07/31/2007
Water Temperature North End – 82 Steady
Middle South Main Channel – 82 Steady
Water Level = 6 Inches Below Normal pool
Water Clarity = Clear
Last Rain = 07/24/07

The shad rises (boils) are peaking here at LOE. The action has been a little slower this year because the water temperature has been cooler than normal. Unusually cooler air temperatures dropped the surface temperature as low as 79 degrees in the morning. None the less, the shad are rising and fishing the boils continues to be the most exciting way to catch a bass.

I have loss a great many fish this year. Bass are jumping and throwing my jig and Fluke. In the past it happened and was expected on 30 percent of the hooked fish. I can deal with 30 percent but now it is happening 50 to 70 percent of the time. It is frustrating and something has to change. Fishing is suppose to be relaxing and exhilarating not frustrating.

At first I tried waiting before setting the hook. Sort of like you do when worm fishing. This helped but was not the solution. I hooked fish deeper making it harder for a bass to throw the hook but I started losing strikes as I waited. My percentages increased only slightly in my favor.

So yesterday I started dropping my rod almost entirely into the water leaving only the reel out. I caught 4 bass in the morning and lost only one fish! The loss occurred after I had the fish in the boat but not unhooked. Apparently there is a rule that even if you plan on releasing your fish it must be off the hook while in the boat before you can count it. My brother-in-law recited the rule to me and I have no reason to question the integrity of and in-law !?.

If you are losing fish as well, give it a try. It keeps the fish head under the surface of the water making it harder for the fish to shake the hook loose and it makes for some questionable looks from passer-byers.

Crappie are being caught using the night light method and I would say the fishing is fair to good. Cat fishing is great. Jugging is producing numbers of fish and the preferred bait is the cheapest hot dogs you can buy. Literally, the more expensive the hot dog, top name brands, do not work as good as the off brand generic cheap hot dogs. Just remember you read it first here at UBO.

Fish On!
Mike O.
UBetcha Outdoors