LAKE FORK REPORT
High 80 to lower 90 degree water surface temperatures have made fishing tough for many. Tree lines and road beds in deep open water are producing good slot and over fish. I have been using large Zoom or Berkley 10-inch worms in red shad or black color. I am also using Lockhart Spider jigs and Mann's + 30 crank baits. I have been working these baits slow (Running Creek, and Wolf Point Areas).
I have also had success this week fishing deep water humps and drop offs in 30 foot plus water. I am catching fish using a Carolina rig with Zoom French-fry type plastic worms in a watermelon red flake color. I have also tried some blue 6" tub baits lately with some success (Old Clay Dig west of the dam and Little Caney)
Use your fish graph. I have caught some good size slot fish recently with spoon jigging near the 515 and 154 bridges. Also try 1 oz spinner baits in these areas with black and white skirts with a large gold CO Blade.
When you see bass schooling in deep water and if you can get close, try using a rattletrap or a Lockhart Chuck-N-Spin behind the surface explosion and crank the lure through the school.
[HOT WEATHER ADVICE] Remember the dog days of August are here. Heat is a major factor in planning your trip. If you are going to stay out in the sun take precautions: Use sunscreen, drink plenty of water, reduce the amount of alcohol intake, keep a hat on, and wet it if needed to cool down. Wearing a t-shirt under your shirt will help keep your body cooler. If you start to feel ill go in, it's not worth a heat stroke. If you are not going to keep your catch, release them immediately. Fish will not do well in live wells when the outdoor temperature is over 90 degrees.
WOOD COUNTY LOCAL WINS THE 2002 BASSMASTER
Jay Yelas, one of our own Wood County residents won the 2002 CITGO BASSMASTER CLASSIC in Birmingham Al. a few weeks ago. This 36-year-old pro became the first Classic champion to take big-bass honors all three days of the tournament. He fished against the worlds best. This was his twelfth time to compete for the championship. The CITGO BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship. Jay, Congratulations from the Wood County Democrat's Newspaper Staff.
A WEBSITE WORTH VISITING
I would like to start out by congratulating a friend, Ray Bell for placing 2nd in the Texas Fishing Forum's Ray Hubbard Open Night Tournament last week. The Texas Fishing Forum "is the best place in Texas to talk fishing". The site offers discussions posted on equipment, lake reports, tournaments, jokes, boats, fishing partners, you name it, and if they don't have the topic you are looking for, you can start it at
www.texasfishingforum.com. Upcoming Events:
Texas Trails Bassmasters Open Lake Fork Tournament, September 14 , 2002 Register at Lake Fork Resort 903-765-2987 / 1-800-230-4367. Guaranteed Payout Based on 100 Entries. Drawings will be held after weigh - in for door prizes
Annual McDonald's Lake Fork Big Bass Tournament, September 20 - 22, 2002.
Irving Bass Clubs 46th semi-annual Lake Fork open on October 20th. The headquarters and weigh-in will be at Lake Fork Resort. There will be around $5500 in cash as well as door prizes given away. For more information check out the club's website at:
www.irvingbassclub.com Take care until next week:
Skeeder-D
Skeeder-D Lake Fork Guide Service Inc.
903 878-2799
www.skeeder-D.com, Sponsored By: Mann's Lures, Moby Custom Angle Rods, East Texas Optical, Lockhart Lures, Line Keeper, Lake Fork Taxidermy and the Bass Pro Shops -Outdoor World, Grapevine
