After so many nice days, it was just my luck to fish Yates Place the day after a cold front swept all the nice days away. Add to that the fact that I was fishing two days after the vacuum cleaner went through. On Thursday, Yates Place hosted Scott Martin (yes, that Scott Martin - Roland's son). Mr. Yates told me that he and the other pro fishing with him from their big tournament boats had a 5+ for their biggest fish. I guess I didn't do so badly after all. I ended the day boating 7 fish, of which 2 were culls. I even caught a bluegill on a 7" jerk bait. The biggest 3 bass weighed out at 4-04 (frog), 4-00 (Senko), and 6-00 (Senko). I had my chances at the big girls, though I couldn't boat them again today. I had a very strong fish break me off at the knot right before dark (10# braid, 8# leader). I couldn't turn her, and never did see her. The other one was definitely a 10+ that just jumped, opened her mouth and laughed at me while I dodged the hook she threw back at me. (I've had big bass do that several times before. Some I've fought for 2-3 minutes, but never even pulled the T-rigged hook through the worm. They were all big, strong, fish though). The one today pulled about 35 feet of drag (set at about 12#, as I was using 14# mono).

Baits that worked:  wacky-rigged and T-rigged Yamamoto Senkos in black/blue flake and watermelon/red flake; white/silver fleck Zoom Flukes; a big hollow-body frog; and a crawfish-patterned Bomber deep-diving Model-A. Every fish I caught was in or near a brushpile, and all were in depths of 4' or less.

What didn't work:  buzz bait, spinnerbait, Pit Boss, jerk bait, Bomber Fat Free Shad, shallow-running squarebills, and soft swim baits.

The water temperature climbed from 59.2 to 68.2 in places, even with the north wind blowing (gently, all day). Visibility ranged from about a foot to almost 3 feet. I think it's my turn to boat one of those big girls. That's 3 big ones in a row that I've lost. Still, considering everything, I consider today a success.  All of the fish were strong and healthy. As usual, Duwayne and Kay were the perfect host and hostess. I'll go back. (Duwayne is having back surgery next week. Please pray for him.)

I'll be back to try again for a really big girl.

Tom