In Pursuit Of Giant Bass ~ One Man's Journey

[A-Jay]

Observations and Conversations With Big O

 

Mr. Parks is the only "Monster Bass" fisherman I have personally met or fished with.

So, here are a few of things I think you all might find interesting:

 

1.  Goal: Catch the biggest fish on any body of water.

2.  Tackle: Multiple rods, but they are ALL the same!

3.  Keen sense of "where" the bass should be.

4.  No hard baits. As far as I can tell, Big O only fishes Rage Tail baits which he has designed

     for specific applications and depths. He does not make his own jigs, but currently fishes Mike's

     Seibert Outdoors. Hooks are from Moaner. Weights are both brass and tungsten.

5.  Technical presentation that is precise.

6.  Professional boat management which includes a COMPLETE understanding of electronics.

 

Thank Kent.

 

I certainly appreciate the input.

 

 Besides have something close to 1300 miles between our "home Lakes", 

Steve and I are approaching this pursuit in 2 different manners.  

Clearly he has honed his craft and I'm just getting started.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

The sky is overcast and air temps are cool

 Barometer is falling and the new moon is on Saturday.

I'm heading out - and I've got a plan.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

I'm out the door early this morning.

 

I'll post up the report from yesterday as well as one for this morning when I get home later today.

 

There is always something magical about a foggy morning.

 

It brings the expectations up just a little higher.

 

A-Jay

[PABASS]

Here is something interesting one of my club member's told me a story of the local game commission netting 3 10# bass in a small 100 acre lake in a single night, it makes you think how many are in this lake and how the heck do I find them?  When it comes to this fishing I wouldn't even know where to start??  As others have said location, location, location, I wonder if each 10# has a certain area all to them selves or do they stack up in a certain location?  Big fish don't school like smaller bass do, right?

[RoachDad]

My personal opinion is that the really big fish are weird.  They have strange patterns and that is why they make it so long without getting caught. 

 

They are probably skittish.  However, they have to eat every day to get that big so they are not too shy. 

 If you know where big fish are, you're going to catch them sooner rather than later.

[J Francho]

Big fish don't school like smaller bass do, right?

 

 

Exactly.  In fact, some are downright territorial, and there are no other bass in the area, which is why many assume those spots are "dry," when in fact, it may hld the biggest fish in the lake.

[A-Jay]

**** Trip Log ****

Thursday 06 June / Fished 10:30am – 7pm / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 61 / Winds NE 10– 15 / Barometer 1020 & falling.

 

 The sun was high and the wind was a factor; in a good way.  I fished two spots on the middle lake that had the wind blowing in onto them.  Mr. Murphy mentioned a couple of times that he found that the best big fish spots were open water areas that were routinely abused by the prevailing wind.  Both the spots I fished today were in this category.  These drop offs went from 20 ft. on the top and bottomed out at 35 ft. These type of areas are tough to fish.  I tried to stay optimistic and fished hard today.  Even though it was a mid-day outing I gave it it’s just due.    Jambalaya was served.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

**** Trip Log ****

 Friday 07 June

Fished 6am – 2pm / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 62 / Winds NE 7 – 14 / Barometer 1015 & falling.

 

The early morning set up is very exciting.  There is always such a sense of anticipation and an expectation that any cast could be The One.  This morning found me on one of my favorite spots on the most southern lake.  It’s a spot in front of a big drop near a big beaver made brush pile that ends in 25 ft. of water.  I set up in 38 ft. and fished the structure in front of the cover.  I’ve taken nice bass here before but I was fishing the deeper section today. 

 

 I’ll not be on the water again until after the weekend. 

 

According to my fishing logs, the next 2 or 3 weeks are traditionally very good.  I’m really looking forward to sticking something epic.

 

 

 

 

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

All I had to read was the the opening line NE winds 10-15 & NE 7-14 and I knew the results. That makes for really tough fishing. Hope mother nature gives you a break in the near future.

[A-Jay]

All I had to read was the the opening line NE winds 10-15 & NE 7-14 and I knew the results. That makes for really tough fishing. Hope mother nature gives you a break in the near future.

 

Thanks Dwight.

 

The early mornings were calm but my 9:30 or so the winds came on pretty go - it's just the way it is.

 

This lake's topographic orientation (Higher on the east & west and lower north & south)  I get no break from anything north or south.  East or west winds are more fisherman friendly.

 

A-Jay

[gripnrip]

Keep it up A-Jay! I check your progress daily. I'm literally on the edge of my seat waiting .....

[Capt.Bob]

This morning is the first time I have been on this thread, as I don't do a lot of bass fishing. I have to say it has been an encouraging read and I commend you on your efforts and your dedication!!! I must say as I am returning from a 2 day Musky trip myself (that was also Jumbalaya) and sharing the North East Blow with you here in Southern Michigan,,,,,(can't always plan a trip with another guy and guarantee the conditions), and we can't head at the drop of a hat as he still has to work around a job. But You do bring encouragement my way!! Just as you, I have made a self pack this year also, mine is to target bigger Musky, I cast trolled and worked my rear off both days, determined to get that one big bite, and not caring if I caught anything if I couldn't hit that 50" mark. I wanted to go to some #'s spots we knew on the Lake but stayed fast, 13.5 hrs. Thursday and 10 hrs. Friday. On the way home I questioned no bent rods and if we should have given in a little and tried for the lesser fish, or even taken a break and tried for Largemouth, as they do very good on this Lake for them also. I don't really think it would have mattered as 10 to 15 sustained and gust to 20+ NE blow was the weather pattern, and cooler than it has been looking like rain 50% of the time, but not getting any. But I generally over the years stay flexible, and if the species I'm after is not willing, will go after another, just to catch fish, Pike, Musky, Walleye, Small Mouth and Large Mouth I enjoy fishing for them all. But My Musky fishing has never granted me a 50"+  fish and this year, when we hunt the Musky waters, I have made my own pact, that it's big fish only, and don't settle for anything less. 

 

But like I say what doubt I had of sticking with my goal and techniques for this year, are now gone again!! You have a way in this thread of instilling that dedication of sticking with it come hell or high water,,,,,THANK's! You are on a mission and are putting in the time, I have to travel to hit the Lakes that produce the bruisers I am after, so my efforts won't be a daily diet of frustration. Over the years have I given in to the baits and tactics required to get the bigger fish in favor of catching more fish, even if it meant they would most likely be smaller or going after other species. So after reading this and being encouraged by your dedication, I am back on track and will stay the path I set out on a month ago. Every trip for Musky we make this year I am going to check in here and get my dose of encouragement. Hang in there and keep it up, as I am sure with your determination you won't only be successful, but you are fueling the encouragement, I need and I am sure there are others!!!!

 

BEST OF LUCK!!!  and I can't wait to see the results!!!!! even if it is only in knowledge, which is inevitable and sure to come with your efforts, but hope to see them monsters you long to master also!!!!      

[Bladesmith,]

A-Jay, you are an inspiration to us all. Every time I get on the Forum the first thing I check is this thread to see if you have posted another update. I sincerely hope this journey takes you where you want to go, but I think the journey itself is the adventure.

[A-Jay]

Ok, so here's my last trip.  On the retrieve back in I had a visitor.  It was one of those follows that you don't usually tell anyone about but you never forget it.  These are the ones that make you keep going back to a spot over and over again even if you never catch anything. 

 

One thing that I'll mention here is about how this technique has required me to modify my mind set during the actual fishing.  This method is so slow and requires such focus that I've had to make a conscious effort to reduce the speed at which I do everything while I'm out on the water.  Those that know me would tell you that this is a bit of a departure from my normal presentation.  But slowing it all down has helped me get accustomed to the technique.  

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CPBassFishing]

Great job being so patient. I don't think I could stand that.

Your reaction to the follower was great. 3 and a half feet would be 18+lbs if it was a bass. followers turn into biters when they get curious. Make sure you have a potent attractent on your worm so tentative giants will taste it then suck it right it.

Keep grinding, you'll stick a giant eventually.

Have you considered a natural color for your worm?

[A-Jay]

Trying to keep it simple and use baits/colors that I have confidence in.

 

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.

 

A-Jay

[ClackerBuzz]

I know Bill used a specific split shot size for the 'perfect' weight.  But I remember being confused b/c I think he sighted multiple sizes (#3 and #5?).  What size/kind weight are you using? Split shot makes me nervous and there are so many alternatives available now.  Is that a cylinder style weight?

[A-Jay]

I am not using split shot.  The very detailed procedure Mr. Murphy provides, though compelling, is not something I am willing to do, for a few reasons.

 I do not want anything crimped on my line.   I am fishing 10lb braid/leader not straight mono.  And finally, I'm a tungsten fan.  I am using the smallest tungsten bullet weights I could find.  Instead of the crimping deal, I just use a stopper in front and behind the little weight.  1/16 to 1/8 depending on the water depth and wind strength.  I have found the double anchor set up really is a must when fishing such a light weight in deep water.  I could never maintain contact with the bottom or have any real sense what was going on with the bait otherwise. And despite their rather minuscule size, these little guys still provide quite a bit of bottom contour feedback. Of course the braid plays a big part in the increased feel as well.

 

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

Funny thing the only bite came when you were reeling in the bait. Moving it kinda fast? Did Mr Murphy address that happening?

[A-Jay]

He did.

 

His answer - High Speed Trolling with deep diving crank baits.

 

By all accounts, quite a devastating and rarely utilized tactic; often accounting for the largest bass in the system.

 

Also, looking back at it, that was probably not the target species.

 

A-Jay

[slonezp]

An interesting read thus far. My question, Do you believe the big girls were in the deep water this time of year? I guess what I'm getting at is I'm guessing the spawn is in progress or just ending. I'm no expert but I think it's premature to fish 20ft humps in 35fow. I would think the females would be holding at the first drop. I think the technique could be deadly in the next few weeks after the girls recoup from the spawn and move out to their summer haunts.

[A-Jay]

A very valid point and one that I do not dispute.  In fact my largest MI bass came shallow and was right before the spawn.

In the book, Mr. Murphy details how he believed that the largest bass only remained shallow for the briefest of times during spawn.  So by fishing the deeper holding area / spots, he got his bait in front of more large fish.  His results speak for themselves.  It was also his contention that by fishing the area right through all 3 stages of the spawn, (pre, spawn and post)  you could catch them coming and going. 

 

Your assertion may very well be right on and I hope you are.  But for now, since I've caught a few decent fish shallow this time of year in the past, I'm going to keep poking around out deep and try a few different approaches and see if I can bump into something close to the kind of results Old Bill managed to get into.

 

A-Jay

[shimmy]

In my novice mind i was having the same thoughts about 20 ft of water. While some big bass definitely occupy that depth year round, it seems that the depths between 10-20 are the most beneficial in that many of the huge bass we hear about are caught at these depths. This depth range seems to just carry so many big bass year round and seems more of a highway for prespawn, spawn, and postspawn than 20 feet. I agree that the 20 feet depth here is probably never fished by most anglers and you are targeting the potentially big bass that occupies that area without ever getting pressured, but it just seems that the 10-20 foot range would bring better results and increase the numbers of opportunities for big bass. I'm sure with ultra clear water this depth may vary, but even then, still feels like it may be a hair too deep. Again, i post this for debate sake and am not trying to come off as a guru. I do remember a lot of Catt's older posts discussing this money depth and it just seems from so many articles i read that the 10-20 would increase your chances. Thoughts?

 

Shimmy

[slonezp]

Riddle me this AJ, (I did not read the book) Does the rule of thumb apply that 90% of the bass are in 10% of the water, and if so, are you targeting the 10% living in the 90% of water? I live in a similar area where 7lbs is a huge fish. My biggest local fish have been around the 5lb mark with most caught in the prespawn/spawn phase. A few caught during the heat of the summer. All caught in less than 3fow. My home water is not a candidate for this technique. Most of the water in northern IL is not. I'm thinking it may be successful on a couple lakes I currently fish, but then again these may be the same 5lbrs I've already caught. Does Bill address such situations?   

[slonezp]

Water fishes differently around the country. My home water has an average of 4.5 feet deep with some 30ft holes. No humps and no structure. Fishing in 8-10fow is deep for me. (I do fish deeper on other water if need be) Deeper water on my home lake holds suspended fish, but not bass. Walleye, panfish and drum is all I catch. I have caught bass on offshore structure on KY Lake, G'ville, and Lake Michigan. Not on my home water.