Final Two Days On the Water in 2016

[Team9nine]

This is the forecast for our state beginning mid-week and extending well past the current 10 day outlook. Not good. Iced up waters are coming sooner, rather than later, along with the dreaded "Polar Vortex."

Fortunately, I was able to get about 3.5 hours on Saturday afternoon. Water temps about 44.x degrees, light stain in most areas, but clearer toward the dam. Heavy cloud cover with a high temperature of 39 degrees for the afternoon, falling to 36 by the time I left. Wind out of the west at 6-9 mph and a steady barometer. Cold but very fishable conditions, and I was able to boat 35 largemouth bass. About 80% came on jerkbaits (which we've been talking quite a bit about lately) while the other 20% came on jigs. As for the jerkbaits, the "pause" is the best speed control right now, as important or even more so than the twitch, rhythm or cadence of the jerks. Here's a couple pics:

Well, with deteriorating weather conditions and a work schedule that didn't allow me to get out on Monday, I got my last day on the water yesterday. I had to burn a couple hours of vacation to squeeze it in, but it was worth it. Temps go downhill from here through the weekend, then we have a forecasted 3-5 inches of snow on Sunday, and finally the polar vortex crap comes in mid to late next week and really chills things down (single digits and below). With 43.5 degree surface temps out there today, it won't take long before ice starts forming.

Tuesday wasn't perfect weather-wise with a high of 43 when I launched, dropping to 38 by the time I took out 3.5 hours later. No sun, just heavy cloud cover. Winds were 15-21 mph out of the WNW with gusts all afternoon between 27-32 mph and a rising barometer. Perfect conditions  but you have to take what you can get.

Given the winds, there was no good way to fish jigs or other slower baits unless you moved to areas out of the brunt of the gale, in which case the bite just didn't seem as good overall for me. Fortunately, I had a Megabass Ito 110 FX Tour Premium jerkbait in the box (sounds like a bad PR plug, I know). That's the one with the hinged bill that they claim gives 15-20% further casts by folding in closer to the line tie during casting for a more aerodynamic profile. It at least seemed to work in those 30 mph winds. Anyway, I finished the afternoon with 20 more bass.

Time to now relax and begin the long winter process of cleaning up the boat and tackle, reorganizing everything for next year, pulling old line and cleaning/oiling reels, etc. It's been another great year on the water. Hate to see it end, but there is always next year to look forward to.

A few pics from yesterday:

[Paul Roberts]

Very nice, Brian. That is one ominous weather map. I'm looking forward to single digits tonight. Am now waiting on thaws.

"Pauses" -They gotta have time to react, and know they can catch it.

[IndianaFinesse]

Nice fish, what length of pause were you using with the jerkbait?  I'm not looking forward to winter, at least there should be thick enough ice to ice fish, but it's just not the same as open water.

["hamma"]

Thats some quality winter angling right there!, Congrats on the last days success, Im sure its a welcomed scenario as the freeze is coming soon, and it wont be long before winters grip and cabin fever rear their ugly heads. Ending the season as you did, cuts down on both, so kudos to you!

[ClackerBuzz]

good stuff Brian

[Paul Roberts]

Great finish, by any standard, but Brian pretty much does this on a regular basis.

[A-Jay]

Really Great way to wrap up your season ~

Your assessment of fishing in the wind speaks volumes and doing it this time of year & in those conditions is a testament to ones conviction.

Your waters certainly appear to be bass fertile - gotta love that.

Thanks for sharing your story & the stud bass pics

Congrats

A-Jay

[MassYak85]

Tell that polar vortex to come on over my way if you don't like it 

 

Nice fish though! 

[Yakalong]

If that is the last time out this year 

[Bankbeater]

Nice going!