Two of my DDs almost didn't happen because of delay caused by blowout on trailer (it was and only fish I have caught on Austin) and having to fish from the bank due to boat key left at home. So I believe there is some luck or that all the stars have to be aligned just right.

Yep !

That's only part of it. I think there are two main reasons folks don't catch DD's on Fork.

1. They fish too shallow (except in Spring) and too fast

2. They don't specifically target big fish

Agreed. What Combs does is outside the box: 7.1:1 gear reel, and burns those DD's as fast as he can. I could imagine his arm is so strong, He could probably knock you out with one blow...lol

I don't want to arm wrestle him that's for sure. He did an interview I think about it after falcon. Saying he wants it down deep fast and then can slow it down. I know I wish I knew more about cranking like that. It has won as much money or more than anything the past 5-10 years seems like

I obviously am no expert as I have yet to get a DD.However,I believe that Mr. Fouzman's comment is spot on.After reading Bill Murphy,s "In Pusrsuit of Giant Bass",one would be compelled to focus on those exact elements when targeting DD fish.Fishing slowly,deeper(relative term of course),and more methodically would improve all our results.I firmly believe that trophy fish and smaller fish are as dissimilar as men and women,lol.

Genetics too play a role from what I�ve heard�.not a lot make it to that size. Good post

I feel you are exactly correct as well Mr.Crankbait.For the small population that are DD's,however,I think one improves their odds by employing these proven big bass technigues.There also is a huge element of luck involved as well for the occasional DD hook up.However I believe that consistant DD success requires adherence to these concepts.But what do I know,as I am still empty handed in the DD Dept.

Right place + right time + LUCK = DD
Control the first two and keep doing it until the third happens.

Tourney tactics are not big fish tactics usually- sometimes but not on average.
I think consistently catching big ones requires consistently fishing specifically for them.

3 DD's out of my boat on Fork since 88.......2 by me 1 by ex-wife.......none while the electronics were on........consistently catch bigger fish when I leave them off...... ;-)

That book was and is my bible for bass fishing!

Your a Cali guy like me (no cal. But ok)

Texans would be well off the learn Murphys wisdom. Cali lakes are waaaay more pressured than anything in Texas and produce bigger fish.

The big fish are here, we just don't fish for them correctley

Fact

I've been reading this thread and agree with some of the comments and disagree with others.
Time on the water on a lake that produces 10 pounders regularly is the key.
I recently caught a 10.89 on Fork, and a friend last year caught a 10.75.
That being said, the 10.89 was the largest fish I have caught in 14 years.
Prior to 2000, I had caught 80+ fish over 10 lbs, including a 13.56, a 13.75, a 14.07, and a 14.20.
Simply put, I'm not spending as much time on the water as I used to, and Fork is simply not producing as many double digit fish as she used to.
I've never targeted big fish.

Indeed Mr.Dan,Bill Murphy was an early pioneer who developed his craft the hard way.He plied his trade through trial and error without the benefit of our current technology.I grew up in So Cal fishing those same lakes on which he made famous.I have worn out copies of that book several times as I use it as a constant reference book.It seems as if I pick up something new every time I read it.I also have given it as a gift to family,friends,and guests in my vacation rentals.It is not as widely recognized as more famous books as Mr. Murphy was relatively unknown outside of the San Diego area.I'm sure Otay Michael knows of him well as well as other locals.I'm glad you appreciate him and it puts a smile on my face when his legacy is mentioned.Regards and Tight Lines,Mike.

wow! you are a legend Richard. how outdated is this website below, still $250 a day for 2 guys?

http://www.oklahomabassfishing.com/richardmccartyguide.html