I made the road trip to Fork for the first time over the weekend, and I must say I left a little down. All I hear about Fork is big fish this, big fish that and needless to say didn't get what I was looking for. Caught some quality fish, just not the size I was hoping to get out of it. Maybe that front Thursday slowed them down, maybe I wasn't in the right place, maybe I just can't fish!

Best fish was just shy of 7lb 8oz., but I was looking to hit the 10+ mark.

Your gonna be disappointed for the rest of your life if you expect to have a 10lber after putting a weekend worth of time in. 7.8 is a good fish no?

Ohhhh Come on Dan, we all know all yall catch 10 lbers every day at Fork. Heck, Perry just opens his livewells after launching the boat and one jumps in for him.

I've been going to Fork since 1989 and still haven't caught a ten pounder!

I know, like I said, we caught some quality fish. Just know (or have heard) that lake has more to offer. It's beautiful country up there though. Can anyone explain to me the huge difference in the water from place to place? Why is some murky and other parts have 5-6ft of visibility?

But you rode the short bus as a kid though....,

Ya, I have fished it for 15 years on and off and have one 10 pounder. 7.5 lb fish is a good fish. Of course you want double digit but you can't be disappointed with a decent trip and a 7 and a half. I know many who never catch one that big there!

Ya, 7.5lb is the fish of a lifetime for many. Fork can be as tough or tougher than most lakes. Part of why it still produces. Would never call a trip to a brand new lake(to you) unsuccessful if you catch "quality fish to 7.5lbs". You just fell into the fabricated mystique that keeps Fork crowded, especially with newbies. Of course, the other mystique is it really produces pigs, just not to all and eveyday. Yall must really stick some pigs out in the desert daily if 7.5 is a dissapointment. LOL

It's all about perspective. I got to Fork on Friday around mid morning. Messed around with three bed fish for three hours. Finally got one about 6lbs. to suck in a lizard only to get broke off. I quit beating the bank like the thousand other boats I saw and started fishing in 6 to 10 foot of water with a Carolina rig. Caught 10 fish in about 6 hours- one slightly over 7 (new PB) and one slightly under 7. It was the best day fishing in my life not to mention a beautiful day and met a couple of really good dudes. I've cussed that lake so many times, but man what a day for a hack like me.

Im pissed off at Ivie, its way over rated too. Been there 8 days this year, and I still dont have an SAL.

7.5 on your fist trip does kind of stink doesn't it. Probably should look for the big ones elsewhere.

TJ, all I can say is...DUDE! are you serious? I've fished the lake since the day it opened and still get skunked out there. To travel to Lake Fork sight-unseen, have a day like that and be down is unrealistic. You smoked 'em, bro. The most highly pressured lake in the state by a factor of who knows how much equals tough most of the time.

Come on back mid-May thru July if you like to fish deep structure i'm just sayin'

I would kill for a 7 lber right now.

my gosh can people just not be happy anymore your not going to catch a 10 pounder all the time!