Doug R., your question about another "guide" winning a tournament on Fork makes me laugh.
After 30+ years, and semi-success in tournaments and my guiding career,... jealousy is not in my mind.
Honestly, I'm sincerely concerned about the great Lake Fork that I have been honored to be a part of for those 30+ years,

Well I posted that part as sarcasm, glad you laughed


I understand your concerns, I have been fishing the lake since it opened. I fished Fork 100+ days year up until 2012, now I probably fish it 50 times a year. The lake has changed and not for the best. I honestly think the fish population is a lot lower now than it has been in a long time, maybe the lowest since the lake filled.

But, I think a lot is due to the lack of grass and low water and the fry not having much cover to survive in until they could make it on their own. Hopefully the high water and ample cover this year and hopefully next will increase the population back to where it should be.

From what I have seen lately this years spawn was the best we have had in 5-6 years...

I agree with you on the spawn this year.
I would like to see these fish have a chance to get into the slot, (above 16"), and have an increased # of spawners.
Nature plays the largest role, but as custodians of wildlife, we do have to adapt to the limitations that nature endures.

The tournaments bring revenue and we both know that is what drives the train!

Honestly I wouldn't care if they did not have tournaments on Fork, I hate trying to find "big" little fish. But, we both know that isn't going to happen...

Unfortunately, that which drives the train, might ultimately derail said train.
Lake Fork needs some rest.

I had smaller fish than .80 today without a doubt. At least 10 of them. Lol.

Congrats to Eric Wright and his partner on the win! I have met Eric a handful of times and he really knows his stuff when it comes to putting largemouth in the livewell, not only on Lake Fork but on other lakes as well. In regards to the tournaments it does seem that nearly every year a new annual tournament circuit comes to Lake Fork. These tournaments are a great way to bring more money to the local businesses but certainly do put added pressure on the bass and on the lake. Fortunately the largemouth here on Lake Fork have proven themselves to be quite resilient and hopefully will stay that way for many years to come as more annual tournament series continue to make Lake Fork their home! Congratulations again to all of today's winners during these tough conditions!

Being "politically correct", is really not positive for Fork.
Fork is under duress right now, and could use a break from the pressure.
I know Eric, and have a lot of respect for him, so this is in no way a negative response to his win.
8.99 lbs for 5 fish on Fork is not reflective of what this lake can produce.

It's all about the dollars, the fish come second. And when the fishing slows the tourneys just pick up and move on. I agree, the lake needs a rest BUT that aint gonna happen long as there is a buck to be made.

They could use a few sand bass events to take some of those out of the food chain.

Are there any fishing guides that make a living on fork ??

I thought eric is a ranger owner. I quit fishing owners tournaments when rick loomis won the skeeter owners tournament years ago. An owner payed I mean picked him as his "partner".

The best trips I have had on Fork were with Richard. I have fished the lake like many others since it opened.
I too agree the lake could use some rest time from all the tournaments. With this said I would be na�ve to wish this. The area has to have money spent tournaments bring this. I for one don't fish tournaments because of the impact I feel they have on the fishery, and as important because of the crowds.

Fishing pressure is a thing of reality and as we fish and adjust the lake just can't adjust as fast.

My .02 guides were allowed to fish, so let them fish. I would prefer not to fish against someone who gets to fish the lake everyday, but I knew the rules. We didn't catch any unders but its hard to complain about catching 3 to 7lb fish all day and tie for last place.

I agree with Richard. The lake needs a big break. I think the marina owners are smart enough to understand these tournaments are hurting the lake.