I meant to post this sooner, but here it is finally.
Deer hunters should be interested in outdoor writer Rob Lowendick's new book "Deer Hunting in Ohio: History, Legends and Trophies." Look for it at major book retailers, search on the web by title or by visiting Rob's website at www.robertoutdoors.com. Click on "Books."
I haven't seen the book yet (I was hoping to see it before posting this), but it sounds like it has sections that would be interesting even if you're not a deer hunter.
Fishing report?
Sorry I haven't posted more recently, but unless you're an ice fisherman, there just hasn't been much to write about. I've heard some saugeye are being caught through the ice at Buckeye Lake and saugeye are also being caught in some spillway waters, but that's been it.
I don't ice fish, and with it as cold as it has been, I don't have any great interest in fishing the open water in spillways or rivers, either.
Instead, I'll take my time and gradually get boat and tackle ready for spring. I haven''t done much yet, but I've been thinking about how to rearrange things in the boat to make finding stuff easier. Of course, first I have to cut down on how much "stuff" is in the boat.
And that's a problem I've been wrestling with for years.
At least it gives me something to do.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
New tournament series
There's not much fishing going on these days, unless you're into ice fishing (which I'm not) or fishing spillways and other open water flows. However, information is emerging about next season's tournaments.
Of note to those interested in tournament circuits, Team Bass Xtreme has added a Muskingum Division to its Buddy Series of tournaments. The division will be directed by Howard Miller, who is familiar to many anglers in the area, and will include events April 16 at Burr Oak Dock 4, May 7 at Buckeye Lake Lieb's Island, June 11 at Dillon reservoir marina ramp, July 9 at the Belpre City Ramp on the Ohio River Aug. 20 on the Muskingum river at Zanesville's Riverside Park and Sept. 10 on the Muskingum River out of the ramp below McConnelsville near the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
For complete information, visit the Team Bass Xtreme website in the links box on this page.
Tournament listings
Another new addition of interest to tournament anglers is )Ohio Bass Angler. this site provides information on opens, circuits and pot tournaments around Ohio. You may even be able to get entry forms on the site. It's worth checking out.
Of note to those interested in tournament circuits, Team Bass Xtreme has added a Muskingum Division to its Buddy Series of tournaments. The division will be directed by Howard Miller, who is familiar to many anglers in the area, and will include events April 16 at Burr Oak Dock 4, May 7 at Buckeye Lake Lieb's Island, June 11 at Dillon reservoir marina ramp, July 9 at the Belpre City Ramp on the Ohio River Aug. 20 on the Muskingum river at Zanesville's Riverside Park and Sept. 10 on the Muskingum River out of the ramp below McConnelsville near the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
For complete information, visit the Team Bass Xtreme website in the links box on this page.
Tournament listings
Another new addition of interest to tournament anglers is )Ohio Bass Angler. this site provides information on opens, circuits and pot tournaments around Ohio. You may even be able to get entry forms on the site. It's worth checking out.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
MWCD shoreline projects
I mentioned before that the reason for some of the extra draw-down at some of the Muskingum Watershed lakes this winter is to control slides or other shoreline erosion. Here's the release MWCD issued to describe what's being done:
Nearly 500 individual sites in need of varying amounts of shoreline improvements have been identified at the reservoirs managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD).
A team of MWCD engineering staff members has been using some innovative mapping and aerial photographic technology to review the 300 total miles of shoreline at the reservoirs and reports that improvements are needed at an estimated 480 locations. The work would cover about 24 miles worth of shoreline at the 10 MWCD lakes.
“The reservoirs in the system of dams and reservoirs in the Muskingum River Watershed are now more than 70 years old and anyone who has taken a boat ride at a lake or views the shorelines from the road can see the effects of eroding shorelines,” said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. “The MWCD has talked for many years about the need to improve its shorelines to protect the benefits of flood-risk management and water conservation that the reservoirs provide in the watershed.
"This technology enables our staff and the public to recognize the urgency to prepare a prioritization plan and begin this important work of stabilizing the shoreline areas.”
The work is scheduled to begin in upcoming weeks as a total of 23 shoreline stabilization projects at four reservoirs estimated to cost around $1.5 million will be handled between December 2010 and April 2011, Slogar said.
Work is scheduled at the following reservoirs this winter:
Atwood Reservoir – 9 projects
Charles Mill Reservoir – 4 projects
Seneca Reservoir – 7 projects
Tappan Reservoir – 2 projects
Work already under way at Pleasant Hill Reservoir will continue, he said.
“A number of these project sites are located near roads or other important sites that eventually could threaten the continued safe access of the highways, bridges or other structures,” Slogar said. “The site at Pleasant Hill Reservoir, which we identified as the highest priority of all of the MWCD reservoirs last year, threatens several homes if it is not addressed.”
The work will be paid for through the MWCD’s funds collected from property owners in the Muskingum River Watershed who receive identified benefits from the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD that calls for maintenance and rehabilitation in the system of flood-reduction and water conservation reservoirs and dams in the region.
Work is expected to be identified, prioritized and handled yearly as part of the ongoing maintenance needs in the reservoirs, which originally were constructed in the 1930s and have been suffering from the effects of normal erosion for many years.
Much of the information used in the MWCD’s review of the eroded shorelines came through updated aerial imagery that was produced earlier this year.
“This imagery assisted our staff in reviewing all aspects of these sites, and it was completed in a timely manner to provide us with up-to-date data for planning purposes,” Slogar said.
A total cost estimate for all of the 480 identified sites has not been developed, he said.
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Basin, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving more than $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government. The reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org
Nearly 500 individual sites in need of varying amounts of shoreline improvements have been identified at the reservoirs managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD).
A team of MWCD engineering staff members has been using some innovative mapping and aerial photographic technology to review the 300 total miles of shoreline at the reservoirs and reports that improvements are needed at an estimated 480 locations. The work would cover about 24 miles worth of shoreline at the 10 MWCD lakes.
“The reservoirs in the system of dams and reservoirs in the Muskingum River Watershed are now more than 70 years old and anyone who has taken a boat ride at a lake or views the shorelines from the road can see the effects of eroding shorelines,” said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. “The MWCD has talked for many years about the need to improve its shorelines to protect the benefits of flood-risk management and water conservation that the reservoirs provide in the watershed.
"This technology enables our staff and the public to recognize the urgency to prepare a prioritization plan and begin this important work of stabilizing the shoreline areas.”
The work is scheduled to begin in upcoming weeks as a total of 23 shoreline stabilization projects at four reservoirs estimated to cost around $1.5 million will be handled between December 2010 and April 2011, Slogar said.
Work is scheduled at the following reservoirs this winter:
Atwood Reservoir – 9 projects
Charles Mill Reservoir – 4 projects
Seneca Reservoir – 7 projects
Tappan Reservoir – 2 projects
Work already under way at Pleasant Hill Reservoir will continue, he said.
“A number of these project sites are located near roads or other important sites that eventually could threaten the continued safe access of the highways, bridges or other structures,” Slogar said. “The site at Pleasant Hill Reservoir, which we identified as the highest priority of all of the MWCD reservoirs last year, threatens several homes if it is not addressed.”
The work will be paid for through the MWCD’s funds collected from property owners in the Muskingum River Watershed who receive identified benefits from the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD that calls for maintenance and rehabilitation in the system of flood-reduction and water conservation reservoirs and dams in the region.
Work is expected to be identified, prioritized and handled yearly as part of the ongoing maintenance needs in the reservoirs, which originally were constructed in the 1930s and have been suffering from the effects of normal erosion for many years.
Much of the information used in the MWCD’s review of the eroded shorelines came through updated aerial imagery that was produced earlier this year.
“This imagery assisted our staff in reviewing all aspects of these sites, and it was completed in a timely manner to provide us with up-to-date data for planning purposes,” Slogar said.
A total cost estimate for all of the 480 identified sites has not been developed, he said.
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Basin, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving more than $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government. The reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tournaments shaping up
Some more tournament information for next spring is already coming in.
First, Robin Cross will begin the Tuesday evening tournaments at Buckeye Lake on April 12. they will begin at 5:30 p.m. out of the North Shore ramp, with registration at 5 p.m. As in 2010, cost will be $10 per person, free for anglers 15 and under. If you have questions, contact Robin Cross at rccrossbass@yahoo.com or call him at 740-438-2782.
Robin has also scheduled an open tournament at Buckeye on May 21. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the entry fee is $100 per team in advance or $120 at the ramp. Again, contact Robin at the above address or e-mail and I'm sure entry forms will be at local bait and tackle shops.
I earlier reported the tentative club schedules for Southern Ohio Bassmasters and Cranberry Marsh Bass Club. As usual, some changes are in the works. I'll wait to report the club schedules when they are completed, but I will note now that the Chuck Murrey Memorial sponsored by the Southern Ohio Club will be on May 8 instead of May 15
First, Robin Cross will begin the Tuesday evening tournaments at Buckeye Lake on April 12. they will begin at 5:30 p.m. out of the North Shore ramp, with registration at 5 p.m. As in 2010, cost will be $10 per person, free for anglers 15 and under. If you have questions, contact Robin Cross at rccrossbass@yahoo.com or call him at 740-438-2782.
Robin has also scheduled an open tournament at Buckeye on May 21. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the entry fee is $100 per team in advance or $120 at the ramp. Again, contact Robin at the above address or e-mail and I'm sure entry forms will be at local bait and tackle shops.
I earlier reported the tentative club schedules for Southern Ohio Bassmasters and Cranberry Marsh Bass Club. As usual, some changes are in the works. I'll wait to report the club schedules when they are completed, but I will note now that the Chuck Murrey Memorial sponsored by the Southern Ohio Club will be on May 8 instead of May 15
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Ending and beginning
November has been a disappointing end to the 2010 fishing season for me. I've only been out three times this month, despite the reasonably good weather, and caught only one fish -- a nice white bass on the Muskingum River Nov. 13. A trip to Rush Creek Nov. 10 with Lindsey produced nothing for either of us, although I had a couple bites. My results Nov. 7 at Dillon have already been chronicled.
It's possible I may get out again, but I'm not counting on it.
But November os also a time to get ready for next year, as clubs and circuits begin setting their tournament schedules for next season.
Cranberry Marsh Bass Club met Thursday evening to approve its 2011 schedule, which has been increased to eight tournaments. I don 't know if they made any changes, but their tentative schedule was:
April 17 -- Buckeye Lake
May 1 -- Pleasant Hill
May 15 -- Alum Creek
June 12 -- Dillon
June 26 -- Alum Creek
July 17 -- O'Shaughnessy
Aug. 14. -- Muskingum River Riverside
Sept. 4 -- Delaware
Sept. 24-25 -- Classic (to be determined)
The annual Pete Taylor Open will be on May 7.
Cranberry was also to elect officers Thursday, but I haven't heard who was elected.
Southern Ohio Bassmaster met Sunday to set a schedule. Pending permit approval, the 10 regular tournaments will be:
April 23 -- Burr Oak
May 1 -- Piedmont
May 14 -- Buckeye
May 22 -- Delaware
June 18 -- Charles Mill
June 26 -- Pleasant Hill
July 9 -- Ohio River Powhaten Point
Aug. 21 -- Muskingum River Fairgrounds Ramp (below McConnelsville)
Sept. 10 -- Dillon
Oct. 2 -- Tappan
Oct. 15 and 16 -- Classic (to be determined)
The Chuck Murrey Memorial Open is tentatively being move up to May 15 at Dillon.
Southern Ohio's next meeting wil be in late January, when we get permits back, and to elect officers.
Both clubs have an interesting proposal on the table. That is, at the end of the season, to allow members to deduct one tournament from their results. In the case of Cranberry, that would mean a the end of the season, point totals would be based on the members' top seven results. For SOuthern Ohio, it would mean counting nine tournaments.
The main practical result would be that a member could miss one tournament and not have it hurt him at the end of the year. Over the course of a year, a lot of things can happen to cause someone to miss a tournament.
On the other hand, it could make some differences in the final standings, but how much? I don't think it would have helped me in this season's standings, but I can envision situations where it could.
It's possible I may get out again, but I'm not counting on it.
But November os also a time to get ready for next year, as clubs and circuits begin setting their tournament schedules for next season.
Cranberry Marsh Bass Club met Thursday evening to approve its 2011 schedule, which has been increased to eight tournaments. I don 't know if they made any changes, but their tentative schedule was:
April 17 -- Buckeye Lake
May 1 -- Pleasant Hill
May 15 -- Alum Creek
June 12 -- Dillon
June 26 -- Alum Creek
July 17 -- O'Shaughnessy
Aug. 14. -- Muskingum River Riverside
Sept. 4 -- Delaware
Sept. 24-25 -- Classic (to be determined)
The annual Pete Taylor Open will be on May 7.
Cranberry was also to elect officers Thursday, but I haven't heard who was elected.
Southern Ohio Bassmaster met Sunday to set a schedule. Pending permit approval, the 10 regular tournaments will be:
April 23 -- Burr Oak
May 1 -- Piedmont
May 14 -- Buckeye
May 22 -- Delaware
June 18 -- Charles Mill
June 26 -- Pleasant Hill
July 9 -- Ohio River Powhaten Point
Aug. 21 -- Muskingum River Fairgrounds Ramp (below McConnelsville)
Sept. 10 -- Dillon
Oct. 2 -- Tappan
Oct. 15 and 16 -- Classic (to be determined)
The Chuck Murrey Memorial Open is tentatively being move up to May 15 at Dillon.
Southern Ohio's next meeting wil be in late January, when we get permits back, and to elect officers.
Both clubs have an interesting proposal on the table. That is, at the end of the season, to allow members to deduct one tournament from their results. In the case of Cranberry, that would mean a the end of the season, point totals would be based on the members' top seven results. For SOuthern Ohio, it would mean counting nine tournaments.
The main practical result would be that a member could miss one tournament and not have it hurt him at the end of the year. Over the course of a year, a lot of things can happen to cause someone to miss a tournament.
On the other hand, it could make some differences in the final standings, but how much? I don't think it would have helped me in this season's standings, but I can envision situations where it could.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Two bass win at Dillon
Sunday was probably my last tournament of the year. I hope it won't be the last time fishing before winter.
Each year, Bub Cooksey, owner of Rayco Rent To Own and Bob Mathie, owner of Bob's outdoor supply, sponsor a little friendly pot tournament for the "regulars" that stop at Bob's for talk and coffee many mornings. This year, 10 of us participated. It was a few less than usual, but I think the cold spell that hit Friday kept some away.
The water temperature had dropped below 50 degrees, but we still managed to weigh some bass.
Shaun Majors and Bob Fulks won the contest with two bass weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces. They also had the big bass of the tournament at 2 pounds, 14 ounces.
Bub Cooksey and Rick McDonald finished second with two bass weighing 3 pounds, 14 ounces; Wayne Hanley and his daughter, Tara, were third with a 2-pound, 4-ounce bass and Tim Majors and Dana Moran were fourth with a 2-pound, 2-ounce fish.
Unfortunately, I didn't put a bass in the boat. When we started in the morning, most of the guys went into Big Run, so I headed up the lake. I eventually made my way up into the river.
Big mistake.
The water was even colder up there and there was northing going on.
I finally wound up in Big Run with about an hour or so of fishing time left and promptly lost what may have been the big bass of the tournament.
I had it on a crankbait and didn't think it was very well hooked, so I reached for the landing net, which was naturally just out of easy reach. I was trying to keep tension on the fish without horsing it, but just as I finally reached the net, it came off.
To make matters worse, a couple casts later I lost the crankbait.
Bub also gave out a special award to the angler who caught the largest fish that wasn't a largemouth or smallmouth. Tara Hanley weighed in a 3-pound, 12-ounce channel cat, but then Jerry Mosman hauled an 11-pound, 3-ounce carp out of his livewell.
"I wanted to get some kind of award," Jerry said.
Jerry won the Cranberry Marh Bass Cub Angler of the Year award this season, but I bet he'll hear more about the carp this winter than he will about the title!
Each year, Bub Cooksey, owner of Rayco Rent To Own and Bob Mathie, owner of Bob's outdoor supply, sponsor a little friendly pot tournament for the "regulars" that stop at Bob's for talk and coffee many mornings. This year, 10 of us participated. It was a few less than usual, but I think the cold spell that hit Friday kept some away.
The water temperature had dropped below 50 degrees, but we still managed to weigh some bass.
Shaun Majors and Bob Fulks won the contest with two bass weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces. They also had the big bass of the tournament at 2 pounds, 14 ounces.
Bub Cooksey and Rick McDonald finished second with two bass weighing 3 pounds, 14 ounces; Wayne Hanley and his daughter, Tara, were third with a 2-pound, 4-ounce bass and Tim Majors and Dana Moran were fourth with a 2-pound, 2-ounce fish.
Unfortunately, I didn't put a bass in the boat. When we started in the morning, most of the guys went into Big Run, so I headed up the lake. I eventually made my way up into the river.
Big mistake.
The water was even colder up there and there was northing going on.
I finally wound up in Big Run with about an hour or so of fishing time left and promptly lost what may have been the big bass of the tournament.
I had it on a crankbait and didn't think it was very well hooked, so I reached for the landing net, which was naturally just out of easy reach. I was trying to keep tension on the fish without horsing it, but just as I finally reached the net, it came off.
To make matters worse, a couple casts later I lost the crankbait.
Bub also gave out a special award to the angler who caught the largest fish that wasn't a largemouth or smallmouth. Tara Hanley weighed in a 3-pound, 12-ounce channel cat, but then Jerry Mosman hauled an 11-pound, 3-ounce carp out of his livewell.
"I wanted to get some kind of award," Jerry said.
Jerry won the Cranberry Marh Bass Cub Angler of the Year award this season, but I bet he'll hear more about the carp this winter than he will about the title!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
MWCD lake drawdowns
The Muskingum Watershed Conservanc District began drawing Seneca Lake down for the winter on Nov, 1. Drawdowns at five other lakes begin Nov. 15 and the last two begin Dec. 1.
a few lakes will be drawn down further than normal to allow for work over the winter. Atwood, Seneca and Tappan will be lowered 8 feet to allow for shoreline stabilization projects to take place. An ongoing shoreline stabilization project is being addressed at Pleasant Hill, which is als coming down 8 feet.
Shoreline work was also planned at Piedmont, but it has been delayed for this winter budget availability, I was told by Darrin Lautenschleger, Public Affairs Administrator for MWCD. Because of the delay, it is possible toe drawdown at Piedmont will not reach 8 feet.
The drawdown is partb of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers flood risk management operation of the system of reservoirs and dams in the Muskingum River Watershed.
The drawdowns will range from 3 to 8 feet, said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. A gradual return to normal summer pools will begin in February 2011 in time for the recreation season.
The depth reductions by reservoir, the amount of the reduction and the date the drawdown is expected to begin follows:
* Atwood Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
* Charles Mill Lake – 3 feet – Dec. 1
* Clendening Lake – 5 feet – Nov. 15
* Leesville Lake – 5 feet – Nov. 15
* Piedmont Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
* Pleasant Hill Lake – 6 feet – Dec. 1
* Seneca Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 1
* Tappan Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
The USACE owns and operates the dams and handles management of the reservoir depth levels for flood risk management. The MWCD manages 54,000 acres of the water and land located behind the dams. The USACE and MWCD work together through a partnering agreement for management of the system of reservoirs and dams for flood risk management and water conservation.
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Basin, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving more than $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government.
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
When the lakes are down for the inter is a great time to visit and see what is actualy in those areas you were fishing this summer. The extra drawdown at some of the lakes makes it an even better opportunity to learn more about what's in there.
The lakes may be too far down, in some cases, to launch a boat, so you may not be able to see some of your favorite areas, but there's stll a lot to see and learn. Take a camera to recoprd what you can.
a few lakes will be drawn down further than normal to allow for work over the winter. Atwood, Seneca and Tappan will be lowered 8 feet to allow for shoreline stabilization projects to take place. An ongoing shoreline stabilization project is being addressed at Pleasant Hill, which is als coming down 8 feet.
Shoreline work was also planned at Piedmont, but it has been delayed for this winter budget availability, I was told by Darrin Lautenschleger, Public Affairs Administrator for MWCD. Because of the delay, it is possible toe drawdown at Piedmont will not reach 8 feet.
The drawdown is partb of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers flood risk management operation of the system of reservoirs and dams in the Muskingum River Watershed.
The drawdowns will range from 3 to 8 feet, said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. A gradual return to normal summer pools will begin in February 2011 in time for the recreation season.
The depth reductions by reservoir, the amount of the reduction and the date the drawdown is expected to begin follows:
* Atwood Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
* Charles Mill Lake – 3 feet – Dec. 1
* Clendening Lake – 5 feet – Nov. 15
* Leesville Lake – 5 feet – Nov. 15
* Piedmont Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
* Pleasant Hill Lake – 6 feet – Dec. 1
* Seneca Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 1
* Tappan Lake – 8 feet – Nov. 15
The USACE owns and operates the dams and handles management of the reservoir depth levels for flood risk management. The MWCD manages 54,000 acres of the water and land located behind the dams. The USACE and MWCD work together through a partnering agreement for management of the system of reservoirs and dams for flood risk management and water conservation.
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Basin, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving more than $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government.
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
When the lakes are down for the inter is a great time to visit and see what is actualy in those areas you were fishing this summer. The extra drawdown at some of the lakes makes it an even better opportunity to learn more about what's in there.
The lakes may be too far down, in some cases, to launch a boat, so you may not be able to see some of your favorite areas, but there's stll a lot to see and learn. Take a camera to recoprd what you can.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saugeye hitting at Buckeye
The fall saugeye bite seems to be under way at Buckeye. Bob Mathie at Bob's Outdoor Supply in Newark told me a customer named Kevin Zachariah reported catching a 5-pounder and a 7-pounder while fishing near the north shore ramp at Buckeye. He said same were hitting during the daytime, but the best action was coming in the evening.
He reported using 3-inch grubs, but anglers are also catching fish on other lures, especially Husky Jerks, Rogues and shallow Shad Raps.
Some saugeye are reported being caught below Dillon as well, but I haven't heard any details.
As for bass fishing, the best report I've heard was that Jim Foster and Dana Moran braved the wind Wednesday at Knox and boated 10 bass on crankbaits. Dana caught a couple in the 2- or 2 1/2-pound range and one that might have been about 3 pounds.
He was using a No. 5 Shad Rap, while Jim was using a No. 7 and didn't fare as well.
I'm hoping to get to Knox Sunday. So far, the weather report sounds favorable: Cloudy, warmer and some rain possible. As long as the wind doesn't blow too much, I'm happy.
He reported using 3-inch grubs, but anglers are also catching fish on other lures, especially Husky Jerks, Rogues and shallow Shad Raps.
Some saugeye are reported being caught below Dillon as well, but I haven't heard any details.
As for bass fishing, the best report I've heard was that Jim Foster and Dana Moran braved the wind Wednesday at Knox and boated 10 bass on crankbaits. Dana caught a couple in the 2- or 2 1/2-pound range and one that might have been about 3 pounds.
He was using a No. 5 Shad Rap, while Jim was using a No. 7 and didn't fare as well.
I'm hoping to get to Knox Sunday. So far, the weather report sounds favorable: Cloudy, warmer and some rain possible. As long as the wind doesn't blow too much, I'm happy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
S.O.B. championship: Day 2
Going into day 2 of the Southern Ohio Bassmasters championship, you had to like Alan Fulks' chances of going home with a victory. He had a one and a half pound lead over second place and at least 2 1/2 pounds over everyone else after day 1 at Rush Creek.
When he weighed in four bass weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces at Piedmont Sunday, I figured he had enough to win. But then Chris Lighthizer weighed in four bass, including a 4-pounder. a total of 8 pounds, 11.8 ounces to go with his 1-pound, 14-ounce fish from the first day. The final result: Chris finished first with 10 pounds, 9.8 ounces and Alan was second with 10 pounds, 8.4 ounces.
The rest of us were left bobbing in their wake. Mike Baughman finished third with 5 pounds, 6.7 ounces, Eric Woodrow was fourth with 5 pounds, 2.8 ounces, Terry Ryan finished fifth with 4 pounds, 2.4 ounces, I was sixth with 4 pounds, 0.7 ounces, Tom Sprankel was seventh with 2 pounds 13.5 ounces, Bruce Reavley took eighth with 1 pounds, 4 ounces, Bob Fulks was ninth with 1 pound, 14.4 ounces and Kenny Fulks came in tenth with 1 pound, 9.8 ounces.
No limits were weighed at Piedmont and only 23 keepers were caught by 10 anglers. Four failed to get a keeper either day.
Although it had been tough to get g a 15-inch keeper Saturday, I headed for Piedmont Sunday in a good mood. After all, we would only have to catch 12-inch fish and the weather reports I had heard were for a cloudy day with a chance of rain, so I figured the bass would be hitting at least as well as they had been at Rush Creek.
. Well, it was cloudy for about an hour and it did rain -- for about 30 seconds. Then the clouds cleared away and the wind picked up. Classic post-frontal conditions. I caught one keeper about 10 a.m. and never put another bass in the boat.
I have often had good luck on surface lures at Piedmont, but after I had no hits on them early, I pretty much put them aside after the sun came out.
The guys that caught fish reported catching them on a variety of baits all over the lake, but Chris said he caught all of his on buzzbaits. He had to work hard for them, but it was obviously worth it. I think he was fishing in the far upper end of the lake, where American lotus are taking over. The pads are dying and turning brown, which can sometimes be a real bass magnet. I fished a few pads, but aside from the one keeper, which hit a worm, I didn't have a hit around them.
Whatever he figured out, Chris made a great comeback under tough conditions. Congratulations to him.
When he weighed in four bass weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces at Piedmont Sunday, I figured he had enough to win. But then Chris Lighthizer weighed in four bass, including a 4-pounder. a total of 8 pounds, 11.8 ounces to go with his 1-pound, 14-ounce fish from the first day. The final result: Chris finished first with 10 pounds, 9.8 ounces and Alan was second with 10 pounds, 8.4 ounces.
The rest of us were left bobbing in their wake. Mike Baughman finished third with 5 pounds, 6.7 ounces, Eric Woodrow was fourth with 5 pounds, 2.8 ounces, Terry Ryan finished fifth with 4 pounds, 2.4 ounces, I was sixth with 4 pounds, 0.7 ounces, Tom Sprankel was seventh with 2 pounds 13.5 ounces, Bruce Reavley took eighth with 1 pounds, 4 ounces, Bob Fulks was ninth with 1 pound, 14.4 ounces and Kenny Fulks came in tenth with 1 pound, 9.8 ounces.
No limits were weighed at Piedmont and only 23 keepers were caught by 10 anglers. Four failed to get a keeper either day.
Although it had been tough to get g a 15-inch keeper Saturday, I headed for Piedmont Sunday in a good mood. After all, we would only have to catch 12-inch fish and the weather reports I had heard were for a cloudy day with a chance of rain, so I figured the bass would be hitting at least as well as they had been at Rush Creek.
. Well, it was cloudy for about an hour and it did rain -- for about 30 seconds. Then the clouds cleared away and the wind picked up. Classic post-frontal conditions. I caught one keeper about 10 a.m. and never put another bass in the boat.
I have often had good luck on surface lures at Piedmont, but after I had no hits on them early, I pretty much put them aside after the sun came out.
The guys that caught fish reported catching them on a variety of baits all over the lake, but Chris said he caught all of his on buzzbaits. He had to work hard for them, but it was obviously worth it. I think he was fishing in the far upper end of the lake, where American lotus are taking over. The pads are dying and turning brown, which can sometimes be a real bass magnet. I fished a few pads, but aside from the one keeper, which hit a worm, I didn't have a hit around them.
Whatever he figured out, Chris made a great comeback under tough conditions. Congratulations to him.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
S.O.B. championship: Day 1
Rush Creek performed as expected on Day 1 of the Southern Ohio Bassmasters championship Saturday. Members reported catching a lot of bass, but keepers (15 inches) were in short supply.
Out of 14 members fishing, seven weighed in a total of nine bass.
Alan Fulks is leading after the first day with two bass weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces. His 3-pound, 11-ounce bass as the big fish of the day.
Mike Baughman is in second with two bass weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces; I'm in third with 3-pound fish, Terry Ryan is in fourth with a 2-pound, 1.8-ounce fish and Ton Sprankel is third with a 1-pound, 14.2-ounce bass.
Also weighing in fish were Chris Lighthizer (1 pound, 14 ounces) and Eric Woodrow (1 pound, 11.8 ounces.
Alan clearly has an advantage going into day 2 at Piedmont Sunday, but it is close enough that the rest of us still have some hope of catching him.
Saturday was frustrating. I couldn't start where I wanted to because some duck hunters were set up right were I wanted to start fishing. So I fished some other areas while I waited for them to call it a day (there were almost no ducks around anyway).
When they finally gathered their decoys and got ready to leave, I worked my way into the coves. Ironically, as I did so a duck flew in behind the hunters and landed in the bak of the cove. I don't think they saw it.
My first hit was the 3-pounder, about 10 or 10:30 a.m., so naturally I expected more. It was caught on one of Bob Mathie's hand-poured Senkos in black/blue flake. I pent the next hour or two hitting every stump and laydown in the cove with that lure, other colors of hand-poured Senkos, a black/blue tail hand-poured beaver, spinnerbaits, Flukes, swimbaits and buzzbaits. The result was two misses (one took me under a log) and one 13 1/2-incher on the beaver.
I finally headed for other spots and wound up catching seven more bass -- one on a Senko, two on the beaver and four on a white spinnerbait. At least five of them were in the 13- to 14-inch range.
That would have been great if we had been on a lake with a 12-inch limit.
All my fish came on shallow, visible cover. I never had a hit on a crankbait; other reported catching most of their fish on cranks, often in deeper water.
Piedmont should be interesting. I haven't been there since our spring tournament and the few reports I've heard recently have not been good.
We'll see.
Out of 14 members fishing, seven weighed in a total of nine bass.
Alan Fulks is leading after the first day with two bass weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces. His 3-pound, 11-ounce bass as the big fish of the day.
Mike Baughman is in second with two bass weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces; I'm in third with 3-pound fish, Terry Ryan is in fourth with a 2-pound, 1.8-ounce fish and Ton Sprankel is third with a 1-pound, 14.2-ounce bass.
Also weighing in fish were Chris Lighthizer (1 pound, 14 ounces) and Eric Woodrow (1 pound, 11.8 ounces.
Alan clearly has an advantage going into day 2 at Piedmont Sunday, but it is close enough that the rest of us still have some hope of catching him.
Saturday was frustrating. I couldn't start where I wanted to because some duck hunters were set up right were I wanted to start fishing. So I fished some other areas while I waited for them to call it a day (there were almost no ducks around anyway).
When they finally gathered their decoys and got ready to leave, I worked my way into the coves. Ironically, as I did so a duck flew in behind the hunters and landed in the bak of the cove. I don't think they saw it.
My first hit was the 3-pounder, about 10 or 10:30 a.m., so naturally I expected more. It was caught on one of Bob Mathie's hand-poured Senkos in black/blue flake. I pent the next hour or two hitting every stump and laydown in the cove with that lure, other colors of hand-poured Senkos, a black/blue tail hand-poured beaver, spinnerbaits, Flukes, swimbaits and buzzbaits. The result was two misses (one took me under a log) and one 13 1/2-incher on the beaver.
I finally headed for other spots and wound up catching seven more bass -- one on a Senko, two on the beaver and four on a white spinnerbait. At least five of them were in the 13- to 14-inch range.
That would have been great if we had been on a lake with a 12-inch limit.
All my fish came on shallow, visible cover. I never had a hit on a crankbait; other reported catching most of their fish on cranks, often in deeper water.
Piedmont should be interesting. I haven't been there since our spring tournament and the few reports I've heard recently have not been good.
We'll see.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cooksey wins Cranberry championship
As I mentioned before, Bub Cooksey of Newark won the Cranberry Marsh Bass Club championship tournament Oct. 9 and 10 at Delaware and Alum Creek lakes. He did it with a cath of four bass weighing 6.78 pounds on Saturday at Delaware and four bass weighing 7.82 pounds Sunday at Alum Creek, for a ttal of 14.6 pounds. He also took big bass honors with a 3.27-pound fish caught at Alum.
Shaun Magers came in second with 10.09 pounds, which included five fish at Delaware weighing 7.16 pounds and three at Alum weighing 2.93 pounds.
Finishing third was Rick McDonald II with 9.61 pounds. He had five bass weighing 6.53 pounds Saturday and three weighing 3.08 pounds Sunday.
Jerry Mossman placed fourth with eight bass weighing 9.59 pounds. He had five bass weighing 6.67 pounds Saturday and three bass weighing 2.92 pounds Sunday.
Fifth place went to Otis McCloud with six bass weighing 8.07 pounds. he had five bass weighing 6.16 pounds Saturday and one weighing 1.91 pounds Sunday.
In all, 63 keeper bas were weighed in by the 13 members fishing, 49 of them at Delaware and 14 at Alum Creek. Six five-fish limits were weighed in, all of them at Delaware.
Shaun Magers came in second with 10.09 pounds, which included five fish at Delaware weighing 7.16 pounds and three at Alum weighing 2.93 pounds.
Finishing third was Rick McDonald II with 9.61 pounds. He had five bass weighing 6.53 pounds Saturday and three weighing 3.08 pounds Sunday.
Jerry Mossman placed fourth with eight bass weighing 9.59 pounds. He had five bass weighing 6.67 pounds Saturday and three bass weighing 2.92 pounds Sunday.
Fifth place went to Otis McCloud with six bass weighing 8.07 pounds. he had five bass weighing 6.16 pounds Saturday and one weighing 1.91 pounds Sunday.
In all, 63 keeper bas were weighed in by the 13 members fishing, 49 of them at Delaware and 14 at Alum Creek. Six five-fish limits were weighed in, all of them at Delaware.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall fishing
The weather lately has been enough to drive you crazy. The temperatures have been good for October, but the skies most days are cloudless and from about 10 or 11 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., the wind has been steady and strong enough to make boat control, let alone casting accuracy, difficult.
I was out Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Saturday at Rush Creek, Sunday at Salt Fork. I picked up three bass Thursday, all less than 15 inches and all after 5 p.m. Saturday was a little better, again with three bass (and one crappie), one of the bass a 15-inch keeper. I also missed five bass on various lures, but I couldn't tell if any were keepers. Whether that told me anything about here to fish Saturday in the club championship will remain to be seen.
I didn't try to go to Piedmont, site of the second day of the championship, before Sunday's cutoff date for practice, because I have a good idea of where I'll fish in any case and, frankly, I didn't want to spend the money to drive over.
Sunday, Lindsey and I went to Salt Fork. We hadn't been there this year but we've usually had a good time there in the past, even if the fishing was slow. There's always a good chance to see eagles and osprey as well as other wildlife such as Turkeys and foxes.
Unfortunately, the wind was even stronger than previous days, no eagles were around and the only other wildlife we saw were squirrels and chipmunks.
Lindsey did catch two bass, one on a Super Fluke and one on a crappie jig, but I was skunked.
In hindsight, Salt Fork was probably a bad choice because of the wind and sun, but I don't know if Knox would have been any better.
If I have a day to get out this week, Knox will probably be the target. I have some ideas about what to try there if the wind would just died down.
I apologize for not having the results of the Cranberry championship yet. I know Bub Cooksey won the tournament, but I don't have any details yet.
I was out Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Saturday at Rush Creek, Sunday at Salt Fork. I picked up three bass Thursday, all less than 15 inches and all after 5 p.m. Saturday was a little better, again with three bass (and one crappie), one of the bass a 15-inch keeper. I also missed five bass on various lures, but I couldn't tell if any were keepers. Whether that told me anything about here to fish Saturday in the club championship will remain to be seen.
I didn't try to go to Piedmont, site of the second day of the championship, before Sunday's cutoff date for practice, because I have a good idea of where I'll fish in any case and, frankly, I didn't want to spend the money to drive over.
Sunday, Lindsey and I went to Salt Fork. We hadn't been there this year but we've usually had a good time there in the past, even if the fishing was slow. There's always a good chance to see eagles and osprey as well as other wildlife such as Turkeys and foxes.
Unfortunately, the wind was even stronger than previous days, no eagles were around and the only other wildlife we saw were squirrels and chipmunks.
Lindsey did catch two bass, one on a Super Fluke and one on a crappie jig, but I was skunked.
In hindsight, Salt Fork was probably a bad choice because of the wind and sun, but I don't know if Knox would have been any better.
If I have a day to get out this week, Knox will probably be the target. I have some ideas about what to try there if the wind would just died down.
I apologize for not having the results of the Cranberry championship yet. I know Bub Cooksey won the tournament, but I don't have any details yet.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Y-City championship
Drew Allen won the Y-City Bass Club championship held at Alum Creek Oct. 3, boating three fish that weighed 6.88 pounds. He also took big bass honors with a 2.8-pound fish.
Dave Blackstone finished second with five bass that weighed 6.41 pounds, Tommy Hoffer placed third with four bass that weighed 4.41 pounds, Dave Allen came in third with three fish that weighed 4.15 pounds and Ryan Boyer was fifth with three bass that weighed 4.05 pounds.
As I remember, that was a chilly, windy day; not one I would want to spend on Alum Creek.
I don't know how the rest of the contestants did. Only the top five finishers were posted on the Y-City website on Ohiobassclubs.com.
Dave Blackstone finished second with five bass that weighed 6.41 pounds, Tommy Hoffer placed third with four bass that weighed 4.41 pounds, Dave Allen came in third with three fish that weighed 4.15 pounds and Ryan Boyer was fifth with three bass that weighed 4.05 pounds.
As I remember, that was a chilly, windy day; not one I would want to spend on Alum Creek.
I don't know how the rest of the contestants did. Only the top five finishers were posted on the Y-City website on Ohiobassclubs.com.
Rush Creek frustration
Wind and cloudless skies make a bad combination.
I had a decent evening at Rush Creek Friday, boating five bass in the last hour or so before dark. Only one was over 15 inches, but I was happy, as I only had a couple hours to fish by the time I got there. chalk that up to a late start and a slow=moving combine blocking the road.
Anyway, the weather forecast was stable for the weekend -- mostly sunny and highs in the low 80s. I figured Sunday would be a good day to go back and check out some more areas. Since the forecast included some clouds, I was pleased with the prospects for a good day.
While I was on my way there, it was fine day, with some clouds and negligible wind. But by the time I was on the water, the clouds were gone and the wind was picking up out of the west. That's not good on Rush Creek because it lays east to west and most of the coves open to the west.
In the next four hours caught one green sunfish and had one other hit that may or may not have been a bass.
Even the one great blue heron I saw had given up his fishing efforts and was standing in a tree several feet above the lake.
I finally gave up and went home to continue a painting project I need to get done.
I'd like to get back there at least once before Sunday, but the forecast is for a cooling trend (down to about 60) by the end of the week and possibly some rain.
If I don't make it there, I'll have gto rely on my "usual spots," but it would be nice to check out a few others.
We'll see.
I had a decent evening at Rush Creek Friday, boating five bass in the last hour or so before dark. Only one was over 15 inches, but I was happy, as I only had a couple hours to fish by the time I got there. chalk that up to a late start and a slow=moving combine blocking the road.
Anyway, the weather forecast was stable for the weekend -- mostly sunny and highs in the low 80s. I figured Sunday would be a good day to go back and check out some more areas. Since the forecast included some clouds, I was pleased with the prospects for a good day.
While I was on my way there, it was fine day, with some clouds and negligible wind. But by the time I was on the water, the clouds were gone and the wind was picking up out of the west. That's not good on Rush Creek because it lays east to west and most of the coves open to the west.
In the next four hours caught one green sunfish and had one other hit that may or may not have been a bass.
Even the one great blue heron I saw had given up his fishing efforts and was standing in a tree several feet above the lake.
I finally gave up and went home to continue a painting project I need to get done.
I'd like to get back there at least once before Sunday, but the forecast is for a cooling trend (down to about 60) by the end of the week and possibly some rain.
If I don't make it there, I'll have gto rely on my "usual spots," but it would be nice to check out a few others.
We'll see.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fall fishing
It’s hard to believe its already October. It seems like only yesterday we were atching the weather and the water temperatures, hoping to catch the bass as they moved into the shallows ready to feed before spawning. Of course, the heat came too fast and before we knew it, it seemed we were into summer patterns instead of spring.
Still, there were good days on the water. My best came in mid-June at Rush Creek, when it seemed like a good bass was laying next to every log and stump. In a period of about five hours I boated 13 bass, the largest about 4 pounds, and lost six more. Within the next week, I had good days at Knox and Hoover.
But then it started getting tough. I had some decent times at Rush Creek, Knox and Dillon, but not in tournaments at Hoover, Seneca, Dillon and Delaware.
But now, after a couple weeks of cold (or at least cool) weather and wind, we seem to be entering one of those perfect fall period that cry out for fishing.
Some people have hung up their rods and are planning duck or deer hunting days, but I’m not one of them. I’m looking forward to finding bass in the shallows again and catching them on buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and Senkos.
I don’t mean to ignore the possibility of catching saugeye, muskies or even crappie and bluegill -- and this is a good time to fish for all of those -- but I want to catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been out yet this week, but my first trip will probably be to Rush Creek for largemouth. After that, who knows?
I will be fishing Rush Creek and Piedmont later this month for our club championship, and Lindsey wants to get to Salt Fork, so I’ll add that to the list as well.
And if there’s time and enough good weather, Knox Lake and the Muskingum beckon as well.
Wherever you’re fishing this month, good luck. And maybe we’ll have another nice, warm fall and keep fishing well into November.
Still, there were good days on the water. My best came in mid-June at Rush Creek, when it seemed like a good bass was laying next to every log and stump. In a period of about five hours I boated 13 bass, the largest about 4 pounds, and lost six more. Within the next week, I had good days at Knox and Hoover.
But then it started getting tough. I had some decent times at Rush Creek, Knox and Dillon, but not in tournaments at Hoover, Seneca, Dillon and Delaware.
But now, after a couple weeks of cold (or at least cool) weather and wind, we seem to be entering one of those perfect fall period that cry out for fishing.
Some people have hung up their rods and are planning duck or deer hunting days, but I’m not one of them. I’m looking forward to finding bass in the shallows again and catching them on buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and Senkos.
I don’t mean to ignore the possibility of catching saugeye, muskies or even crappie and bluegill -- and this is a good time to fish for all of those -- but I want to catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been out yet this week, but my first trip will probably be to Rush Creek for largemouth. After that, who knows?
I will be fishing Rush Creek and Piedmont later this month for our club championship, and Lindsey wants to get to Salt Fork, so I’ll add that to the list as well.
And if there’s time and enough good weather, Knox Lake and the Muskingum beckon as well.
Wherever you’re fishing this month, good luck. And maybe we’ll have another nice, warm fall and keep fishing well into November.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Cranberry Delaware results
Like Y-City at Hoover and Southern Ohio on the Muskingum River, Cranberry Marsh Bass Club had a good ending to its regular season Sunday, Sept. 26. Also like the other clubs, the angler leading the season's point race going in ended the day with the title.
Neil Butt won the tournament with five bass weighing 8.22 pounds and took big bass honors with a 2.97-pound fish. Brett Richards finished second with five fish weighing 6.35 pounds.
In third place, Jerry Mossman also had five fish, weighing in at 6.2 pounds, but most importantly it was enough to give him the club's points championship.
Rick McDonald II placed fourth with five bass weighing 5.62 pounds and Steve Coulter was fifth with four bass weighing 5.45 pounds.
Overall, 21 members weighed in 68 bass. Seven five-fish limits were recorded.
Behind Mossman in the final top 10 for the season were Neil Butt, Brett Richards, Bub Cooksey,Tim Magers, Wayne Hanley, Otis McCloud, Rick McDonald II, Shaun Magers and Adam Richards. These 10 and three others will fish the club championship Oct. 9 and 10 at Alum Creek and Delaware.
The other three qualifiers are Keith Wolfe, Larry Schwartz and Steve Coulter. Wolfe and Schwartz qualified by being tournament winners who had prepaid their entry fees for the year and did not finish in the top 10 in the points standings. Coulter qualified by being a pre-paid entrant and being the highest finishing non-qualifier in the final tournament.
The last means of qualification for the championship was a twist the club added to its point system to provide an incentive to those who did not have a chance to finish in the top 10 to fish the final tournament. Many clubs have faced the problem of declining participation at the end of the season as members who are out of the race for the title or top 10 or whatever, decide not to compete at the end of the year.
Southern Ohio tackled the problem by allowing anyone who fished nine out of 10 tournaments (originally nine out of nine) would be eligible to fish the championship. I'm sure other clubs have come up with other incentives to keep the turnout high. If anyone knows of any, I like to hear about them.
Neil Butt won the tournament with five bass weighing 8.22 pounds and took big bass honors with a 2.97-pound fish. Brett Richards finished second with five fish weighing 6.35 pounds.
In third place, Jerry Mossman also had five fish, weighing in at 6.2 pounds, but most importantly it was enough to give him the club's points championship.
Rick McDonald II placed fourth with five bass weighing 5.62 pounds and Steve Coulter was fifth with four bass weighing 5.45 pounds.
Overall, 21 members weighed in 68 bass. Seven five-fish limits were recorded.
Behind Mossman in the final top 10 for the season were Neil Butt, Brett Richards, Bub Cooksey,Tim Magers, Wayne Hanley, Otis McCloud, Rick McDonald II, Shaun Magers and Adam Richards. These 10 and three others will fish the club championship Oct. 9 and 10 at Alum Creek and Delaware.
The other three qualifiers are Keith Wolfe, Larry Schwartz and Steve Coulter. Wolfe and Schwartz qualified by being tournament winners who had prepaid their entry fees for the year and did not finish in the top 10 in the points standings. Coulter qualified by being a pre-paid entrant and being the highest finishing non-qualifier in the final tournament.
The last means of qualification for the championship was a twist the club added to its point system to provide an incentive to those who did not have a chance to finish in the top 10 to fish the final tournament. Many clubs have faced the problem of declining participation at the end of the season as members who are out of the race for the title or top 10 or whatever, decide not to compete at the end of the year.
Southern Ohio tackled the problem by allowing anyone who fished nine out of 10 tournaments (originally nine out of nine) would be eligible to fish the championship. I'm sure other clubs have come up with other incentives to keep the turnout high. If anyone knows of any, I like to hear about them.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Clubs end regular season
Southern Ohio Bassmasters, Y-City Bass Club and Cranberry Marsh Bass Club all held their final regular tournaments of the season Sunday. Southern ohio fished the Muskingum River at Zanesville, Y-City fished Hoover Reservoir and Cranberry fished Delaware Reservoir. None of the club faced great conditions: Hoover was at least 10 1/2 feet low, the Muskingum was low and some kind of brown, oily slick coated the water in the morning and Delaware was close to a foot and a half low. On top of that, there was a chilly north wind blowing most of the day.
I don't have Cranberry's results yet, so let's get to the Zanesville clubs.
Southern Ohio
Scott Siemer won the tournament with a nice catch of five smallmouth bass weighing 7 pounds, 15.8 ounces. He actually had almost 8 1/2 pounds, but lost 8 ounces due to a dead bass. However, it made no difference as Alan Fulks was a distant second with five bass weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces.
Mike Baughman finished third with a five-fish limit that weighed only 3 pounds, 13.4 ounces; Eric Woodrow took fourth with three fish weighing 3 pounds, 1.6 ounces, and Terry Ryan placed fifth with two bass weighing 2 pounds, 15.6 ounces.
Big bass was a 2-pound, 12.6-ounce smallmouth caught by Siemer.
Eighteen members fished, with 17 weighing in 44 bass.
The Muskingum was low and treacherous as you headed upstream, but Siemer managed to make his way to the Ellis Dam tailwaters where he hit a smallmouth jackpot. His best lure was a 2-inch Berkley Gulp minnow fished on 4-pound test line. One other boat made it to the dam, but caught big hybrid stripers instead of smallmouth or spotted bass.
I caught plenty of fish (a mixed bag of smallmouth and spots, most on a hand-poured Senko), but could only manage to get one keeper in the boat.
There was no suspense as far as the angler of the year title was concerned, as no one was close enough to catch Kenny Fulks, even if he failed to catch a keeper (he did weigh in a fish). In fact, the top 10 did not change, except that Terry Ryan moved from tenth to eighth.
following Kenny in the top 10 were Eric Woodrow, Alan Fulks, Bob Fulks, Chris Lighthizer, Mike Baughman, Greg Montgomery, Terry Ryan, Tom Sprankel and Bruce Reavley.
Those 10, plus five members ho fished at least nine of the 10 tournaments, are eligible to fish the championship Oct. 23 and 24 at Rush Creek and Piedmont.
Y-City results
Jeff Turner won the Hoover tournament with an impressive catch of five bass weighing 12.23 pounds, including a 4.01-pound fish that took big bass honors.
Wesley Hammer finished second with five bass weighing 8.97 pounds, Ryan Boyer placed third with five fish weighing 8.22 pounds, Bob Hammer took fourth with five bass weighing 7.56 pounds and Mark Lasure was fifth with five bass weighing 7.13 pounds.
Thirty members fished with 22 weighing in a total of 73 bass. Eight limits were weighed in.
Wesley Hammer had a comfortable lead in the anger of the year race and his second-place finish was more than enough to claim the title.
Following Hammer in the top 10 were Ryan Boyer, Mike King, Tyler Shawger, Bob Hammer, Dave Allen, Dan Allen, Tom Hoffer, Mark Lasure and Kenny Simpson.
The club's championship tournament will be held Oct. 3 at Alum Creek.
I don't have Cranberry's results yet, so let's get to the Zanesville clubs.
Southern Ohio
Scott Siemer won the tournament with a nice catch of five smallmouth bass weighing 7 pounds, 15.8 ounces. He actually had almost 8 1/2 pounds, but lost 8 ounces due to a dead bass. However, it made no difference as Alan Fulks was a distant second with five bass weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces.
Mike Baughman finished third with a five-fish limit that weighed only 3 pounds, 13.4 ounces; Eric Woodrow took fourth with three fish weighing 3 pounds, 1.6 ounces, and Terry Ryan placed fifth with two bass weighing 2 pounds, 15.6 ounces.
Big bass was a 2-pound, 12.6-ounce smallmouth caught by Siemer.
Eighteen members fished, with 17 weighing in 44 bass.
The Muskingum was low and treacherous as you headed upstream, but Siemer managed to make his way to the Ellis Dam tailwaters where he hit a smallmouth jackpot. His best lure was a 2-inch Berkley Gulp minnow fished on 4-pound test line. One other boat made it to the dam, but caught big hybrid stripers instead of smallmouth or spotted bass.
I caught plenty of fish (a mixed bag of smallmouth and spots, most on a hand-poured Senko), but could only manage to get one keeper in the boat.
There was no suspense as far as the angler of the year title was concerned, as no one was close enough to catch Kenny Fulks, even if he failed to catch a keeper (he did weigh in a fish). In fact, the top 10 did not change, except that Terry Ryan moved from tenth to eighth.
following Kenny in the top 10 were Eric Woodrow, Alan Fulks, Bob Fulks, Chris Lighthizer, Mike Baughman, Greg Montgomery, Terry Ryan, Tom Sprankel and Bruce Reavley.
Those 10, plus five members ho fished at least nine of the 10 tournaments, are eligible to fish the championship Oct. 23 and 24 at Rush Creek and Piedmont.
Y-City results
Jeff Turner won the Hoover tournament with an impressive catch of five bass weighing 12.23 pounds, including a 4.01-pound fish that took big bass honors.
Wesley Hammer finished second with five bass weighing 8.97 pounds, Ryan Boyer placed third with five fish weighing 8.22 pounds, Bob Hammer took fourth with five bass weighing 7.56 pounds and Mark Lasure was fifth with five bass weighing 7.13 pounds.
Thirty members fished with 22 weighing in a total of 73 bass. Eight limits were weighed in.
Wesley Hammer had a comfortable lead in the anger of the year race and his second-place finish was more than enough to claim the title.
Following Hammer in the top 10 were Ryan Boyer, Mike King, Tyler Shawger, Bob Hammer, Dave Allen, Dan Allen, Tom Hoffer, Mark Lasure and Kenny Simpson.
The club's championship tournament will be held Oct. 3 at Alum Creek.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Chuck Murrey Fund Raiser results
Two excellent catches made for an exciting weigh-in at the Chuck Murrey Fund Raiser Sunday, Sept.19, at Dillon Lake.
Fishing there has been slow, by Jerry Mossman and Tim Magers brought nine bass the the scales and Shane Kimble and Steve Wahl weighed in the only 10-fish limit. When the smoke cleared, Mossman and Magers won the contest with 13.89 pounds, while Kimble and Wahl were close behind at 13.26 pounds.
It was a case of lake largemouth outweighing river smallmouth, as Mossman and Magers pounded the main lake to catch their bass -- al largemouth -- while Kimble and Wahl had mostly smallmouth, obviously caught up in the river.
Mossman and Magers also had the big bass of the event, it weighing in at 2.64 pounds.
Casey Coffee and Scott Edddlebute finished third with five bass weighing 7.55 pounds, Randy Brownrigg and Joe Middendorf took fourth wit five bass weighing 6.57 pounds and Steve Bradley and Bobby Webb were fifth with three bass weighing 4.97 pounds. Webb and Bradley also had the second-largest bass of the contest at 2.31 pounds.
Twenty team fished the tournament, with 16 weighing in a total of 58 bass.
The tournament, sponsored by Southern Ohio Bassmasters, raises money for the family of Chuck Murrey, a club member who died last year as the result of an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
The weigh-in was conducted by Jami Norman of Sunbury from Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail. The Ohio Mega Bass circuit is almost completed for the year (the last event is Sept. 24 at Alum Creek), but you can check out the circuit, including information for 2011, by clicking on the link at the right of this page. You'll also notice they introduced a Hoover series this year, the next one being on Oct. 17.
Fishing there has been slow, by Jerry Mossman and Tim Magers brought nine bass the the scales and Shane Kimble and Steve Wahl weighed in the only 10-fish limit. When the smoke cleared, Mossman and Magers won the contest with 13.89 pounds, while Kimble and Wahl were close behind at 13.26 pounds.
It was a case of lake largemouth outweighing river smallmouth, as Mossman and Magers pounded the main lake to catch their bass -- al largemouth -- while Kimble and Wahl had mostly smallmouth, obviously caught up in the river.
Mossman and Magers also had the big bass of the event, it weighing in at 2.64 pounds.
Casey Coffee and Scott Edddlebute finished third with five bass weighing 7.55 pounds, Randy Brownrigg and Joe Middendorf took fourth wit five bass weighing 6.57 pounds and Steve Bradley and Bobby Webb were fifth with three bass weighing 4.97 pounds. Webb and Bradley also had the second-largest bass of the contest at 2.31 pounds.
Twenty team fished the tournament, with 16 weighing in a total of 58 bass.
The tournament, sponsored by Southern Ohio Bassmasters, raises money for the family of Chuck Murrey, a club member who died last year as the result of an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
The weigh-in was conducted by Jami Norman of Sunbury from Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail. The Ohio Mega Bass circuit is almost completed for the year (the last event is Sept. 24 at Alum Creek), but you can check out the circuit, including information for 2011, by clicking on the link at the right of this page. You'll also notice they introduced a Hoover series this year, the next one being on Oct. 17.
Buckeye Lake results
an and Shortie McCline won the final Buckeye Lake final Tuesday evening pot tournament of the season Sept. 14 with two fish that weighed 4.16 pounds. They also tok big bass honors with a 2.99-pound fish.
Bruce Tankovich and Wayne Hanley finished second with three bass that weighed 3.1 pounds, Richard Peters and Mike Terry placed third with a 2.59-pound bass, Doug Moran took fourth with two fish that weighed 1.71 pounds and Jerry Mossman and Tim Magers were fifth (weight was omitted from the report).
Twenty-eight anglers participated.
Organizer Robin Cross said tournaments next spring should start about the second or third week of April. He'll let me know when the date is set. He is also planning on running an open at Buckeye in the spring, which is in response to many requests from the Tuesday night participants.
Participation was strong all season with consistently more than 30 competitors each week. I've heard people say they like the format which allows you to fish either alone or with a partner and they like not having a championship because they don't feel pressured to be there every week.
They payout looks pretty good to. If there are 35 anglers, Robin pay $142 for first, $91 for second and $47 for third, along with $70 for big bass. If there are fewer than 21, he cuts out big bass.
Robin said he only pays three places and big bass to keep the payout high enough to make it worthwhile. He said he did that because of an experience where he won $12 for finishing tenth in a contest with about 30 anglers at another lake.
I don't know what other pot tournaments pay, but these seem to be pretty good. That fishermen kept coming all season, even when Buckeye finally went onto its summer doldrums, says they like the format.
Bruce Tankovich and Wayne Hanley finished second with three bass that weighed 3.1 pounds, Richard Peters and Mike Terry placed third with a 2.59-pound bass, Doug Moran took fourth with two fish that weighed 1.71 pounds and Jerry Mossman and Tim Magers were fifth (weight was omitted from the report).
Twenty-eight anglers participated.
Organizer Robin Cross said tournaments next spring should start about the second or third week of April. He'll let me know when the date is set. He is also planning on running an open at Buckeye in the spring, which is in response to many requests from the Tuesday night participants.
Participation was strong all season with consistently more than 30 competitors each week. I've heard people say they like the format which allows you to fish either alone or with a partner and they like not having a championship because they don't feel pressured to be there every week.
They payout looks pretty good to. If there are 35 anglers, Robin pay $142 for first, $91 for second and $47 for third, along with $70 for big bass. If there are fewer than 21, he cuts out big bass.
Robin said he only pays three places and big bass to keep the payout high enough to make it worthwhile. He said he did that because of an experience where he won $12 for finishing tenth in a contest with about 30 anglers at another lake.
I don't know what other pot tournaments pay, but these seem to be pretty good. That fishermen kept coming all season, even when Buckeye finally went onto its summer doldrums, says they like the format.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Open tournament on Muskingum
Just received this information from Mick Sturgill of the Perry County Bass Club, which sponsors the Junior Renegades:
The 3rd annual Renegades River Rumble bass tournament on the Muskingum River will take place Sunday Oct. 10, out of the McConnelsville ramp across from the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration from 5 to 6:15 a.m. at the ramp. Pre-paid entry fee is $50 with $60 charged the day of the event. This tournament is a team event with two entrants per boat. Boaters will be permitted to lock through to the upper or lower pools. Returning to the weigh-in on time will be the responsibility of the boaters.
The River Rumble is a fundraiser that helps pay tournament expenses for the Junior Renegade fishing club for the upcoming 2011 tournament season.
With a 50-boat field, the tournament will pay ten places and big bass. First place with a full field will pay $400. Individual trophies will be awarded for the top three places as well as for the big bass of the tournament. Takeoff will be determined by the order entries are received.
For more information, contact Charlene Eckert at 740-559-3067 or Mick Sturgill at 740-342-5366.
Singree recovering
Mick also reported that Casey Singree, who as a member of the Junior Renegades won the FLW Ohio Bass Federation State Junior Championship in 2007, was involved in a serious auto accident recently and is at Ohio State University Hospital. He is reported to be recovering, but can't have visitors. He can receive cards.
The 3rd annual Renegades River Rumble bass tournament on the Muskingum River will take place Sunday Oct. 10, out of the McConnelsville ramp across from the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration from 5 to 6:15 a.m. at the ramp. Pre-paid entry fee is $50 with $60 charged the day of the event. This tournament is a team event with two entrants per boat. Boaters will be permitted to lock through to the upper or lower pools. Returning to the weigh-in on time will be the responsibility of the boaters.
The River Rumble is a fundraiser that helps pay tournament expenses for the Junior Renegade fishing club for the upcoming 2011 tournament season.
With a 50-boat field, the tournament will pay ten places and big bass. First place with a full field will pay $400. Individual trophies will be awarded for the top three places as well as for the big bass of the tournament. Takeoff will be determined by the order entries are received.
For more information, contact Charlene Eckert at 740-559-3067 or Mick Sturgill at 740-342-5366.
Singree recovering
Mick also reported that Casey Singree, who as a member of the Junior Renegades won the FLW Ohio Bass Federation State Junior Championship in 2007, was involved in a serious auto accident recently and is at Ohio State University Hospital. He is reported to be recovering, but can't have visitors. He can receive cards.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Kids fishing derby planned
Victory Baptist Church will hold a free fishing derby for kids age 2 to 15 Sept. 25 at Emswiler Farms on Morse Road in Pataskala. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the organizers wil provide fishing equipment if the child has none.
The event is catch and release and two fishing rods and reels il be given away as prizes. Registration forms can be found at area bait and tackle stores (I saw them at Bob's Outdoor Supply in Newark) or contct John Norris at (740) 739-2859.
The event is catch and release and two fishing rods and reels il be given away as prizes. Registration forms can be found at area bait and tackle stores (I saw them at Bob's Outdoor Supply in Newark) or contct John Norris at (740) 739-2859.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Warning lifted at Burr Oak
Algae warning signs at Burr Oak State Park and Stonelick State Park have been removed as tests have shown the water is now safe for swimmers, the Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday. Officials also said Cutler Lake at Blue Rock State Park and Lake LaDue are now safe for boaters, although people are still cautioned not to touch the water.
Six public lakes and two Lake Erie beaches could still pose health threats due to toxins released by blue-green algae blooms.
As expected, cooler temperatures have been causing the blooms to dwindle.
Six public lakes and two Lake Erie beaches could still pose health threats due to toxins released by blue-green algae blooms.
As expected, cooler temperatures have been causing the blooms to dwindle.
Tappan park, marina accessible
Construction on Ohio 250 east of Tappan Lake has apparently created some problems getting to lake facilities. For those thinking of going there, this release may ease your concerns:
"Tappan Lake Park, Tappan Marina and other facilities at the lake are open as usual while improvements are made to Rt. 250 east of the lake over the next two months.
"Both lanes have been closed on a two-mile stretch of Rt. 250 from just east of the former Coultrap’s store to just west of the former Mallernee’s Market for the work. The Ohio Department of Transportation project is expected to take about 45 days and includes new concrete pavement, new culverts, new guardrail and signs.
"While a detour for traffic has been established around the construction zone onto Rt. 151 and Rt. 9, Tappan Lake area businesses and attractions are reminding visitors that they are open as usual. Drivers traveling from east of the construction project on Rt. 250 who access Tappan Lake facilities such as the Tappan Marina, boat launch ramp across Rt. 250 from the marina and Tappan Lake Park, can still reach those destinations along Rt. 250. Signs will be posted.
"For details and additional travel information contact Tappan Lake Park at (740) 922-3649 or tappan@mwcd.org, or Tappan Marina at (740) 269-2031 or tmarina@tusco.net.
"For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
"Tappan Lake Park, Tappan Marina and other facilities at the lake are open as usual while improvements are made to Rt. 250 east of the lake over the next two months.
"Both lanes have been closed on a two-mile stretch of Rt. 250 from just east of the former Coultrap’s store to just west of the former Mallernee’s Market for the work. The Ohio Department of Transportation project is expected to take about 45 days and includes new concrete pavement, new culverts, new guardrail and signs.
"While a detour for traffic has been established around the construction zone onto Rt. 151 and Rt. 9, Tappan Lake area businesses and attractions are reminding visitors that they are open as usual. Drivers traveling from east of the construction project on Rt. 250 who access Tappan Lake facilities such as the Tappan Marina, boat launch ramp across Rt. 250 from the marina and Tappan Lake Park, can still reach those destinations along Rt. 250. Signs will be posted.
"For details and additional travel information contact Tappan Lake Park at (740) 922-3649 or tappan@mwcd.org, or Tappan Marina at (740) 269-2031 or tmarina@tusco.net.
"For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Shawger wins at Alum
Like most people who have fished Alum Creek Lake for bass recently, the members of Y-City Bass Club found keeper bass hard to come by Sunday. Out of 24 members competing, 16 brought a total of 37 fish to the scales and only one five-fish limit was recorded.
Winner Tyler Shawger was the only angler to boat a limit, his five fish weighing 5.93 pounds. Taking second was Drew Allen, who had only three fish, but his .02-pound catch included the big bass of the tournament, a 3.08-pound fish.
Ryan Boyer placed third with three bass weighing 4.21 pounds, Kenny Simpson was fourth with three fish weighing 3.96 pounds and Wesley Hammer finished fifth with four bass weighing 3.81 pounds.
The club's final regular tournament of the season will take place Sept. 26 at Hoover Reservoir.
With only Hoover remaining, Wesley Hammer is in first place in the club standings, leading the Angler of the Year race by 26 points over Ryan Boyer and 35 over Mike King. Although it is theoretically possible for someone to catch Hammer, it is unlikely. I think Y-City uses a 100-point scale (plus some bonus points), so if Hammer simply catches one keeper he would have to finish 26 places behind Boyer to fall out of first! Of course, if he bombs, there could be a dramatic change at the top.
Winner Tyler Shawger was the only angler to boat a limit, his five fish weighing 5.93 pounds. Taking second was Drew Allen, who had only three fish, but his .02-pound catch included the big bass of the tournament, a 3.08-pound fish.
Ryan Boyer placed third with three bass weighing 4.21 pounds, Kenny Simpson was fourth with three fish weighing 3.96 pounds and Wesley Hammer finished fifth with four bass weighing 3.81 pounds.
The club's final regular tournament of the season will take place Sept. 26 at Hoover Reservoir.
With only Hoover remaining, Wesley Hammer is in first place in the club standings, leading the Angler of the Year race by 26 points over Ryan Boyer and 35 over Mike King. Although it is theoretically possible for someone to catch Hammer, it is unlikely. I think Y-City uses a 100-point scale (plus some bonus points), so if Hammer simply catches one keeper he would have to finish 26 places behind Boyer to fall out of first! Of course, if he bombs, there could be a dramatic change at the top.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Fulks wins at Delaware
With one tournament left, Kenny Fulks could probably skip it and still win the Southern Ohio Bassmasters Angler of the Year title. I'll have to wait and see the point totals the see if that is actually right, but Kenny cemented his hold on the top spot by winning the club tournament Sunday at Delaware Reservoir.
Kenny had five bass weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces to edge out Eric Woodrow, who had three bass weighing 6 pounds, 7.2 ounces. Eric also had the tournament's big bass at 3 pounds, 12.2 ounces.
The rest of the top five had five-fish limits. Tom Sherfy finished third ith 5 pounds, 11.2 ounces, Greg Montgomery placed fourth with 5 pounds, 4.6 ounces and Mike Baughman took fifth with 4 pounds, 12.6 ounces.
Out of 22 members fishing, 16 weighed in 48 keeper bass.
The day started out nice enough: It was overcast and I even felt a few rain drops as sped up the lake after the blastoff. Unfortunately, the skies cleared and the wind soon picked up and blew all day.
I should have taken advantage of the early overcast and worked some topwater lures, especially the popper I had tied on one rod, but maybe because I missed a fish early on the hand-poured senko-type bait I thought was going to work, I never did.
I can be amazingly hard-headed when I'm fishing and I persisted with the stickbait despite the wind, although I did lose what might have been a keeper on one of Bob Mathie's cut baits. With the combination of wind and sun I probably should have spent more time throwing a spinnerbait, but instead, when I wasn't stubbornly throwing the plastics, I threw a variety of crankbaits. In my defense, those have usually been productive for me on Delaware.
I wound up with just a few small bass caught on the stickbait and was one of the six members who failed to weigh in a fish.
We have one regular tournament left, on Sept 26 on the Muskingum River. Maybe I can at least regain some confidence there.
Open reminder
Sunday, Sept. 19, is the Chuck Murrey Memorial Fund Raiser bass tournament at Dillon. For an entry form, you can visit the Southern Ohio club website or you should be able to find entry forms at tackle shops and bait stores in the Zanesville and Newark area. Teams can also enter at the ramp. Blastoff is at 7 a.m.
Kenny had five bass weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces to edge out Eric Woodrow, who had three bass weighing 6 pounds, 7.2 ounces. Eric also had the tournament's big bass at 3 pounds, 12.2 ounces.
The rest of the top five had five-fish limits. Tom Sherfy finished third ith 5 pounds, 11.2 ounces, Greg Montgomery placed fourth with 5 pounds, 4.6 ounces and Mike Baughman took fifth with 4 pounds, 12.6 ounces.
Out of 22 members fishing, 16 weighed in 48 keeper bass.
The day started out nice enough: It was overcast and I even felt a few rain drops as sped up the lake after the blastoff. Unfortunately, the skies cleared and the wind soon picked up and blew all day.
I should have taken advantage of the early overcast and worked some topwater lures, especially the popper I had tied on one rod, but maybe because I missed a fish early on the hand-poured senko-type bait I thought was going to work, I never did.
I can be amazingly hard-headed when I'm fishing and I persisted with the stickbait despite the wind, although I did lose what might have been a keeper on one of Bob Mathie's cut baits. With the combination of wind and sun I probably should have spent more time throwing a spinnerbait, but instead, when I wasn't stubbornly throwing the plastics, I threw a variety of crankbaits. In my defense, those have usually been productive for me on Delaware.
I wound up with just a few small bass caught on the stickbait and was one of the six members who failed to weigh in a fish.
We have one regular tournament left, on Sept 26 on the Muskingum River. Maybe I can at least regain some confidence there.
Open reminder
Sunday, Sept. 19, is the Chuck Murrey Memorial Fund Raiser bass tournament at Dillon. For an entry form, you can visit the Southern Ohio club website or you should be able to find entry forms at tackle shops and bait stores in the Zanesville and Newark area. Teams can also enter at the ramp. Blastoff is at 7 a.m.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sediment study at MWCD
Sedimentation is a major problem at some Ohio lakes. Actually, it's almost inevitable. After all, when you interrupt a stream's flow, it will drop the sediment it carries in the new pool that is formed. How bad it gets depends on the nature of the land the stream drains and how big the stream is.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has lakes that at 70 to 75 years old. They have, nd still are, doing an excellent job of mitigating flood damage in the Muskingum River drainage system. BNut the lakes are also a valuable recreational resource and accumulating sediment is hurting those recreational uses, especially boating and fishing. Of the MWCD lakes I am familiar with, Wills Creek and Charles Mill are the worst. From what I have read, Beach City may be even worse.
Anyway, about a month ago, I received the following release from MWCD about an agreement with the Civil Engineering Department at Ohio University to organize all the available information on sedimentation patterns at the MWCD lakes, a valuable step in developing dredging plans at the lakes. I meant to pass it along sooner, but it slipped my mind. Here it is:
OU-MWCD agreement
Ohio University will assist the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) in development of dredging plans for the MWCD reservoirs.
In an agreement approved recently by the MWCD Board of Directors, graduate students and staff members from the Civil Engineering Department of the university at Athens will research the MWCD reservoirs to inventory all existing sediment information and prepare for future erosion modeling. The Ohio University study, scheduled to be completed by early next year, is not expected to cost the MWCD more than $50,000.
“Ohio University previously assisted the MWCD with a sediment study at Charles Mill Reservoir in preparation for the dredging project that occurred there in the 1990s,” said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. “The study then was performed under the direction of Dr. Tiao J. Chang from the university’s Civil Engineering Department, and Dr. Chang again will oversee this study on all 10 of the permanent MWCD reservoirs.”
The MWCD reservoirs to be studied by Ohio University are Atwood, Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, Tappan and Wills Creek. Those are the reservoirs with permanent pools of water, or lakes, located behind dams as part of the flood-reduction system constructed more than 70 years ago in the Muskingum River Watershed.
Understanding sediment deposit characteristics and patterns at each reservoir will permit MWCD staff to plan and prioritize the sediment removal (or dredging) operations, Slogar said. In addition, identifying the prominent sources of sediment from each reservoir’s watershed will permit future conservation program efforts to focus on problem areas and potentially partner with other agencies and groups for solutions.
“We look forward to working with Ohio University and Dr. Chang, and receiving this information that will be very valuable to the MWCD for years to come,” Slogar said.
The MWCD also has taken a step toward finalizing an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for planned rehabilitation work at Bolivar Dam located in northern Tuscarawas and southern Stark counties. MWCD Board members have approved providing the USACE with a letter of intent that the MWCD will serve as the local non-federal cost-share sponsor for the work, which is expected to begin in 2012. The project is estimated to cost more than $165 million, with the MWCD’s share to be nearly $38 million, according to the USACE.
The USACE is seeking final approval for the Project Partnership Agreement between the MWCD and the USACE for the project, and after the partnering document is approved by the Department of the Army, both agencies can sign it.
The work at Bolivar Dam – which primarily will involve the installation of barriers and other methods to address seepage at the dam – is the second of the priority projects to be conducted by the USACE in the system of dams and reservoirs in the MWCD region. The USACE, which owns and operates the dams in the system, plans to award a contract later this year for work at Dover Dam in northern Tuscarawas County. Other priority projects are planned at Beach City Dam in northern Tuscarawas County, Mohawk Dam in Coshocton County and Zoar Levee located behind Dover Dam in northern Tuscarawas County.
The priority projects are estimated to cost up to $660 million with the MWCD’s share expected to total up to $138.6 million, according to the USACE.
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has lakes that at 70 to 75 years old. They have, nd still are, doing an excellent job of mitigating flood damage in the Muskingum River drainage system. BNut the lakes are also a valuable recreational resource and accumulating sediment is hurting those recreational uses, especially boating and fishing. Of the MWCD lakes I am familiar with, Wills Creek and Charles Mill are the worst. From what I have read, Beach City may be even worse.
Anyway, about a month ago, I received the following release from MWCD about an agreement with the Civil Engineering Department at Ohio University to organize all the available information on sedimentation patterns at the MWCD lakes, a valuable step in developing dredging plans at the lakes. I meant to pass it along sooner, but it slipped my mind. Here it is:
OU-MWCD agreement
Ohio University will assist the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) in development of dredging plans for the MWCD reservoirs.
In an agreement approved recently by the MWCD Board of Directors, graduate students and staff members from the Civil Engineering Department of the university at Athens will research the MWCD reservoirs to inventory all existing sediment information and prepare for future erosion modeling. The Ohio University study, scheduled to be completed by early next year, is not expected to cost the MWCD more than $50,000.
“Ohio University previously assisted the MWCD with a sediment study at Charles Mill Reservoir in preparation for the dredging project that occurred there in the 1990s,” said Boris E. Slogar, MWCD chief engineer. “The study then was performed under the direction of Dr. Tiao J. Chang from the university’s Civil Engineering Department, and Dr. Chang again will oversee this study on all 10 of the permanent MWCD reservoirs.”
The MWCD reservoirs to be studied by Ohio University are Atwood, Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, Tappan and Wills Creek. Those are the reservoirs with permanent pools of water, or lakes, located behind dams as part of the flood-reduction system constructed more than 70 years ago in the Muskingum River Watershed.
Understanding sediment deposit characteristics and patterns at each reservoir will permit MWCD staff to plan and prioritize the sediment removal (or dredging) operations, Slogar said. In addition, identifying the prominent sources of sediment from each reservoir’s watershed will permit future conservation program efforts to focus on problem areas and potentially partner with other agencies and groups for solutions.
“We look forward to working with Ohio University and Dr. Chang, and receiving this information that will be very valuable to the MWCD for years to come,” Slogar said.
The MWCD also has taken a step toward finalizing an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for planned rehabilitation work at Bolivar Dam located in northern Tuscarawas and southern Stark counties. MWCD Board members have approved providing the USACE with a letter of intent that the MWCD will serve as the local non-federal cost-share sponsor for the work, which is expected to begin in 2012. The project is estimated to cost more than $165 million, with the MWCD’s share to be nearly $38 million, according to the USACE.
The USACE is seeking final approval for the Project Partnership Agreement between the MWCD and the USACE for the project, and after the partnering document is approved by the Department of the Army, both agencies can sign it.
The work at Bolivar Dam – which primarily will involve the installation of barriers and other methods to address seepage at the dam – is the second of the priority projects to be conducted by the USACE in the system of dams and reservoirs in the MWCD region. The USACE, which owns and operates the dams in the system, plans to award a contract later this year for work at Dover Dam in northern Tuscarawas County. Other priority projects are planned at Beach City Dam in northern Tuscarawas County, Mohawk Dam in Coshocton County and Zoar Levee located behind Dover Dam in northern Tuscarawas County.
The priority projects are estimated to cost up to $660 million with the MWCD’s share expected to total up to $138.6 million, according to the USACE.
For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fishing report
With the arrival of Labor Day, my fishing enthusiasm starts building again. Some of the best fishing of the year will occur in the next two months and I hope to take advantage of it.
And if we have a warm season, I might still be fishing Thanksgiving weekend. Last year, I was fishing in shirtleeves on Nov. 21 and I can remember another fall when I was catching bass on crankbaits at Dillon the weekend before Thanksgiving.
I have known people who hang their rods up when September arrives because hunting seasons start, but, not being a hunter, I have never understood why. Why not do both?
Anyway, it means less fishing pressure on the water and, best of all, less pleasure boat and waterskiing traffic.
I've been out twice so far this month. Gary Frazier and I hit the Muskingum River above Zanesville the afternoon of Sept. 1 and had a decent trip. The river was low and there was no surface activity, but we managed t boat 13 bass, a mix of smallmouth, spotted bass and largemouth.
The largest was a 15 1/2-inch smallmouth I caught on a black/blue flake senko-type bait. We also caught fish on crankbaits, jigs and craw worms.
If you want to have fun catching bass and you don't care if they're not trophy fish, I recommend the McConnelsville and Rokeby Lock pools. Fish for spotted bass with surface lures, small crankbaits and spinners, as well as worms and jigs, and you can have a lot of fun.
Especially watch for spots chasing baitfish around sandbars and throw a Pop-R or Baby Chug Bug to the action.
On Labor Day (Sept. 6), my daughter, Lindsey, and I headed to Delaware Lake, where I have a tournament this Sunday. The lake was a little low, but not enough to be a problem, but the water color was odd. Although not bad in the lower lake or in te river, it was murky at mid-lake.
But that wasn't a problem. What was a problem was the strong south wind blowing constantly out of the south. It was a pain to work against it and it moved you too fast to work with it.
Also, the schools of shad you normally see on the surface this time of year were not in evidence. (They were there, just not on the surface or being chased by bass.)
We only caught one bass each, but I have a good idea what I'm going to do Sunday. I just hope the weather cooperates.
We did spot some osprey and an eagle, so it was still a good day on the water.
And if we have a warm season, I might still be fishing Thanksgiving weekend. Last year, I was fishing in shirtleeves on Nov. 21 and I can remember another fall when I was catching bass on crankbaits at Dillon the weekend before Thanksgiving.
I have known people who hang their rods up when September arrives because hunting seasons start, but, not being a hunter, I have never understood why. Why not do both?
Anyway, it means less fishing pressure on the water and, best of all, less pleasure boat and waterskiing traffic.
I've been out twice so far this month. Gary Frazier and I hit the Muskingum River above Zanesville the afternoon of Sept. 1 and had a decent trip. The river was low and there was no surface activity, but we managed t boat 13 bass, a mix of smallmouth, spotted bass and largemouth.
The largest was a 15 1/2-inch smallmouth I caught on a black/blue flake senko-type bait. We also caught fish on crankbaits, jigs and craw worms.
If you want to have fun catching bass and you don't care if they're not trophy fish, I recommend the McConnelsville and Rokeby Lock pools. Fish for spotted bass with surface lures, small crankbaits and spinners, as well as worms and jigs, and you can have a lot of fun.
Especially watch for spots chasing baitfish around sandbars and throw a Pop-R or Baby Chug Bug to the action.
On Labor Day (Sept. 6), my daughter, Lindsey, and I headed to Delaware Lake, where I have a tournament this Sunday. The lake was a little low, but not enough to be a problem, but the water color was odd. Although not bad in the lower lake or in te river, it was murky at mid-lake.
But that wasn't a problem. What was a problem was the strong south wind blowing constantly out of the south. It was a pain to work against it and it moved you too fast to work with it.
Also, the schools of shad you normally see on the surface this time of year were not in evidence. (They were there, just not on the surface or being chased by bass.)
We only caught one bass each, but I have a good idea what I'm going to do Sunday. I just hope the weather cooperates.
We did spot some osprey and an eagle, so it was still a good day on the water.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Cranberry Alum Creek results
I was wrong about action at Alum Creek picking up -- at least in time for the Cranberry Marsh Bass Club tournament there Sunday, Aug. 29, a hot, sunny day with a lot of boat traffic.
Out of 30 members participating, 15 caught a total of 24 keeper bass. Bub Cooksey had the most success, winning the contest with four bass weighing 4.65 pounds. He was followed by Otis McCloud, who had two fish weighing 3.2 pounds, including a 1.9-pound fish that took big bass honors.
Neil Butt finished third with three bass weighing 3.18 pounds, Brett Richards was fourth with two bass weighing 2.23 pounds and Jerry Mossman placed fifth with two bass weighing 2 pounds.
Mossman's finish was not only enough to keep him in first place in the club standings, he increased his lead over the second-place angler. He has a 12-point lead over Neil Butt, 15 over Dick Bowman, 17 over Brett Richards and 18 over Bub Cooksey.
The club uses a 50-point scoring system, so Mossman is in good shape heading into the final tournament Sept. 26 at Delaware Lake. It's not impossible for someone to pass him, but if he catches fish in the last tournament (which he has done consistently all season), it will be difficult. Butt, for example, would have to finish 12 places ahead of Mossman just to tie.
The location of the club championship tournament will be determined after the Delaware contest.
Mega Bass results
The Ohio Mega Bass Tournament TRail was also at Alum Creek Sunday, with better results than Cranberry. Jami Norman and Kevin Ward topped the 41-boat field with 5 bass weighing 10.09 pounds. M. Smith and Larry Hall were second with five bass weighing 9.31 pounds.
John and Cody Dawson finished third with 8.52 pounds. They only had two fish, but one weighed 6.26 pounds and was big bass for the tournament.
Scott Newlon and Kevin Collins placed fourth with five bass weighing 7.68 pounds and John and Rich Wisenbarger were fifth with three bass weighing 6.88 pounds.
Thirty-three teams weighed in a total of 90 bass. For the complete results, visit the Ohio Mega Bass website.
Out of 30 members participating, 15 caught a total of 24 keeper bass. Bub Cooksey had the most success, winning the contest with four bass weighing 4.65 pounds. He was followed by Otis McCloud, who had two fish weighing 3.2 pounds, including a 1.9-pound fish that took big bass honors.
Neil Butt finished third with three bass weighing 3.18 pounds, Brett Richards was fourth with two bass weighing 2.23 pounds and Jerry Mossman placed fifth with two bass weighing 2 pounds.
Mossman's finish was not only enough to keep him in first place in the club standings, he increased his lead over the second-place angler. He has a 12-point lead over Neil Butt, 15 over Dick Bowman, 17 over Brett Richards and 18 over Bub Cooksey.
The club uses a 50-point scoring system, so Mossman is in good shape heading into the final tournament Sept. 26 at Delaware Lake. It's not impossible for someone to pass him, but if he catches fish in the last tournament (which he has done consistently all season), it will be difficult. Butt, for example, would have to finish 12 places ahead of Mossman just to tie.
The location of the club championship tournament will be determined after the Delaware contest.
Mega Bass results
The Ohio Mega Bass Tournament TRail was also at Alum Creek Sunday, with better results than Cranberry. Jami Norman and Kevin Ward topped the 41-boat field with 5 bass weighing 10.09 pounds. M. Smith and Larry Hall were second with five bass weighing 9.31 pounds.
John and Cody Dawson finished third with 8.52 pounds. They only had two fish, but one weighed 6.26 pounds and was big bass for the tournament.
Scott Newlon and Kevin Collins placed fourth with five bass weighing 7.68 pounds and John and Rich Wisenbarger were fifth with three bass weighing 6.88 pounds.
Thirty-three teams weighed in a total of 90 bass. For the complete results, visit the Ohio Mega Bass website.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Turnout still good at Buckeye
The fishing continues to be tough in the Tuesday evening bass tournaments at Buckeye Lake, but participation is still good. Last week (Aug. 17), 28 anglers showed up and this week (Aug. 24), 30 anglers participated.
This week, Dave Mocks and Fran Tippton won with two fish that weighed 4.75 pounds and took big bass honors with a 3.69-pound fish. Shaun Magers and Dana Moran finished second with two bass that weighed 3.01 pounds.
Joey dams ad Jim Kughn placed third with two bass that weighed 2.24 pounds, Doug Bennett and Dave Hinerman took fourth with a 2.08-pound fish and Ty Nauer and Rod Stufflebean were fifth with a 1.58-pound fish.
On Aug. 17, Randy Swihart and Bob Conaway took first with two bass that weighed 2.88 pounds, while Scott Clark was a close second with two fish that weighed 2.54 pounds.
Mike Gitting finished third and took big bass honors with a 2.01-pound fish, Chuck and Ryan Davis placed fourth with a 1.64-pound bass and Wayne and Dusty Baker were fifth with a 1.15-pound fish.
The action may be slow at Buckeye, but the turnout's still good. I think organizer Robin Cross is probably right when he says the 100 percent payback is attractive. I have heard a couple anglers comment that they prefer tournaments where the fishing is tough for everyone because they know they can get in the money with only a couple bass. On the other hand, if everyone is catching fish, they know they have to have a "kicker" as part of a limit catch to hope to get in the money.
Frankly, the bass fishing has been tough at most area lakes, not just Buckeye, although I expect it to start turning around soon. However, I've heard the rivers are a different story. I haven't been to any of the smallmouth spots I like, but I've heard the spotted bass were hitting on the Muskingum Rver at the Rokeby Lock pool (Gaysport) last week and I expect the rest of the river is producing similar activity.
If anyone has any reports, let me know at seoangler@gmail.com
This week, Dave Mocks and Fran Tippton won with two fish that weighed 4.75 pounds and took big bass honors with a 3.69-pound fish. Shaun Magers and Dana Moran finished second with two bass that weighed 3.01 pounds.
Joey dams ad Jim Kughn placed third with two bass that weighed 2.24 pounds, Doug Bennett and Dave Hinerman took fourth with a 2.08-pound fish and Ty Nauer and Rod Stufflebean were fifth with a 1.58-pound fish.
On Aug. 17, Randy Swihart and Bob Conaway took first with two bass that weighed 2.88 pounds, while Scott Clark was a close second with two fish that weighed 2.54 pounds.
Mike Gitting finished third and took big bass honors with a 2.01-pound fish, Chuck and Ryan Davis placed fourth with a 1.64-pound bass and Wayne and Dusty Baker were fifth with a 1.15-pound fish.
The action may be slow at Buckeye, but the turnout's still good. I think organizer Robin Cross is probably right when he says the 100 percent payback is attractive. I have heard a couple anglers comment that they prefer tournaments where the fishing is tough for everyone because they know they can get in the money with only a couple bass. On the other hand, if everyone is catching fish, they know they have to have a "kicker" as part of a limit catch to hope to get in the money.
Frankly, the bass fishing has been tough at most area lakes, not just Buckeye, although I expect it to start turning around soon. However, I've heard the rivers are a different story. I haven't been to any of the smallmouth spots I like, but I've heard the spotted bass were hitting on the Muskingum Rver at the Rokeby Lock pool (Gaysport) last week and I expect the rest of the river is producing similar activity.
If anyone has any reports, let me know at seoangler@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Dillon off warning list
There is good news for visitors to Dillon State Park, Lake Loramie and Lake Hope. The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday that warning signs posted at those three lakes have been removed after two weeks of testing showed no signs of the nerve and liver toxins that can be produced by blue-green algae. State officials said the three lakes will continue to be closely monitored and warning signs could go back up if the toxins are detected.
Although those lakes have been cleared, the 32-acre lake at Mount Gilead State Park has been added to the list of places (now at 15) where visitors are being warned to keep contact with the water at a minimum.
Alum Creek State Park and Delaware State Park are on the list of warnings, but the bodies of water affected are not the main lakes, but rather ponds located within the parks.
When I was at Delaware last week, I did see an unusual patch of what looked like algae, but it was gray, not any of the blue-green shades associated with the algae people are on the lookout for. However, I don't know what it was.
For information on harmful algae blooms, check out this article from the Ohio Department of Health.
For pictures of both the dangerous blue-green algae and of common harmless algae, check out the link at the end of the article. There are also links to the Ohio EPA and ODNR informatin on blue-green algae.
Blue rock campground reopens
BLUE ROCK -- Good news for fans of Blue Rock State Park: Water is being trucked in and campers and park visitors are welcome once again to use Blue Rock State Park, located south of Zanesville near the Muskingum River, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
According to the announcement I found on the ODNR website, the campground and store at the park are now being supplied with water which is being trucked in, replacing the normal water supply from Cutler Lake. Drinking water is available at water fountains and the shower house in the campground has been re-opened. The park’s water treatment station was recently shut down after an algae bloom was observed in the lake.
The next special event at the park is the Annual Fall Camp Out on Oct. 2.
For more information, contact the Dillon State Park Region office at 740-453-4377.
Although those lakes have been cleared, the 32-acre lake at Mount Gilead State Park has been added to the list of places (now at 15) where visitors are being warned to keep contact with the water at a minimum.
Alum Creek State Park and Delaware State Park are on the list of warnings, but the bodies of water affected are not the main lakes, but rather ponds located within the parks.
When I was at Delaware last week, I did see an unusual patch of what looked like algae, but it was gray, not any of the blue-green shades associated with the algae people are on the lookout for. However, I don't know what it was.
For information on harmful algae blooms, check out this article from the Ohio Department of Health.
For pictures of both the dangerous blue-green algae and of common harmless algae, check out the link at the end of the article. There are also links to the Ohio EPA and ODNR informatin on blue-green algae.
Blue rock campground reopens
BLUE ROCK -- Good news for fans of Blue Rock State Park: Water is being trucked in and campers and park visitors are welcome once again to use Blue Rock State Park, located south of Zanesville near the Muskingum River, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
According to the announcement I found on the ODNR website, the campground and store at the park are now being supplied with water which is being trucked in, replacing the normal water supply from Cutler Lake. Drinking water is available at water fountains and the shower house in the campground has been re-opened. The park’s water treatment station was recently shut down after an algae bloom was observed in the lake.
The next special event at the park is the Annual Fall Camp Out on Oct. 2.
For more information, contact the Dillon State Park Region office at 740-453-4377.
Eckert wins OBF Youth championship
Former Junior National Champion Daryk Eckert won the senior division of the Ohio Bass Federation Junior Championship held at O'Shaughnessy Reservoir Sunday, Aug. 22. There were a total of 67 youth in the two divisions of the tournament, but Eckert was the only angler to master the lake, with five bass weighing 5.88 pounds to win the 15-18 age group.
The second place angler, Johnny McKenzie of the River Valley Juniors, had only one bass, but it was the division's big bass at 2.94 pounds.
Haleigh Caldwell of the Gallipolis Junior Bass Busters finished third with two bass weighing 2.68 pounds, Jarrett Martin, also of the Gallipolis club, was fourth with two bass weighing 2.56 pounds, and Max Kaufman placed fifth with a 2.47-pound bass.
Kaufman and Eckert are listed as belonging to the "CJB" club, but OBF Youth Director Mick Sturgill tells me Eckert is a member of the Renegades, sponsored by the Perry County Anglers. As for "CJB" I haven't figured out whether it stands for Columbus or Cincinnati Junior Bass Anglers.
Over in the 11-14 age group, Tristian Walters, also of "CJB" won the division with two bass weighing 3.91 pounds, including a 2.15-pound bass that took big bass honors.
Alex Connor of the SS Minnows finished second with a 1.3-pound fish, A.J. Bright of Tri-County Junior Bass Masters placed third with a 1.14-pound bass, Reese Eddleblute of the Perry County Renegades took fourth with a 1.07-pound bass and Kyler Bennett of Wlnut Springs Fishing Club was fifth with a 1.06-pound fish.
The second place angler, Johnny McKenzie of the River Valley Juniors, had only one bass, but it was the division's big bass at 2.94 pounds.
Haleigh Caldwell of the Gallipolis Junior Bass Busters finished third with two bass weighing 2.68 pounds, Jarrett Martin, also of the Gallipolis club, was fourth with two bass weighing 2.56 pounds, and Max Kaufman placed fifth with a 2.47-pound bass.
Kaufman and Eckert are listed as belonging to the "CJB" club, but OBF Youth Director Mick Sturgill tells me Eckert is a member of the Renegades, sponsored by the Perry County Anglers. As for "CJB" I haven't figured out whether it stands for Columbus or Cincinnati Junior Bass Anglers.
Over in the 11-14 age group, Tristian Walters, also of "CJB" won the division with two bass weighing 3.91 pounds, including a 2.15-pound bass that took big bass honors.
Alex Connor of the SS Minnows finished second with a 1.3-pound fish, A.J. Bright of Tri-County Junior Bass Masters placed third with a 1.14-pound bass, Reese Eddleblute of the Perry County Renegades took fourth with a 1.07-pound bass and Kyler Bennett of Wlnut Springs Fishing Club was fifth with a 1.06-pound fish.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Alum Creek looking better
I think the bass fishing is starting to pick up at Alum Creek. Most of the reports I've heard during the past few weeks have been of slow action and a tough time finding keepers.
But that's been true almost everywhere in the oppressive heat we were enduring.
I didn't have any plans to go to Alum any time soon since it's not my favorite lake and I don't have a tournament there this year. Delaware is where I hope to spend more time soon (more on that in a minute).
Anyway, Wayne Hanley called me Saturday morning and asked if I wanted to go to Alum with him that afternoon. He is getting ready for the Cranberry Marsh Bass CLub tournament there Sunday and wanted to check out some areas.
I had no plans, so I said sure, grabbed some rods and tackle (and my rain suit) and we got to the lake about 11 a.m.
Without giving away any of the places we fished or how he caught his fish, I will say that after two heavy rains and six or seven hours of fishing, Wayne had put nine or 10 bass in the boat, at least three of which were solid keepers. Unfortunately, I only put one keeper in the boat. I did miss several fish, but we were fishing deeper and slower than I usually fish and my timing was way off.
I suspect that with the more reasonable temperatures predicted for this week, the shallow water action will be improving. I'd be more confident of that if more rain were in the forecast, but I still think Cranberry will have a decent tournament there Sunday.
I'm just glad I don't have to figure it out, as that lake is usually mean to me in tournaments, whatever the conditions.
I much prefer fishing Delaware, which my daughter, Lindsey, and I did Wednesday evening. We didn't have a good evening. I only caught one bass and missed a couple others, while she caught a sunfish on a crankbait.
I didn't know what to expect, as I had not been at Delaware yet this season, but the lake was a good color and the shad were active on the surface with some feeding activity going on. I did find bass in two of the four areas we were able to check out, so that was encouraging, and we did got to enjoy watching two osprey feed so it was at least an enjoyable evening.
Next time should be better.
But that's been true almost everywhere in the oppressive heat we were enduring.
I didn't have any plans to go to Alum any time soon since it's not my favorite lake and I don't have a tournament there this year. Delaware is where I hope to spend more time soon (more on that in a minute).
Anyway, Wayne Hanley called me Saturday morning and asked if I wanted to go to Alum with him that afternoon. He is getting ready for the Cranberry Marsh Bass CLub tournament there Sunday and wanted to check out some areas.
I had no plans, so I said sure, grabbed some rods and tackle (and my rain suit) and we got to the lake about 11 a.m.
Without giving away any of the places we fished or how he caught his fish, I will say that after two heavy rains and six or seven hours of fishing, Wayne had put nine or 10 bass in the boat, at least three of which were solid keepers. Unfortunately, I only put one keeper in the boat. I did miss several fish, but we were fishing deeper and slower than I usually fish and my timing was way off.
I suspect that with the more reasonable temperatures predicted for this week, the shallow water action will be improving. I'd be more confident of that if more rain were in the forecast, but I still think Cranberry will have a decent tournament there Sunday.
I'm just glad I don't have to figure it out, as that lake is usually mean to me in tournaments, whatever the conditions.
I much prefer fishing Delaware, which my daughter, Lindsey, and I did Wednesday evening. We didn't have a good evening. I only caught one bass and missed a couple others, while she caught a sunfish on a crankbait.
I didn't know what to expect, as I had not been at Delaware yet this season, but the lake was a good color and the shad were active on the surface with some feeding activity going on. I did find bass in two of the four areas we were able to check out, so that was encouraging, and we did got to enjoy watching two osprey feed so it was at least an enjoyable evening.
Next time should be better.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Duck blind drawings Saturday
Drawing for duck blinds have been set for Saturday, Aug. 21, by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Here's the announcement from ODNR:
COLUMBUS, OH – More than 370 permits are available to hunters wishing to hunt ducks and geese from a blind at an Ohio State Park lake this waterfowl hunting season. A lottery drawing for the permits will be held at 17 state parks and two wildlife areas the morning of Saturday, Aug. 21.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Harbor, Indian Lake, Kiser Lake and Lake Loramie in northwest Ohio; Buck Creek, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Hueston Woods, and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; and Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Buckeye Lake, Deer Creek, and Delaware in central Ohio.
Interested applicants must appear in person at a participating state park office with proof of a 2010 Ohio hunting license, state wetlands stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name, and a signed 2010 or 2009 federal duck stamp. Applicants under the age of 18 are encouraged to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the permit contract.
Applications will be taken beginning at 7:30 a.m. at most parks, with the lottery drawings at 8 a.m. at the park office, unless otherwise noted in the listing below.
Each hunter can apply for only one duck blind permit and no one can apply or draw for another person. There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee for the state park lottery winners. Most locations accept cash, checks or credit cards for payment, except for Portage Lakes where payment is by cash or check only. Lottery winners have 45 days to construct their blinds and all blinds must be dismantled by March 15, 2011.
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available through lottery drawings for blinds at Mercer Wildlife Area on Grand Lake St. Marys and Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, which is adjacent to Mosquito Lake State Park. The drawings will be held at the respective wildlife area offices on Aug. 21. There is no fee for use of the blinds at these areas.
Information on waterfowl hunting seasons, locations and restrictions will be discussed by park staff and wildlife officers during the lotteries. For general information about hunting seasons and regulations, call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife.
COLUMBUS, OH – More than 370 permits are available to hunters wishing to hunt ducks and geese from a blind at an Ohio State Park lake this waterfowl hunting season. A lottery drawing for the permits will be held at 17 state parks and two wildlife areas the morning of Saturday, Aug. 21.
Participating state parks include Portage Lakes and West Branch in northeast Ohio; East Harbor, Indian Lake, Kiser Lake and Lake Loramie in northwest Ohio; Buck Creek, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Hueston Woods, and Rocky Fork in southwest Ohio; and Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Buckeye Lake, Deer Creek, and Delaware in central Ohio.
Interested applicants must appear in person at a participating state park office with proof of a 2010 Ohio hunting license, state wetlands stamp endorsement in the applicant’s name, and a signed 2010 or 2009 federal duck stamp. Applicants under the age of 18 are encouraged to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the permit contract.
Applications will be taken beginning at 7:30 a.m. at most parks, with the lottery drawings at 8 a.m. at the park office, unless otherwise noted in the listing below.
Each hunter can apply for only one duck blind permit and no one can apply or draw for another person. There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee for the state park lottery winners. Most locations accept cash, checks or credit cards for payment, except for Portage Lakes where payment is by cash or check only. Lottery winners have 45 days to construct their blinds and all blinds must be dismantled by March 15, 2011.
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available through lottery drawings for blinds at Mercer Wildlife Area on Grand Lake St. Marys and Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, which is adjacent to Mosquito Lake State Park. The drawings will be held at the respective wildlife area offices on Aug. 21. There is no fee for use of the blinds at these areas.
Information on waterfowl hunting seasons, locations and restrictions will be discussed by park staff and wildlife officers during the lotteries. For general information about hunting seasons and regulations, call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
MWCD lakes not affected by toxic algae
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District issued a release Thursday announcing that none of its lakes are affected by the toxic algae that has closed down Grand Lake St. Mary's and raised concerns at numerous other lakes around Ohio. Here's the announcement:
"The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) lakes are not suffering from the potentially harmful effects of algae and continue to be safe for all routine recreational activities.
"Several lakes and bodies of water in locations around Ohio have had health advisories issued for them this summer because of the rates of potentially harmful algal blooms or toxins present in the water. The MWCD lakes are not included in those warnings and have exhibited no signs of the presence of any of the harmful toxins.
"Staff members have been visually monitoring the 10 MWCD lakes throughout the summer and have not found any unusual algae growth, said Mark Swiger, MWCD’s conservation administrator. The MWCD lakes are Atwood, Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, Tappan and Wills Creek.
“There have been no signs of any of the algal toxins at the MWCD lakes,” Swiger said. “The MWCD lakes are safe for boating, fishing and swimming as permitted. There are no warnings or concerns listed at the MWCD lakes.”
"If MWCD staff members identify any signs of the toxins or other potentially harmful items, testing conducted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) would be conducted and the proper warnings and advisories would be posted and reported, Swiger said.
"Harmful algal blooms can produce poisons (toxins) that can cause illness or irritation in pets, livestock and humans. An algal bloom is an abundant or excessive growth of algae, according to the OEPA.
"Earlier this summer, several state agencies issued warnings to eliminate contact with the water at Grand Lake St. Mary’s in western Ohio due to the level of algal toxins found in the lake. The OEPA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Health recommends people, pets and boats should not be in contact with the water, and fish caught in the lake should not be eaten.
"Since then, the state has conducted tests on other bodies of water in Ohio that have exhibited evidence of the presence of algae and other scums.
"For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org."
"The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) lakes are not suffering from the potentially harmful effects of algae and continue to be safe for all routine recreational activities.
"Several lakes and bodies of water in locations around Ohio have had health advisories issued for them this summer because of the rates of potentially harmful algal blooms or toxins present in the water. The MWCD lakes are not included in those warnings and have exhibited no signs of the presence of any of the harmful toxins.
"Staff members have been visually monitoring the 10 MWCD lakes throughout the summer and have not found any unusual algae growth, said Mark Swiger, MWCD’s conservation administrator. The MWCD lakes are Atwood, Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, Tappan and Wills Creek.
“There have been no signs of any of the algal toxins at the MWCD lakes,” Swiger said. “The MWCD lakes are safe for boating, fishing and swimming as permitted. There are no warnings or concerns listed at the MWCD lakes.”
"If MWCD staff members identify any signs of the toxins or other potentially harmful items, testing conducted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) would be conducted and the proper warnings and advisories would be posted and reported, Swiger said.
"Harmful algal blooms can produce poisons (toxins) that can cause illness or irritation in pets, livestock and humans. An algal bloom is an abundant or excessive growth of algae, according to the OEPA.
"Earlier this summer, several state agencies issued warnings to eliminate contact with the water at Grand Lake St. Mary’s in western Ohio due to the level of algal toxins found in the lake. The OEPA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Health recommends people, pets and boats should not be in contact with the water, and fish caught in the lake should not be eaten.
"Since then, the state has conducted tests on other bodies of water in Ohio that have exhibited evidence of the presence of algae and other scums.
"For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Y-City has good day at Clendening
It seemed like last week, almost every report I heard was of slow, very slow bass fishing in area lakes (except one report from Apple Valley, a private lake). But something -- possibly the scattered storms that rolled through -- must have triggered some activity over the weekend. I heard a pair of local anglers had a good day at Knox Saturday and Y-City Bass Club had a very good tournament Sunday at Clendening.
A total of 28 members fished, with 21 catching 59 keeper bass. Five five-fish limits were weighed in.
Wesley Hammer took first place and big bass honors, with five bass weighing 9.04 pounds. A 2.83-pound fish took big bas honors. Dan Allen finished second with five bass weighing 6.58 pounds.
Bob Hammer placed third with five bass weighing 6.29 pounds, Ken Boyer finished ourth with four bas weighing 5.5 pounds (he had one dead fish) and Mark Delancey was fifth with five bass weighing 5.41 pounds.
The club's next tournament is Sept. 12 at Alum Creek.
A total of 28 members fished, with 21 catching 59 keeper bass. Five five-fish limits were weighed in.
Wesley Hammer took first place and big bass honors, with five bass weighing 9.04 pounds. A 2.83-pound fish took big bas honors. Dan Allen finished second with five bass weighing 6.58 pounds.
Bob Hammer placed third with five bass weighing 6.29 pounds, Ken Boyer finished ourth with four bas weighing 5.5 pounds (he had one dead fish) and Mark Delancey was fifth with five bass weighing 5.41 pounds.
The club's next tournament is Sept. 12 at Alum Creek.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Tough evening at Buckeye
The heat must have finally gotten to the bass at Buckeye Lake, as it took only two fish to win the Tuesday evening tournament this week. Jason Miller and Cook Mitchell were the winners with two bass that weighed 5.1 pounds. Their catch included the big bass of the evening, a 3.26-pound fish.
The rest of the top five were close together. Mark Fouty took second with two bass that weighed 2.87 pounds and Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer finished third with three fish that weighed 2.63 pounds.
Mike Watson came in fourth with two bass that weighed 2.37 pounds and Scott Clark and Todd Hahn placed fifth with two bass that weighed 2.08 pounds.
Tournament director Robin Cross summed up the situation nicely: "Man, the fishing was tough. By far the worst week of fish biting."
Still, the number of angler showing up remained good, with 34 enduring the heat and humidity.
The rest of the top five were close together. Mark Fouty took second with two bass that weighed 2.87 pounds and Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer finished third with three fish that weighed 2.63 pounds.
Mike Watson came in fourth with two bass that weighed 2.37 pounds and Scott Clark and Todd Hahn placed fifth with two bass that weighed 2.08 pounds.
Tournament director Robin Cross summed up the situation nicely: "Man, the fishing was tough. By far the worst week of fish biting."
Still, the number of angler showing up remained good, with 34 enduring the heat and humidity.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Algae blooms and heat
It's been a slow week, except for algae reports from around the state, with accompanying warnings to keep contact with water at those lakes to a minimum.
The latest lakes added to the list of places being tested for the nerve and liver toxins that the algae can produce are Lake Loramie and Deer Creek Reservoir. I suspect that as long as the weather stays hot and dry, we'll keep having reports of algae blooms and the resulting concerns about toxins.
These should not be taken lightly, but we also shouldn't go overboard. Remember, the blue-green algae that produces the toxins in normally present in most lakes and algae blooms are not uncommon during hot weather like we've been having. It's just that usually conditions don't combine to make a mess like what has occurred at Grand Lake St. Mary's, or raise toxins to the levels found there.
Unfortunately, with the way the media works these days we can't have a calm evaluation of the situation. However, if we're lucky, we'll soon get some cooler nights and rain to flush some fresh water into the lakes.
Then we can go back to our normal worries about how to catch fish, and that has been tough to do lately. I think the wining weight at Buckeye Lake Tuesday was down to a bit over 5 pounds (I haven't received the results yet), Dillon and Alum Creek tournament catches have been poor and even Knox is not producing bass.
Jerry Mossman and Jim Foster went to Knox Monday and caught three small fish each. I was there Wednesday and could catch only two small bass. I couldn't even get the bluegills, which could often be seen hanging just under the surface, to hit a micro jig.
As long as conditions remain as uncomfortable as they have been, I don't feel too bad about having to hold off on fishing for a few days. I had to have skin surgery on my lower back and the doctor said no lifting, twisting or bending for a few days so the stitches don't pull out.
A few days, OK. But then I'm heading for Delaware,
The latest lakes added to the list of places being tested for the nerve and liver toxins that the algae can produce are Lake Loramie and Deer Creek Reservoir. I suspect that as long as the weather stays hot and dry, we'll keep having reports of algae blooms and the resulting concerns about toxins.
These should not be taken lightly, but we also shouldn't go overboard. Remember, the blue-green algae that produces the toxins in normally present in most lakes and algae blooms are not uncommon during hot weather like we've been having. It's just that usually conditions don't combine to make a mess like what has occurred at Grand Lake St. Mary's, or raise toxins to the levels found there.
Unfortunately, with the way the media works these days we can't have a calm evaluation of the situation. However, if we're lucky, we'll soon get some cooler nights and rain to flush some fresh water into the lakes.
Then we can go back to our normal worries about how to catch fish, and that has been tough to do lately. I think the wining weight at Buckeye Lake Tuesday was down to a bit over 5 pounds (I haven't received the results yet), Dillon and Alum Creek tournament catches have been poor and even Knox is not producing bass.
Jerry Mossman and Jim Foster went to Knox Monday and caught three small fish each. I was there Wednesday and could catch only two small bass. I couldn't even get the bluegills, which could often be seen hanging just under the surface, to hit a micro jig.
As long as conditions remain as uncomfortable as they have been, I don't feel too bad about having to hold off on fishing for a few days. I had to have skin surgery on my lower back and the doctor said no lifting, twisting or bending for a few days so the stitches don't pull out.
A few days, OK. But then I'm heading for Delaware,
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Toxins detected at Dillon
Add Dillon, Lake Hope, Shawnee State Park and East Harbor to the list of places either being tested for toxic algae levels or having the toxins present at significant levels. The Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday that warning signs are going up at Dillon, LAke Hope ad a Shawnee State Park pond. It reported in Thursday's editions that East Harbor is being tested.
The Newark Advocate reports that beaches at Buckeye Lake tested clear.
As I understand it, the blue-green algae that produces the dangerous toxins is present in almost every body of water. When conditions are right, such as with a build up of nutrient levels from agricultural runoff, the algae can "bloom" and the toxin levels build to dangerous levels, which is what happened at Grand Lake St. Mary's.
Nothing in the Dispatch stories indicates the toxin levels at Dillon are at the level of Grand Lake, but the fact is the state is erecting warning signs and you should heed the warnings and be careful not to ingest any water and keep contact to a minimum. Stay away from any obvious algae surface scum.
The signs at Dillon were to be erected Wednesday and I haven't heard whether they had any effect on the turnout for the Wednesday night pot tournaments there. I should hear something Thursday.
The Newark Advocate reports that beaches at Buckeye Lake tested clear.
As I understand it, the blue-green algae that produces the dangerous toxins is present in almost every body of water. When conditions are right, such as with a build up of nutrient levels from agricultural runoff, the algae can "bloom" and the toxin levels build to dangerous levels, which is what happened at Grand Lake St. Mary's.
Nothing in the Dispatch stories indicates the toxin levels at Dillon are at the level of Grand Lake, but the fact is the state is erecting warning signs and you should heed the warnings and be careful not to ingest any water and keep contact to a minimum. Stay away from any obvious algae surface scum.
The signs at Dillon were to be erected Wednesday and I haven't heard whether they had any effect on the turnout for the Wednesday night pot tournaments there. I should hear something Thursday.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hawk wins FLW Cup
California pro Kevin Hawk won the FLW Forrest Wood Cup over the weekend at Lake Lanier in Georgia. According to the article on BassFan, the tournament was critical to Hawk if he was to try top make it as a touring pro.
I'd say he'll be able to give it a fair try now.
BassFan also has an interesting interview with BASS founder Ray Scott about his hopes for BASS under the new owners (if the sale is finalized, which it is expected to be by early September. Scott had some interesting observations on why BASS was never a big success for ESPN and what he hopes Jerry McKinnis and his partners will accomplish.
I'd say he'll be able to give it a fair try now.
BassFan also has an interesting interview with BASS founder Ray Scott about his hopes for BASS under the new owners (if the sale is finalized, which it is expected to be by early September. Scott had some interesting observations on why BASS was never a big success for ESPN and what he hopes Jerry McKinnis and his partners will accomplish.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Toxic algae at Blue Rock
The same toxic algae that has plagued Grand Lake St. Mary's and has also been detected at Burr Oak Lake, has been detected in Cutler Lake at Blue Rock State Park in Muskingum County, the Columbus Dispatch reported Monday. Warning signs have been posted around the 15-acre lake, telling visitors not to touch the water or take b boats onto the lake. People are also being warned not to eat fish from the lake and the park's water supply was cut off. The Mark Twain Family Fun Day Saturday was canceled.
At Burr Oak, people were urged to minimize contact and avoid swallowing water. According to the Dispatch report, the latest tests at Burr Oak did not detect any of the toxic algae and if another round of tests continues to be clear, warning signs at Burr Oak will be taken down.
At Burr Oak, people were urged to minimize contact and avoid swallowing water. According to the Dispatch report, the latest tests at Burr Oak did not detect any of the toxic algae and if another round of tests continues to be clear, warning signs at Burr Oak will be taken down.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Benefit bass tournament
Southern Ohio Bassmasters will host the second annual Chuck Murrey Fund-Raiser Sept. 19 at Dillon Reservoir. Proceeds will benefit the family of Chuck Murrey, a club member who died from an allergic reaction to a bee sting last year.
Entry fee is $50 in advance for the two-man team event, or $55 at the ramp. There is an optional $10 big bass pot and two big bass awards will be given. The contest will be held out of the marina ramp and hours will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For an entry form, check area tackle and bait shops or go to the Southern Ohio Bassmasters club website.
Entry fee is $50 in advance for the two-man team event, or $55 at the ramp. There is an optional $10 big bass pot and two big bass awards will be given. The contest will be held out of the marina ramp and hours will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For an entry form, check area tackle and bait shops or go to the Southern Ohio Bassmasters club website.
Dillon frustrating
Dillon was frustrating Sunday. And I wasn't the only one having a bad day as only eight out of 26 members of Southern Ohio Bassmasters managed to bring a total of 19 bass to the scales.
Kenny Fulks boated the only five-fish limit of the day, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces. He also took big bass honors with a 2-pound, 5.2-ounce fish.
Mark Lasure finished second with four bass weighing 4 pounds, 7.2 ounces and Alan Fulks placed third with four fish weighing 3 pounds, 14.2 ounces.
Bruce Reavley took fourth with two bass weighing 2 pounds, 1 ounce and Tom Sherfy was fifth with a 1-pound, 2-ounce bass.
I believe the top three finishers all caught most of their fish in the river where, despite the mud from recent hard rains, the bass were feeding more aggressively than in the main lake. I might have had one keeper on, but he was just barely hooked on the rear treble of a crank bait and I only saw him briefly as he came off.
The club's next rgular tournament will be Sept.12 at Delaware.
Kenny Fulks boated the only five-fish limit of the day, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces. He also took big bass honors with a 2-pound, 5.2-ounce fish.
Mark Lasure finished second with four bass weighing 4 pounds, 7.2 ounces and Alan Fulks placed third with four fish weighing 3 pounds, 14.2 ounces.
Bruce Reavley took fourth with two bass weighing 2 pounds, 1 ounce and Tom Sherfy was fifth with a 1-pound, 2-ounce bass.
I believe the top three finishers all caught most of their fish in the river where, despite the mud from recent hard rains, the bass were feeding more aggressively than in the main lake. I might have had one keeper on, but he was just barely hooked on the rear treble of a crank bait and I only saw him briefly as he came off.
The club's next rgular tournament will be Sept.12 at Delaware.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Bass still hitting at Buckeye
The results of the Tuesday night tournaments at Buckeye Lake continue to surprise me. Most anglers I've talked to who have been fishing lately report having a tough time finding even a couple keepers (unless they're fishing at night or in a river), but the top teams a buckeye keep coming in with good catches.
This week, Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer took first with five bass that weighed 8.38 pounds. That's the kind of weight that was winning the weekly tournaments in the prime weeks of May and early June.
Anyway, second place went to Scott Clark, who had five bass that weighed 6.79 pounds and Wayne and Dustin Baker finished third with five fish that weighed 6.24 pounds.
Chris and Samantha Vansky placed fourth with three bass weighing 4.12 pounds and Dave Mockus and Frank Tipton were fifth with two fish that weighed 4.01 pounds. Mockus and Tipton also took big bas honors with a 3.36-pound fish.
A total of 38 anglers participated and 14 teams weighed in fish.
This week, Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer took first with five bass that weighed 8.38 pounds. That's the kind of weight that was winning the weekly tournaments in the prime weeks of May and early June.
Anyway, second place went to Scott Clark, who had five bass that weighed 6.79 pounds and Wayne and Dustin Baker finished third with five fish that weighed 6.24 pounds.
Chris and Samantha Vansky placed fourth with three bass weighing 4.12 pounds and Dave Mockus and Frank Tipton were fifth with two fish that weighed 4.01 pounds. Mockus and Tipton also took big bas honors with a 3.36-pound fish.
A total of 38 anglers participated and 14 teams weighed in fish.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
ESPN sells BASS
I just saw the announcement, posted on ESPN's website, that the sports broadcaster will sell BASS to a group of investors that includes Jerry McKinnis.
More details will, I'm sure, be available soon, but in the meantime you can read the ESPN/BASS release or go to BassFan. BassFan had the sale reported as expected, but I'm sure they'll have more, with information on what it will mean to the future of BASS, soon.
More details will, I'm sure, be available soon, but in the meantime you can read the ESPN/BASS release or go to BassFan. BassFan had the sale reported as expected, but I'm sure they'll have more, with information on what it will mean to the future of BASS, soon.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Knox Lake was tough
My daughter outfished me today at Knox Lake.
She doesn't get a lot of chances to go fishing with me these days (that happens when they grow up), so when she had this morning free, we thought Knox would be our best bet for catching some quality bass. It probably was, but since we didn't get there until 8 a.m. (I overslept), we missed the best fishing.
We wound up with two bass each. We each had a 14-incher, but while my other fish was a little one, hers was a 17 1/2-incher. Not a big fish by Knox standards, but her best largemouth to date (which equaled her best smallmouth).
She caught her fish on a black buzzbait (the 14-incher) and a black/blue flake hand-poured Senko-type bait. She also caught a 21-inch channel cat on the black/blue flake worm. That was he best channel cat to date, which makes two personal bests in one day.
That's not a bad outing, even if the numbers we caught weren't great.
She doesn't get a lot of chances to go fishing with me these days (that happens when they grow up), so when she had this morning free, we thought Knox would be our best bet for catching some quality bass. It probably was, but since we didn't get there until 8 a.m. (I overslept), we missed the best fishing.
We wound up with two bass each. We each had a 14-incher, but while my other fish was a little one, hers was a 17 1/2-incher. Not a big fish by Knox standards, but her best largemouth to date (which equaled her best smallmouth).
She caught her fish on a black buzzbait (the 14-incher) and a black/blue flake hand-poured Senko-type bait. She also caught a 21-inch channel cat on the black/blue flake worm. That was he best channel cat to date, which makes two personal bests in one day.
That's not a bad outing, even if the numbers we caught weren't great.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Van Dam wins; Triton sold
There's been a lot of news in the fishing world just in the last few days, including these three items of note:
1) Saturday, Kevin Van Dam pulled off a dramatic victory on the Alabama River to win another BASS Angler of the Year title, again beating out Skeet Reese in the final round of competition.
2) The biggest news, however, occurred in the last few days, when it was announced that the company that owns Ranger and Stratos has purchased the glass Triton boat line from Brunswick, which brings up a lot of questions about how the boat industry with shake out as a result. Plus, what will happen with angler sponsorships and each company's recent association with FLW (Ranger) and BASS (Triton).
3) A third bit of news was that the Lindners (Al, Ron and Jim) have signed a sponsorship deal with Quantum reels, leaving Shimano. Quantum seems to have been particularly aggressive in trying to increase its share of the fishing reel market in recent years and the Lindners have significant followings in more than just the bass fishing world. However, I don't think they are as visible as they were before selling In-Fisherman and their attaching religious messages to their fishing shows is annoying.
I can't begin to cover all the aspects of these three items, but you can red a lot about them on the BassFan and Wired2Fish websites. I've added both top the list of inks to the right.
1) Saturday, Kevin Van Dam pulled off a dramatic victory on the Alabama River to win another BASS Angler of the Year title, again beating out Skeet Reese in the final round of competition.
2) The biggest news, however, occurred in the last few days, when it was announced that the company that owns Ranger and Stratos has purchased the glass Triton boat line from Brunswick, which brings up a lot of questions about how the boat industry with shake out as a result. Plus, what will happen with angler sponsorships and each company's recent association with FLW (Ranger) and BASS (Triton).
3) A third bit of news was that the Lindners (Al, Ron and Jim) have signed a sponsorship deal with Quantum reels, leaving Shimano. Quantum seems to have been particularly aggressive in trying to increase its share of the fishing reel market in recent years and the Lindners have significant followings in more than just the bass fishing world. However, I don't think they are as visible as they were before selling In-Fisherman and their attaching religious messages to their fishing shows is annoying.
I can't begin to cover all the aspects of these three items, but you can red a lot about them on the BassFan and Wired2Fish websites. I've added both top the list of inks to the right.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Y-City on the Muskingum
Bob Hammer took first place and big bass honors in the Y-City Bass Club tournament at McConnelsville Sunday, July 25, with three fish weighing 3.61 pounds. His big bass weighed 1.59 pounds.
Ryan Boyer finished second with three bass weighing 3.06 pounds and Tyler Shawger placed third with four fish weighed 2.98 pounds. Kenny Simpson was fourth with two bass weighing 2.47 pounds and Tom Shawger took fifth with two ass weighing 2.43 pounds.
A total of 26 members fished the contest, with 18 catching a total of 28 keeper bass. Twelve anglers had one keeper each, which made for a very close contest for placings from seventh to 18th.
The club's next tournament is at Clendening Aug. 15.
Ryan Boyer finished second with three bass weighing 3.06 pounds and Tyler Shawger placed third with four fish weighed 2.98 pounds. Kenny Simpson was fourth with two bass weighing 2.47 pounds and Tom Shawger took fifth with two ass weighing 2.43 pounds.
A total of 26 members fished the contest, with 18 catching a total of 28 keeper bass. Twelve anglers had one keeper each, which made for a very close contest for placings from seventh to 18th.
The club's next tournament is at Clendening Aug. 15.
Getting ready for Dillon
The last two Wednesdays, I've spent a few hours at Dillon, just trying to get a feel for the lake before my next tournament, a club (Southern Ohio Bassmasters) event on Aug. 7. I've caught fish each time, but no great numbers or any exceptional size.
I'm always kind of torn about prefishing a lake I'm as familiar with as I am Dillon. Too many times I've had a pattern fall apart on me because of a sudden change in weather and water conditions. On the other hand, I like to see how the fish are behaving and to see if I can catch any in areas that have sometimes been productive in the past although I maybe haven't fished often in recent years.
I'll probably go to Dillon one more time before the tournament. There are at least two areas I want to check out because I haven't fished there since May. I can't worry about "burning out" fish because, frankly, I'm sure almost every spot on the lake will be fished by someone in the week before the tournament. There's always a lot of pressure on the lake and, among the regulars at least, there are no "secret" holes. But will the techniques I like to use produce fish, or will I have to try other baits or techniques?
I have been fishing that like from the first year or so after it was filled, but I can still get skunked there.
I'm always kind of torn about prefishing a lake I'm as familiar with as I am Dillon. Too many times I've had a pattern fall apart on me because of a sudden change in weather and water conditions. On the other hand, I like to see how the fish are behaving and to see if I can catch any in areas that have sometimes been productive in the past although I maybe haven't fished often in recent years.
I'll probably go to Dillon one more time before the tournament. There are at least two areas I want to check out because I haven't fished there since May. I can't worry about "burning out" fish because, frankly, I'm sure almost every spot on the lake will be fished by someone in the week before the tournament. There's always a lot of pressure on the lake and, among the regulars at least, there are no "secret" holes. But will the techniques I like to use produce fish, or will I have to try other baits or techniques?
I have been fishing that like from the first year or so after it was filled, but I can still get skunked there.
Buckeye still producing
As I mentioned last week, Buckeye Lake has a reputation for becoming a tough place to find bass after late June. However, numbers are still good at the Tuesday night pot tournaments, although the winning weight was down this week.
Robin Cross and Chuck Davis topped a 40-angler field with five bass that weighed 5.85 pounds, while Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer were a close second with four bass that weighed 5.27 pounds. Nipping on their heels on third were Kevin Sharrock and Ryan Miskell with five fish that weighed 5.19 pounds.
Mike Watson and Charlie Cray took fourth with four bass that weighed 4.9 pounds and Skip Yates and Jim Watson finished fifth with three fish that weighed 4.48 pounds. Yates and Waton also took big bass honors with a 2.68-pound fish.
Out of the 40 anglers fishing, 14 teams had a total of 4 bass. I don't know the number of "teams" fishing, because an angler can fish these tournaments alone.
Robin is excited about the number of anglers still showing up for these tournaments. I don't have any numbers to compare them to, but they may be as good or better than most pot tournaments in the area.
Robin Cross and Chuck Davis topped a 40-angler field with five bass that weighed 5.85 pounds, while Rod Stufflebean and Ty Nauer were a close second with four bass that weighed 5.27 pounds. Nipping on their heels on third were Kevin Sharrock and Ryan Miskell with five fish that weighed 5.19 pounds.
Mike Watson and Charlie Cray took fourth with four bass that weighed 4.9 pounds and Skip Yates and Jim Watson finished fifth with three fish that weighed 4.48 pounds. Yates and Waton also took big bass honors with a 2.68-pound fish.
Out of the 40 anglers fishing, 14 teams had a total of 4 bass. I don't know the number of "teams" fishing, because an angler can fish these tournaments alone.
Robin is excited about the number of anglers still showing up for these tournaments. I don't have any numbers to compare them to, but they may be as good or better than most pot tournaments in the area.
Monday, July 26, 2010
More on American Lotus
I did a little quick research on the American Lotus, which is the target of spraying at Tappan Lake to limit the spread of the plant.
It is native to the southeast United States, but was apparently brought north by Indians who used them for a food source (the roots, young leaves and young seed pods are edible). The plant was spread north into Canada and is found in several counties in Ohio.
From what I found on several websites, the problem is the plant can choke out other weed growth and can be a severe hinderance to navigation. If you've tried to get a boat through some of those fields at Tappan, you know what they're talking about.
The spread of the plants at Tappan has not been extreme, but they have gotten worse the last couple years and knocking them back a bit makes sense.
Most people fishing Tappan refer to the lotus plants as lily pads, but they're not. The pads are bigger, and do not have a notch where the stem spreads into the leaf.
It is native to the southeast United States, but was apparently brought north by Indians who used them for a food source (the roots, young leaves and young seed pods are edible). The plant was spread north into Canada and is found in several counties in Ohio.
From what I found on several websites, the problem is the plant can choke out other weed growth and can be a severe hinderance to navigation. If you've tried to get a boat through some of those fields at Tappan, you know what they're talking about.
The spread of the plants at Tappan has not been extreme, but they have gotten worse the last couple years and knocking them back a bit makes sense.
Most people fishing Tappan refer to the lotus plants as lily pads, but they're not. The pads are bigger, and do not have a notch where the stem spreads into the leaf.
His and Her on the river
It proved to be a wet morning on the Muskingum River Sunday (Riverside ramp, Zanesville pool) for the annual Southern Ohio Bassmasters' "His and Her" tournament. The rain came down in buckets for a while, but the bass hit anyway -- especially the smallmouth.
Kenny and Jana Fulks had the best morning, bringing in 9 pounds, 7 ounces to win the event. Randy and Melisa Brownrigg took second with 7 pounds, 12 ounces; Mindy and Chad Lighthizer placed third with 7 pounds, 11 ounces; Carry and Sean Sprankel finished fourth with 6 pounds, 7 ounces and Tami and Chris Lighthizer were fifth with 3 pounds, 11 ounces.
Eleven out of 13 teams weighed fish. Most of the fish weighed (at least those I saw) were smallmouth.
It was my first time on the river this year and, frankly, I didn't find much activity in the areas where I expected to find it. Still, Lindsey and I had the opportunity to catch some decent fish and just couldn't get them in the boat. I wound up with only one smallmouth and one spotted bass both small (we didn't have a length limit, only the five fish per angler bag limit). Some days are like that.
I was glad to see the number of smallmouth weighed in and the variety of sizes, indicagting the population is doing well in that section of river.
Kenny and Jana Fulks had the best morning, bringing in 9 pounds, 7 ounces to win the event. Randy and Melisa Brownrigg took second with 7 pounds, 12 ounces; Mindy and Chad Lighthizer placed third with 7 pounds, 11 ounces; Carry and Sean Sprankel finished fourth with 6 pounds, 7 ounces and Tami and Chris Lighthizer were fifth with 3 pounds, 11 ounces.
Eleven out of 13 teams weighed fish. Most of the fish weighed (at least those I saw) were smallmouth.
It was my first time on the river this year and, frankly, I didn't find much activity in the areas where I expected to find it. Still, Lindsey and I had the opportunity to catch some decent fish and just couldn't get them in the boat. I wound up with only one smallmouth and one spotted bass both small (we didn't have a length limit, only the five fish per angler bag limit). Some days are like that.
I was glad to see the number of smallmouth weighed in and the variety of sizes, indicagting the population is doing well in that section of river.
Friday, July 23, 2010
MWCD spraying at Tappan
Te Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has begun spraying to limit the spread of American Lotus in the east end of Tappan Lake. Here's the news release MWCD issued Friday:
"The aggressive growth of large plants in the water at the east end of Tappan Lake has led the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) to begin control measures this week.
"A licensed professional applicator contracted by the MWCD is spraying and killing many of the plants, which are the American Lotus plant that have been limiting boat traffic in extreme eastern end of the lake and two nearby bays, according to Mark Swiger, MWCD’s conservation administrator. The MWCD has received the approval of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and obtained a permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to conduct the spraying.
"The intent of the spraying that began July 22 is to stop the growth and reduce the outside diameter of the various masses of the plants in the lake, Swiger said. The lanes created by the spraying also will benefit the fish and anglers, he added.
"The American Lotus has been found in Tappan Lake for many years. Aerial photographs taken about 10 years ago show that the plant was becoming established in the main body of the lake. Normal change in seasons and other weather conditions do not serve as deterrents, and there are no natural predators to the plants, Swiger said.
"Dense populations of the American Lotus suppress the growth of the native plants in the reservoir by shading out the lower-growing plants. A diverse group of aquatic plants is more beneficial to a healthy lake than a single dominant species.
It normally takes a couple of weeks for the spraying to have a noticeable effect, Swiger said."
"The aggressive growth of large plants in the water at the east end of Tappan Lake has led the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) to begin control measures this week.
"A licensed professional applicator contracted by the MWCD is spraying and killing many of the plants, which are the American Lotus plant that have been limiting boat traffic in extreme eastern end of the lake and two nearby bays, according to Mark Swiger, MWCD’s conservation administrator. The MWCD has received the approval of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and obtained a permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to conduct the spraying.
"The intent of the spraying that began July 22 is to stop the growth and reduce the outside diameter of the various masses of the plants in the lake, Swiger said. The lanes created by the spraying also will benefit the fish and anglers, he added.
"The American Lotus has been found in Tappan Lake for many years. Aerial photographs taken about 10 years ago show that the plant was becoming established in the main body of the lake. Normal change in seasons and other weather conditions do not serve as deterrents, and there are no natural predators to the plants, Swiger said.
"Dense populations of the American Lotus suppress the growth of the native plants in the reservoir by shading out the lower-growing plants. A diverse group of aquatic plants is more beneficial to a healthy lake than a single dominant species.
It normally takes a couple of weeks for the spraying to have a noticeable effect, Swiger said."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Buckeye still producing
In most years, Buckeye Lake is a good bass producer through mid- to late June, then declines rapidly. It seems different this year, or maybe some fishermen have just done a better job of figuring out where they're hiding.
Anyway, the Tuesday night tournament at Buckeye is still having nice results. This week (July 21) saw 25 anglers weigh in 47 bass, with the top three finishers weighing five-fish limits.
Rod Stufflebeam and Ty Nauer took first with 9.28 pounds, including a 4.26-pound fish that took big bass honors. Other anglers weighed in 3.58-pound and 3.5-pound fish that would have been big bass most weeks. That's great for mid-July!
Scott CLark finished second with 8.47 pounds and Mike Gittins placed third with 6 pounds.
The totals then dropped off, with Dave Mockus and Frank Tipton finishing fourth with two bass that weighed 4.25 and Mark Foulty and Frank Harrington were fifth with three bass that also weighed 4.25 pounds.
Anyway, the Tuesday night tournament at Buckeye is still having nice results. This week (July 21) saw 25 anglers weigh in 47 bass, with the top three finishers weighing five-fish limits.
Rod Stufflebeam and Ty Nauer took first with 9.28 pounds, including a 4.26-pound fish that took big bass honors. Other anglers weighed in 3.58-pound and 3.5-pound fish that would have been big bass most weeks. That's great for mid-July!
Scott CLark finished second with 8.47 pounds and Mike Gittins placed third with 6 pounds.
The totals then dropped off, with Dave Mockus and Frank Tipton finishing fourth with two bass that weighed 4.25 and Mark Foulty and Frank Harrington were fifth with three bass that also weighed 4.25 pounds.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Good numbers at Griggs
John Fulton won the Cranberry Marsh Bass Club tournament Sunday, July 18, at Griggs Reservoir, bringing in five bass weighing 8.19 pounds. Fulton was one of eight members who weighed in five-fish limits.
Club President Wayne Hanley finished second with 7.27 pounds, Dick Bowman placed third with 6.75 pounds, Shaun Magers took fourth with 6.53 pounds and Otis McCloud was fifth with 6.39 pounds.
Big bass was a 4.17-pounds fish caught by Neil Butt.
I don't know how many club members fished the tournament, but 21 members caught 68 bass. That's not bad for a hot, humid day in mid-July on a lake with a huge amount of ski- and speed-boat traffic.
After this tournament, 16 anglers are separated by only 49 points in the club standings with two tournaments remaining ands only 22 points separate first and 10th places. (The club operates on a system of 50 points for first, 49 for second, etc., plus some show-up points.) Jerry Mossman has moved back into first place, with a three-point lead over Adam Richards, but a lot of changes are possible in the last two contests, which are at Alum Creek and Delaware. Alum Creek is next on the schedule, on Aug. 29.
Club President Wayne Hanley finished second with 7.27 pounds, Dick Bowman placed third with 6.75 pounds, Shaun Magers took fourth with 6.53 pounds and Otis McCloud was fifth with 6.39 pounds.
Big bass was a 4.17-pounds fish caught by Neil Butt.
I don't know how many club members fished the tournament, but 21 members caught 68 bass. That's not bad for a hot, humid day in mid-July on a lake with a huge amount of ski- and speed-boat traffic.
After this tournament, 16 anglers are separated by only 49 points in the club standings with two tournaments remaining ands only 22 points separate first and 10th places. (The club operates on a system of 50 points for first, 49 for second, etc., plus some show-up points.) Jerry Mossman has moved back into first place, with a three-point lead over Adam Richards, but a lot of changes are possible in the last two contests, which are at Alum Creek and Delaware. Alum Creek is next on the schedule, on Aug. 29.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Restoring confidence
The best way to restore confidence after a bad day on the water (like I had last Sunday at Seneca), is to get bac on the water and catch a few keepers. It doesn't have to be a great day (but it helps), just catch a few keepers.
Most of this week has been hot and muggy ad I just couldn't get inspired to go out. Friday morning would have been a nice morning to be out, but I wasn't. However, it did get me energized to go out in the afternoon.
Of course, by the time I headed for Dillon, the cloud cover had broken and it was sunny and muggy again. Still, the first place I stopped yielded a 12-inch bass on a black/blue flake stickbait. I didn't catch another keeper until an hour before dark, but my final total of three 12-inch largemouth and one little smallmouth was enough to make me feel I hadn't lost my touch entirely.
I even spotted two adult bald eagles as I headed up the lake, which made the trip worthwhile whether I had caught anything or not.
Bottom line: I'm looking forward to hitting the water again.
Most of this week has been hot and muggy ad I just couldn't get inspired to go out. Friday morning would have been a nice morning to be out, but I wasn't. However, it did get me energized to go out in the afternoon.
Of course, by the time I headed for Dillon, the cloud cover had broken and it was sunny and muggy again. Still, the first place I stopped yielded a 12-inch bass on a black/blue flake stickbait. I didn't catch another keeper until an hour before dark, but my final total of three 12-inch largemouth and one little smallmouth was enough to make me feel I hadn't lost my touch entirely.
I even spotted two adult bald eagles as I headed up the lake, which made the trip worthwhile whether I had caught anything or not.
Bottom line: I'm looking forward to hitting the water again.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bass still hitting at Buckeye
Most of this week has been hot, humid and uncomfortable (again, but Tuesday was different. Cloudy and more comfortable temperatures made it the day I wish I had gone out. Seems the bass at Buckeye agreed with me, as the top three finishers in the Tuesday evening tournament all ha five-fish limits.
Mike Watson and Tim King took first with five bas weighing 7.49 pounds, while Tim McClure and Keith Bryant finished a close second with five fish that weighed 7.39 pounds.
Scott Clark placed third with five bass that weighed 6.85 pounds.
Dave Mockus finished fourth with three bass that weighed 5.56 pounds and took big bass honors with a 2.62-pound fish.
Rounding out the top five were Kevin Sharrock and Ryan Miskell with four bass that weighed 4.34 pounds.
In all, the 22 anglers competing weighed in 28 bass.
Mike Watson and Tim King took first with five bas weighing 7.49 pounds, while Tim McClure and Keith Bryant finished a close second with five fish that weighed 7.39 pounds.
Scott Clark placed third with five bass that weighed 6.85 pounds.
Dave Mockus finished fourth with three bass that weighed 5.56 pounds and took big bass honors with a 2.62-pound fish.
Rounding out the top five were Kevin Sharrock and Ryan Miskell with four bass that weighed 4.34 pounds.
In all, the 22 anglers competing weighed in 28 bass.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Breaking habits
It’s easy to get into a “rut” when fishing. A lure or technique produces fish, so it’s your primary choice each time you go out and you stick with it, even if it’s not producing fish because conditions have changed.
It’s easiest to explain in terms of bass fishing (and something that happened to me recently).
I’ve been catching most of my fish this year on lightly-weighted Senko-type baits pitched around cover; generally a shallow-water technique. But when the recent heat wave shot surface water temperatures up to 90 degrees and higher and the bass went into a “funk,”
Without going into a discussion of why bass do this, simply note that I continued to pitch the stickbaits. Oh, I tried other things -- buzzbaits, surface plugs, spinnerbaits, deep-diving crankbaits, vibrating baits, tubes, a Carolina rig. But if there was a piece of visible cover, the first thing I threw at it was usually the stickbait. Nothing worked.
I realize there was a lot of that going on Sunday at Seneca. It seemed like it was one of those day when, if you’re lucky, you eventually drop a lure in the right place at the right timer and hook a keeper.
Still, when I got off the water, I had the feeling that I had stayed with the stickkbait far too much that day; that I had not reacted well to the tough conditions presented -- That I had stayed in the rut when I needed to veer out of it.
The question isn’t what lure or technique I should have used. That’s almost irrelevant. The question is why did I persist in doing what clearly wasn’t working? And why did I not try two techniques that clearly would have been worth trying: Throwing a suspending jerkbait around schools of baitfish or panfish (which I did find) or crawling a heavy jig or worm down a point?
Instead I stuck to the same pattern of crankbats and Carolina rigs on points, Senkos and spinnerbaits around cover,
It may have to do with the fact that from April through June, in all conditions, two things have accounted for most of the fish I have caught this year -- stickbaits and spinnerbaits. It’s hard to switch from what has been working best.
You have to remain flexible. You may go to a lake expecting one thing to work, and although persistence sometimes is rewarded, you have to respond to conditions as you find them. Not as you hoped them to be.
Reading conditions and adapting to them is something we have all tried to learn since the first day we took up the pursuit of bass (or any other fish). Sometimes, though, we seem to forget the lessons we’ve learned.
Luckily, fishermen are eternal optimists. The next trip will be better.
It’s easiest to explain in terms of bass fishing (and something that happened to me recently).
I’ve been catching most of my fish this year on lightly-weighted Senko-type baits pitched around cover; generally a shallow-water technique. But when the recent heat wave shot surface water temperatures up to 90 degrees and higher and the bass went into a “funk,”
Without going into a discussion of why bass do this, simply note that I continued to pitch the stickbaits. Oh, I tried other things -- buzzbaits, surface plugs, spinnerbaits, deep-diving crankbaits, vibrating baits, tubes, a Carolina rig. But if there was a piece of visible cover, the first thing I threw at it was usually the stickbait. Nothing worked.
I realize there was a lot of that going on Sunday at Seneca. It seemed like it was one of those day when, if you’re lucky, you eventually drop a lure in the right place at the right timer and hook a keeper.
Still, when I got off the water, I had the feeling that I had stayed with the stickkbait far too much that day; that I had not reacted well to the tough conditions presented -- That I had stayed in the rut when I needed to veer out of it.
The question isn’t what lure or technique I should have used. That’s almost irrelevant. The question is why did I persist in doing what clearly wasn’t working? And why did I not try two techniques that clearly would have been worth trying: Throwing a suspending jerkbait around schools of baitfish or panfish (which I did find) or crawling a heavy jig or worm down a point?
Instead I stuck to the same pattern of crankbats and Carolina rigs on points, Senkos and spinnerbaits around cover,
It may have to do with the fact that from April through June, in all conditions, two things have accounted for most of the fish I have caught this year -- stickbaits and spinnerbaits. It’s hard to switch from what has been working best.
You have to remain flexible. You may go to a lake expecting one thing to work, and although persistence sometimes is rewarded, you have to respond to conditions as you find them. Not as you hoped them to be.
Reading conditions and adapting to them is something we have all tried to learn since the first day we took up the pursuit of bass (or any other fish). Sometimes, though, we seem to forget the lessons we’ve learned.
Luckily, fishermen are eternal optimists. The next trip will be better.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Seneca fishing tough
Both Zanesville clubs fished Seneca Lake Sunday, July 11, and both found ity a tough nut to crack. Out of 22 members of Southern Ohio Bassmasters, nine caught a total of 12 keeper bass, while in the Y-City Bas CLub event, 27 members fished and six weighed in 10 bass.
After the recent heat wave, most reports from area lakes have been depressing. However, anglers fishing rivers, including the Scioto, Olentangy and Muskingum, have been reporting better success, so if your looking for bass action, go someplace with moving water.
I don't know why both Y-City and Southern Ohio received permits for sunday -- maybe it was because we were starting a hour apart. I thought most parks, especially Muskingum Watershed lakes, tried to avoid overcrowding, but I suppose when you think about it, the number of boats the two clubs launched Sunday was not as bad as a full open field for the lake.
In any event, Southern Ohio started at 5 a.m. (n=before dawn) and Y-City a hour later.
When Southern Ohio weighed in, Chad Lighthizer emerged as the winner with two bass weighing 6 pounds, 2.6 ounces, well head of Eric Woodrow, who had two bass weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces.
Bob Fulks took third place and big bass honor with a 4-pound, 12.2-ounce bass, Randy Brownrigg finished fourth with two bass weighing 3 pounds, 9.4 ounces and Kenny Fulks was fifth with a 3-pound, 4.4-ounce bass.
I think I had two hits all day: a small bass that hit a buzzbait before dawn and a fish that dropped a Carolina-rigged Yum Dinger before I could set the hook. A long, frustrating day, but that's nothing new for me on that lake. Southern OPHio's next regular tournament is Aug. 7 at Dillon.
Y-City results
When Y-City weighed in at 2 p.m., Wesley Hammer was the winner with three bass weighing 7.96 pounds, while Tyler Shawger was second with two bass weighing 4.71 pounds.
Mike King finished third with two fish weighing 3.71 pounds, Tom Hoffer placed fourth with a 3.7-pound fish that also took big bass honors and Ryan Boyer was fifth with a 2.93-pound bass.
Y-City's next tournament is July 25 on the Muskingum River at McConnelsville.
A note on weights
You may have noticed that with some tournaments I report the weights in pounds and ounces, and others in pounds and tenths or hundredths of pounds, I simply use whichever the organizing body uses. The scales Southern Ohio uses have the option of recording weights in either pounds and ounces plus fractions of ounces or as the decimal equivalent. We chose to report in pounds and ounces, while others have gone with the decimals. It makes no difference.
One thing that is different is the final weights, because some clubs add a bonus amount for live fish, while other deduct a penalty for dead fish. Southern Ohio, for example, deducts 8 ounces for a dead fish, while Y-City adds a 0.1 pound for a live fish. That means, for example, that Tom Hoffer's big bass at Seneca actually weighed 3.6 pounds. Cranberry Marsh Bass Club also adds a bonus for live fish. Either way, I'll report the final weight. If I know there was a dead fish, especially if it made a difference in the standings, I'll note it.
After the recent heat wave, most reports from area lakes have been depressing. However, anglers fishing rivers, including the Scioto, Olentangy and Muskingum, have been reporting better success, so if your looking for bass action, go someplace with moving water.
I don't know why both Y-City and Southern Ohio received permits for sunday -- maybe it was because we were starting a hour apart. I thought most parks, especially Muskingum Watershed lakes, tried to avoid overcrowding, but I suppose when you think about it, the number of boats the two clubs launched Sunday was not as bad as a full open field for the lake.
In any event, Southern Ohio started at 5 a.m. (n=before dawn) and Y-City a hour later.
When Southern Ohio weighed in, Chad Lighthizer emerged as the winner with two bass weighing 6 pounds, 2.6 ounces, well head of Eric Woodrow, who had two bass weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces.
Bob Fulks took third place and big bass honor with a 4-pound, 12.2-ounce bass, Randy Brownrigg finished fourth with two bass weighing 3 pounds, 9.4 ounces and Kenny Fulks was fifth with a 3-pound, 4.4-ounce bass.
I think I had two hits all day: a small bass that hit a buzzbait before dawn and a fish that dropped a Carolina-rigged Yum Dinger before I could set the hook. A long, frustrating day, but that's nothing new for me on that lake. Southern OPHio's next regular tournament is Aug. 7 at Dillon.
Y-City results
When Y-City weighed in at 2 p.m., Wesley Hammer was the winner with three bass weighing 7.96 pounds, while Tyler Shawger was second with two bass weighing 4.71 pounds.
Mike King finished third with two fish weighing 3.71 pounds, Tom Hoffer placed fourth with a 3.7-pound fish that also took big bass honors and Ryan Boyer was fifth with a 2.93-pound bass.
Y-City's next tournament is July 25 on the Muskingum River at McConnelsville.
A note on weights
You may have noticed that with some tournaments I report the weights in pounds and ounces, and others in pounds and tenths or hundredths of pounds, I simply use whichever the organizing body uses. The scales Southern Ohio uses have the option of recording weights in either pounds and ounces plus fractions of ounces or as the decimal equivalent. We chose to report in pounds and ounces, while others have gone with the decimals. It makes no difference.
One thing that is different is the final weights, because some clubs add a bonus amount for live fish, while other deduct a penalty for dead fish. Southern Ohio, for example, deducts 8 ounces for a dead fish, while Y-City adds a 0.1 pound for a live fish. That means, for example, that Tom Hoffer's big bass at Seneca actually weighed 3.6 pounds. Cranberry Marsh Bass Club also adds a bonus for live fish. Either way, I'll report the final weight. If I know there was a dead fish, especially if it made a difference in the standings, I'll note it.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Heat stifles Buckeye contest
The oppressive heat put a damper on both the bass and the fishermen Tuesday, July 6, at Buckeye Lake. Only 15 anglers showed up in the heat that had reached the high nineties that afternoon, and only 13 bass cooperated by being caught.If cooler weather comes back, organizer Robin Cross is probably right that participation will pick up again.
Randy Swihart and Bob Conway sweated out the victory with three bass that weighed 5.5 pounds. Scott Clark took second with three bass that weighed 3.98 pounds, amd Zyon Mirise and Robert Nauer were third with two fish that weighed 2.52 pounds.
John McGrath and Colby Shuster finished fourth with a 2.02-pound fish that also took big bass honors, while Robin Cross and Brett Smith were fifth with a 1.03-pound bass.
Randy Swihart and Bob Conway sweated out the victory with three bass that weighed 5.5 pounds. Scott Clark took second with three bass that weighed 3.98 pounds, amd Zyon Mirise and Robert Nauer were third with two fish that weighed 2.52 pounds.
John McGrath and Colby Shuster finished fourth with a 2.02-pound fish that also took big bass honors, while Robin Cross and Brett Smith were fifth with a 1.03-pound bass.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Unwritten rules of tournaments
All fishing tournaments have (or should have) a set of written rules that participants know they are supposed to abide by. However, in a discussion recently with several other anglers the subject of "unwritten rules" came up. By that they meant rules of conduct that anglers should follow even though they are not part of the written rules of the tournament.
Most can be summarized as applying common sense and common courtesy to tournament fishing. We've all been in tournament where both were almost nonexistent.
After thinking about the subject for a day or two, I decided to write down some of those rules, so I picked the brains of some of the morning regulars the next day at Bob's Outdoor Supply in Newark. That included Bob Mathie, Jerry Mossman and Bub Cooksey. Between those three and myself I estimated there was almost 140 years of tournament fishing experience at multiple levels of competition.
We came up with the following eight "rules." There could easily be more and if you have a suggestion, post a comment.
Here's what we came up with:
1) Do not pass in a no wake zone. When reaching a no wake zone behind another boat, you should remain in the same relationship until you either reach the end of the zone or your fishing objective, unless the other boat slows or stops. Compare this to running under a caution flag in a NASCAR race. Some clubs have such a rule, but it is not a requirement of law. It is, however, a matter of courtesy.
2) Give 50 yards of space to another fisherman, even if he is not anchored. The so-called “50-yard rule” is often mentioned in tournament rules, but it usually means granting the space if the angler is “anchored with his trolling motor out of the water.” In the tournament world application, give 50 yards ahead of the boat already fishing. You can start closer behind the boat and go the opposite direction or even follow the angler down the bank, but don’t cut in ahead of him. This is true if the angler is part of the tournament or not.
3) If reaching a channel simultaneously, talk to the other angler and work out who will fish which side of the channel.
4) Give bank fishermen their space. They have as much right to be there as you do. How many times have you heard a bank fisherman complain about a boater who insisted on fishing inside their lines and tried to justify it by saying “we’re in a tournament”? They should move lines if they are blocking a channel you are navigating, but you should also not cast into the same area they are fishing.
5) If your event has a general blast-off instead of an ooze-off and you are in a small boat, do not get in front of the bigger boats. Forcing them to swerve may cause an accident and being in the middle of several wakes at the same time could cause you to be swamped. You’re not going to beat them across the lake anyway, so let them have a clear path.
6) Help other anglers launch and load boats. Many clubs allow angler to fish alone. If you can back their trailer into the water and park their vehicle, you can clear the ramp faster for the next guy. Many ramps have a lack of space for tying up a boat while the angler parks of fetches his vehicle, so lending a hand if you are already launched or loaded can be a huge help.
7) If you snag a ball of discarded line, or find a bunch of line hanging in a tree, Wrap then line up and stash it in your boat for proper disposal later. You don’t want that line wrapping around your outboard or trolling motor prop and it is also a danger to wildlife.
8) If in doubt, apply the Golden Rule and treat other anglers as you would wish to be treated.
Most can be summarized as applying common sense and common courtesy to tournament fishing. We've all been in tournament where both were almost nonexistent.
After thinking about the subject for a day or two, I decided to write down some of those rules, so I picked the brains of some of the morning regulars the next day at Bob's Outdoor Supply in Newark. That included Bob Mathie, Jerry Mossman and Bub Cooksey. Between those three and myself I estimated there was almost 140 years of tournament fishing experience at multiple levels of competition.
We came up with the following eight "rules." There could easily be more and if you have a suggestion, post a comment.
Here's what we came up with:
1) Do not pass in a no wake zone. When reaching a no wake zone behind another boat, you should remain in the same relationship until you either reach the end of the zone or your fishing objective, unless the other boat slows or stops. Compare this to running under a caution flag in a NASCAR race. Some clubs have such a rule, but it is not a requirement of law. It is, however, a matter of courtesy.
2) Give 50 yards of space to another fisherman, even if he is not anchored. The so-called “50-yard rule” is often mentioned in tournament rules, but it usually means granting the space if the angler is “anchored with his trolling motor out of the water.” In the tournament world application, give 50 yards ahead of the boat already fishing. You can start closer behind the boat and go the opposite direction or even follow the angler down the bank, but don’t cut in ahead of him. This is true if the angler is part of the tournament or not.
3) If reaching a channel simultaneously, talk to the other angler and work out who will fish which side of the channel.
4) Give bank fishermen their space. They have as much right to be there as you do. How many times have you heard a bank fisherman complain about a boater who insisted on fishing inside their lines and tried to justify it by saying “we’re in a tournament”? They should move lines if they are blocking a channel you are navigating, but you should also not cast into the same area they are fishing.
5) If your event has a general blast-off instead of an ooze-off and you are in a small boat, do not get in front of the bigger boats. Forcing them to swerve may cause an accident and being in the middle of several wakes at the same time could cause you to be swamped. You’re not going to beat them across the lake anyway, so let them have a clear path.
6) Help other anglers launch and load boats. Many clubs allow angler to fish alone. If you can back their trailer into the water and park their vehicle, you can clear the ramp faster for the next guy. Many ramps have a lack of space for tying up a boat while the angler parks of fetches his vehicle, so lending a hand if you are already launched or loaded can be a huge help.
7) If you snag a ball of discarded line, or find a bunch of line hanging in a tree, Wrap then line up and stash it in your boat for proper disposal later. You don’t want that line wrapping around your outboard or trolling motor prop and it is also a danger to wildlife.
8) If in doubt, apply the Golden Rule and treat other anglers as you would wish to be treated.
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