Deep Summer Catching Report (7/21-7/29)


I head south again tomorrow for another two weeks of driving a big ol boat in the deep blue sea. Captain Michael Littlejohn has been doing an incredible job of closing up snapper season, and I am beyond excited to start another stint in Port O’Connor. Before I leave though, here is a quick fishing report of how myself and RD Myers have been helping our customers catch fish at both Cedar Creek Lake, and a handful of others that I target on the west side of Ft. Worth.


CRAPPIE

The crappie bite continues to stay very strong, despite a sudden spike in temperatures. We’re still seeing an average of 40-50 keepers by lunch time, which makes for a very happy captain and some very happy customers. Our two best baits right now are the Palmer Pile Driver from Slab Syndicate jigs, and a good old fashioned live minnow on a gold Aberdeen hook. Our favorite rod is a Todd Huckabee 8ft Epic with a Shimano spinning reel and 8lb mono.

As is usual for this time of year, we will pick off a handful of the more aggressive crappie at each stop, then move quickly on to the next location. It can be frustrating to see such large schools of fish on a pile, only to catch 5-6 keepers, but if an angler will move quickly from spot to spot, they will be able to have a nice mess by the time their morning is over. During the last two weeks while I’ve been home, I’d say the magic depth has been anywhere from 12-18ft of water on main lake structure.











SAND BASS

If you’re simply looking to catch a limit of big shouldered sandbass, this may be the easiest time of year to do so. The whites have had plenty of time to fatten up from their spawning runs upstream, and are in numbers that reach well into the thousands. For us to troll over a school of fish twenty yards wide by one hundred yards long is not uncommon during the summer. We focus on underwater humps and points in 12-20ft of water, look for fish grouped up on the windy side of either location, and start trolling the famous Hell Pet rig. With this style of fishing, you can expect to have multiple hookups on every pass, and 4-5 person limits being easily obtainable. Case in point, we’ve seen multiple days with 100 keepers or more coming into the boat during the last two weeks. Basically, however many people we’ve had on the boat, is how many limits we’ve cleaned at the dock.








CATFISH

Although blue cats can slow down a bit compared to what we see them do in the spring, with the right bait at the right place, a good fish fry is by no means out of the question. I’ve been finding my best bite very close to where our sandies are being found. Fan casting Carolina rigs on windblown points and humps with fresh cut shad or bream has been the ticket, while drifting those same rigs has been most productive on calmer days. With these calm summer days, I’ll often use my trolling motor in place of the wind, so as to cover more ground in hopes of finding more aggressive fish. If I had to pick my best depth over the last week, I’d say 15-25ft would be tough to beat.




Looking ahead, our fall fishing season is quickly approaching. I’ve said it a thousand times, but I’ll say it again. The longer I guide, the more I love October and November for great big fish and a lot of them. I truly do love the fall, and both RD Myers and myself would like to share it with you. Should you care to join us, you can call me at 817-266-9811, or book online through our website www.ftworthfishing.com




Thank you to everyone who helps us chase out dreams; we are truly blessed!!


-Lane Palmer



www.ftworthfishing.com
www.constantpursuitoutfitters.com
www.shut-up-and-fish.com
www.sscrappiejigs.com
www.toddhuckabeerods.com
www.bluewaveboats.com

Thanks for the information Lane, another great post. Good luck on the coast!

Great Post Lane. Thank you for sharing.

Great stuff Lane!

Solid post and solid fish. Good job.

Fantastic post as always and great info laner aka lt dan!

Good stuff buddy!! Little man and me landed some red snapper in Penacola free lining! That was pretty cool to watch them big suckers come up eating chum! Enjoy those ocean perch!!!

What a writer!

Excellent in every aspect. Thanks for posting these.