been on the boards much the last couple of weeks due to intense working hours but this is an awesome thread.  I'm looking forward to when you are rewarded for your patience and commitment. 

[A-Jay]

Thanks for checking in ~

 

btw - what is this "work" thing you speak of ? . . . . . .

 

 

A-Jay

[BridgerM]

Just found your thread. I'm definitely following this. I started reading Mr Murphy's book a few months back so I'm very interested to hear how apply his method works out for you. Being a beginning bass fisherman I'd be happy to consistently catch any size bass at this point. Best of luck to you AJay.

[A-Jay]

Conditions look good this morning - though it is a little on the nippy side with air temps in the low 30's.

 

Don't know if I'm willing to be on the water this holiday weekend with the crazies.

 

Might do the sunrise bite and then bail before they get on the water.

 

I'm heading out now and I'm hopeful.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

  **** Trip Log ****

 

Fished  5am – 5pm - Air temp low 30’s – Water Temp 54 -  Mixed Sun & Clouds – Winds calm early then  North 10-15  -  Water is very clear - Barometer 1025 and rising fast -  Moon 1 day from Full.

 

  Got on the water before sun rise; it was calm and cold.  Headed to a new spot this morning; a part of the second lake I’ve never fished.  I marked this drop last trip out.  Fish were active this morning and I was marking fish solid from 18 – 30 ft. (could have been anything not just bass).  Started stitching a 10” black power worm; it was tough sledding early.  Cold fingers are no help.  I am looking forward to warmer temps as the summer comes on.  Sat on the first spot until 9:30am without a bump, this spot might be good but just not today. 

  By now the wind had come on and though the sun was up and it had warmed into the 50's, it still felt a bit too cool for this kid.  Moved over to the other side of the same lake and set up off a large stretch of submerged logs.  The shallow side of this is almost always good for a few jig fish.  I’m betting that the deeper edge might be a holding spot for the Fatties to hang out.  I stitched the black worm and drown a jig/craw around the deep edge without any takers.  Around noon I had had all I could take and made a move.  Before leaving I motored over the area I was fishing and did mark some fish.  Must have been carp  :c)

 

    By now it was almost 1pm and I was stitched out.  I didn’t feel like munching on the Jambalaya and so I knew just the deal.  The Scrounger / Fluke combo came out to play.  I broke down and went shallow.  It wasn’t long before the scrounger was poking holes in dinks left and right.  It was fun and I needed it. 

 

 I will not be on the water again until after the Holiday weekend.  Stay safe everyone and watch out for the crazy people – and you know who you are.

 

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

Way to tough it out bud. Sounds cold. It is a learning process. Paying your dues will be rewarded.