Went out by myself today, got on the water about 11:30 AM. Checked out some usual areas, around the dam, around the island, etc., working a slab with no real luck. Birds were actively patrolling the south edge of the island (the wind was blowing in on a SSW course) but the shad and sand bass had not made it up into the more shallow water yet, although they were showing up on the graph in the deeper water just off of the island shelf. Several boats, barges etc. were in and out of the area, slabbing and trolling through the area, without any apparent luck. Talked to one couple who had caught one keeper, but that was it.

Not willing to give up and call it a loss, I let my boat drift while I assembled a Hell/Pet, which I had read about last year, bought the parts for, but never assembled it or tried it (or even seen it tried) before.

Needless to say, I AM A BELIEVER NOW!!!! After putting the rig together, I caught a SB on the VERY FIRST run, and again on the second run. Biggest problem I had was that of being on the boat by myself, and fighting the wind, which was growing worse by the minute. Ended up catching an even dozen, with only 6 being keeper size, all of them appeared to be females, not having spawned yet. Keepers ranged from about 11 to 14 inches today.

Finally left after the wind got too bad for me to feel safe by myself, about 4:00 PM or so.

I have one problem with the Hell/Pet rig: How do you know FOR SURE when you have a fish on? Several times when I thought I did, it was bare, and a couple of times when I thought nothing was on, I had small fish on. Any suggestions???

""""I have one problem with the Hell/Pet rig: How do you know FOR SURE when you have a fish on? Several times when I thought I did, it was bare, and a couple of times when I thought nothing was on, I had small fish on. Any suggestions???"""

Hard to tell for sure but I look at line angle. Usually when a fish hits it wiil come to the surface so the angle will decrease.

My buddy and I headed out there today about nine and caught both our limits in about 30 min we were just north of eagle mountain marina they had the Shad pushed up against the retaining wall and we killed then on the rr-5 rapala Shad rap! Here is a pic of when we stopped to count! As soon as the clouds cleared the bite died

O.K. CRAPYcrazy I am back. Got to go to a funeral tomorrow so look for fish to show up on tuesday.
Johnny

I guess it will be fished out by Wed.

I good deal iam ready! just leave me 20 or so my freezer is full.

I will leave all of them for you .Don't keep fish this time of the year let them make babies.I can catch them the rest of the year when not making babies.
Johnny

Was out Sunday morning and with Sandjohnny's training me and my brother had no problem finding and catching them, usually two at a time. Fished for maybe an hour and then we were off to catch some bait and try to catch some blues, the sandbass were a little more cooperative!

caught 20 cat sunday by the fort worth boat club from about 5am to 8am then switched to sandie fishin caught a few till wind got to bad around 10am

dabroncobob, Welcome to the TFF. Look forward to reading your posts.

Fishdisaster. Sorry you guys had to spend so much time with Sandjohnny . Sounds like ya'll had a good day anyway. I hope you didn't let him in my boat.