Crankin' It

Wow, what a day! Lake El Salto continues to live up to its reputation.  The wind blew today and the crankbait bite was on. Most of my fish came on a chartreuse shad Lucky Craft Flat CB D-12. My best five today probably would have weighed 35 pounds! Many thanks to Billy Chapman and everyone at Anglers Inn for another incredible trip. Make sure to watch for this episode of Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel!

Another Lake El Salto Giant!

Pickwick Lake Smallies

Yesterday, I got up very early and drove seven hours to Pickwick Lake which is the site of our final FLW event next month. Since my schedule won't allow me any other time to pre-fish before the off limits begins, my goal was to get a half day on the water just riding, graphing and GPS'ing any potential deep water spots for next month's tournament.

Even after my terrible finish at Red River, I am still in contention for the FLW Championship if I can do well in the last two events. It was definitely a productive afternoon and worth the extra driving and a day away from home. I even got a bonus, when right before dark a big school of Smallies came up chasing shad on a point I was graphing. I grabbed a Lucky Craft gunfish out of my rod box, made one cast, and caught a beautiful smallmouth! Hey, a guy's gotta have a little fun! Today, I headed on up to Kentucky Lake to get ready for practice which begins Sunday.

Give-Away Day:  I'm sending a Stihl shirt and a hat to follower Mac McBroom!  Mac, send your snail address to JTPFishing@insightbb.com and I'll get it right out to you.  Sadly, the Boomerang pliers and holster, a $40 value, has not been claimed.  I'll be drawing for that tomorrow morning.   Will you be the lucky winner?

Redemption

Going from Red River, Louisiana to Lake Fork, Texas was only a 2 1/2 hour drive, but from a fishing standpoint, it was like going from Hell to Heaven. I fished today with pro-angler and Lake Fork guide, Lance Vick. We had an outstanding day, boating over 30 bass, with 4 topping the 7 pound mark. Most of our fish came on Lucky Craft DV 2.5, crankbaits and swim bits. I really needed a day like today after last week!

There will be a random drawing tomorrow for a Stihl baseball cap.  One lucky winner will be chosen from the followers, subscribers, and comments from this week.  I will also announce the next chance to win.

Backwaters

Well you know when I'm snapping pictures of alligators and birds during a practice day, fishing must be pretty bad. I saw a lot more wildlife today on the Red River than I did bass! The main river is nearly unfishable due to the mud and strong current. Everyone is crowded into the backwaters looking for clear water and it is making this place fish very small. Hopefully, my practice will go better tomorrow.

Winner for this week:  Congratulations to Anglers Ace who won this week's drawing for two Lucky Craft lures.  Anglers Ace, please email JTPFishing@insightbb.com with information as to where to send your lures.  Next week, I'll send one lucky winner an embroidered Stihl baseball cap.  Thanks for all the readers' comments and letting us know who you'd like to see fish UMF.