So I’ve fished at Squaw creek maybe 8-10 times total, so not a huge sample size, but this past tournament for our club yesterday I had the worst luck with catching bass (mostly on a Carolina rig…and yes, definitely a fish on each time)…only for the fish to burrow into a tree nearby rather quickly and then I never could get them out.

I lost right at 5 fish that way alone, and that rarely happens more than twice in one day for me. The areas I was fishing was offshore around 10-20 feet deep near the island, so I’m aware there is timber underneath…but still never had this happen this bad before. Any suggestions?! Thanks in advance.

Try shortening the leader and keep putting it back in there and try to defect earlier

If you refuse to throw anything else - then put braid on the main line, use the longest rod you got, and highest reel speed you got. Anything to get them turned toward the boat as quick as possible.

But I’d recommend throwing a Texas rig before any of that. Just as effective and doesn’t get hung up as much - just keep the line at tight as possible on the fall when they usually hit it - so you can set the hook before they run with it.

I may have to try the Texas rig more in those cases, it’s gonna be a challenge mentally as I’m much more comfortable dragging the old ball and chain in those offshore locations! Lol