I am all for your idea of a tournament on Marine Creek: I think it might actually help us quantify how the lake fishes . . . if a number of boats go out and hit it hard for several hours. And, like what has been said, it will be fun for all participants.

I took my fishing canoe out there about a week ago. What is nice about it is when there is a strong typical southerly wind, one can get down under the dam and the wind largely sails overhead. According to TPWD, the rip rap around the dam holds some fish. At least one boat the other day said they caught a few small bass and some crappie in a cove over near TCC, so the coves are good ideas to give a go.

I haven't been over the whole lake but there is quite a lot of bank vegetation beyond the dam down into the ski area. There is also vegetation on both sides of the boat ramp (the one on the east side).

No, it isn't an idle-only lake. Boats zoom around on the lake at full speed. Expect some jet skis, too.

It is a participating share-lunker lake . . . so some large fish are likely in there. One issue, I think, that limits the lake's fishability is a lack of shad and bait fish. I believe the bass rely on bluegill as their primary food source. Unlike many lakes where you see quite a lot of bait fish swimming along the bank, at least seasonally, I don't recall ever seeing this at Marine Creek.

I look forward to seeing the results!

Brad

It is a idle only lake. Just to clear it up, I stopped by and took a picture of the sign right next to the ramp where it says it's a NO WAKE lake. Now in no way am I trying to take away from people fishing and having a good time, and I'm not saying I just idle around the lake when I fish it.. I just had a friend tell me he had a game warden threaten to give him a ticket for drivin around on pad on the lake.. I'm not trying to knock your tournament man and I'd love to fish some of your opens, I'm just sayin you may have a better turnout at a different bigger lake next time around.. Best of luck to everyone though

The TRWD patrols it pretty regularly,and they can write tickets.You will see them there more often than Game Wardens.

oops yeah I meant he had told me TRWD had threatened to write him a ticket.. Not a game warden

I stand corrected. The sign says it all; I just never stopped to read it . . .being in a fishing canoe and also a catch & release fisherman, it made no difference to me. I typically scout out information on the TPWD site for lake clues.

But, yes, irrespective of the posting, they do run pretty hard on the lake at least most of the times I have been out there. Last week, someone shot across the lake in a pontoon boat under full power and a young man was churning up water on a jet ski. And, I have been back in the ski jump area and boats have run through there at high speeds.

On the other hand, there are rarely many boats out there. It is definitely not an over-fished lake. I think I know several reasons why. That is one reason I look forward to seeing the tournament results.

Gosh, I have the horrible thought that many of those share lunkers ended up on the dinner table over the years even though they are supposed to be released. There is a reporting phone number in the event someone sees and infraction.

Brad

There predicting some potential rough weather for Saturday will the tournament still go on

According to the sign is states no waves to create a crest. Also says no boats going faster then highway speeds. Is 55mph. I have fished the lake for years and talked with multiple officers over time with no repercussive speed problems..

As for the weather I keeping up with this issue and will be posting if there is a issue... Thank you

I'm the friend Garret was referring about. I was approached by a TRWD Police Officer after loading my boat. The officer was polite and acted in a professional manor but was stearn about the rules. I had never noticed the "No Wake" sign @ the ramp before he pointed it out to me a year or so ago. He let me go w/a verbal warning.And yes. I've been out there plenty of times before @ speeds of excess of 60 mph.

Just to be clear. The sign states Headway Speed not Highway Speed. The definition of headway speed is as follows:

Headway speed is 6 mph or the slowest speed to travel and still maintain steerage.

As for the crest aspect:
For the ability to get one's watercraft on and/or off pad creates a crest which in turn becomes a wake.

Even w/it being a No Wake Lake. It should be a non factor. You could lap the whole lake 3x's during the T w/the trolling motor. It's a fun little lake w/a lot of Kentucky's and some Huge Toads. I would just hate to see/hear of anyone getting a ticket.

I THINK I MIGHT BE IN IT TO WHEN IT. I HAVE FISHED AND THERE IS SOME GOOD FISH IN THERE. I LOST A GIANT LAST YEAR PUSHING CLOSE TO EIGHT OR NINE POUNDS. WELL IF I DONT HAVE TO WORK I MIGHT JUST SO UP. IF NOT GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN THE TOURNAMENT.

Tournament still on at this time. Will keep everyone posted if things change.

Me and my uncle be there. Is there pre fishing allowed Friday

Yes pre fishing is allowed

Would love to fish it, but won't be able to this week. It would be nice to make it a workin mans during the week. I would definitely fish that. Might hit the next one, keep us informed.

If I didn't have other obligations, I'd fish this tournament.
My predictions.. If 10 people fish the tournament, 2 fish over 18" will be brought back to the scales and a few limits of spots.
If I guy could commit to throwing a swimbait all day, that could pay off. It's a tough lake for big fish, probably what keeps me going back. Good luck!
Please post the results.