Texas Parks and Wildlife recent Ray Hubbard Bass Survey

Nov. 12, 2013

TPWD Shocks Up Big Bass at Lake Ray Hubbard

Recent electrofishing surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries biologists turned up a surprising number of big largemouth bass in Lake Ray Hubbard.

TPWD’s Inland Fisheries district office in Fort Worth is responsible for managing and monitoring Lake Ray Hubbard’s fishery. Each fall they conduct a nighttime electrofishing survey on Lake Ray Hubbard. Electrofishing, commonly known as “shocking,” uses electricity to temporarily stun fish, which are then collected using dipnets, measured and weighed.

The two-night survey consisted of 24 randomly selected stations around the shoreline of the lake. Each area was electrofished for five minutes and all target species, which included shad, sunfish and black bass, were collected.

Despite low water levels, this year’s survey revealed record catch rates for largemouth bass over 14 inches. Incredibly, the best five fish weighed 34.62 lbs. That is not bad for a lake within easy driving distance for many DFW area anglers.

Most big fish were collected along the many areas of riprap found around the lake. The two biggest fish were each 23 inches long and weighed 8.1 and 7.2 pounds.

Ray Hubbard continues to be a great spot for sportfishing and has produced two Toyota ShareLunkers, fish weighing 13 pounds or more. The most recent ShareLunker entry was in 2003.

Because of its big fish history and good habitat, Ray Hubbard has been stocked annually with Florida largemouth bass since 2010. This year TPWD added another 502,264 fingerlings with expectations that the Florida influence will produce even more big fish.

2013-11-12

good info

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20131112c

U still hear people say Ray Hubbard doesn't have any fish. Really

Hubbard has them, there is no doubt. It can be challenging at times to find them. However, when you do it's crazy good.

I live 15 minute from Ray Hubbard never fishing it. I fished every lake in east tx. Always have plan to bass fish the lake, just never get around to it. Went over the lake going to bob sandlin Monday. Spent 100 buck in gas. Ray hubbard would be cheaper to fish about 2 gallon of gas.

Ray Hubbard aka Lake Z is a mudhole and doesn't have any fish in it, I would go elsewhere

Ask a biologist and they will tell you that big fish don't shock up well. A few twitches of the tail and they can escape the current. So the fact that they did that well shocking really says a lot for the lake.

Very nice to hear.

Great info! I haven't had luck there in years, but I'm hearing more and more about this lake from friends and this forum....maybe time to take another look

Definitely have to pick and choose my times to fish Hubbard to keep my sanity due to all the pleasure boaters but I love the lake.

I know Hubbard is a good lake, i just rarely do well on it. Never really take the time to learn it, guess its time to do so

THERE IS NOT A LOT TO LEARN, 30 ROCKS ALL DAY LONG, BACK AND FORTH, CRANK BAIT, SHAKEY HEAD WITH BIG HOOK RIGGED WITH A SENKO, PERIOD. THERE IS NO RIVER TO FISH. NINE OUT OF TEN TOURNAMENTS ARE WON THIS WAY WITH LOTS OF BIG SACKS. THE ONLY TIME THIS CHANGES IS WHEN THE LAKE HAS ENOUGH WATER TO BRING THE RIVER INTO PLAY. THERE IS NO MYSTERY TO IT. CHARTRUSE 2.5, SEXY SHAD SERIES 5, 8" SENKO GREEN PUMPKIN OR JUNE BUG, GO TO WAL MART BUY THE ARKIE SHAKEY HEAD IN 1/4 OZ SIZE, REMOVE THE FACTORY WIRE AND REPLACE WITH A SCREW LOCK, SCREW THE SENKO ON, SET THE BOAT IN 18 FT OF WATER, CAST UP TO THE BANK ON THE ROCKS AND WORK THE BAIT BACK OUT UNTIL IT IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE BOAT. SLOW. YOU WILL GET HUNG UP ALOT, WHEN YOU GET HUNG UP USE THE T MOTOR AND GO PAST WHERE YOU ARE HUNG UP AND POP THE BAIT FREE, IF IT DOESN'T COME FREE BREAK IT OFF, SIT DOWN AND TYE ANOTHER ONE ON AND TRY AGAIN. TRY TO FIGURE OUT THE DEPTH YOU ARE GETTING BIT AND NARROW YOU'RE FOCUS TO THAT DEPTH. YOU WILL BREAK OFF OFTEN THIS WAY BUT THAT IS THE TICKET TO THE 30 ROCKS. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY.

Well there you have it. Now you know.


Thanks

Did BPS have any influence in the stockings of Floridas , years ago you could not buy a respectable bass out there .

30 years ago ?????

Good Lake, Wish I knew it better.

Climer, are you taking notes??

Heavy Sack writing them down as fast as possible!!

Sure missed you and Tony at the Basscat tourney T.

I scanned it and laminated it. I taped it to the windshield on the boat so I stay focused. Can I buy those shaky head things in bulk?

You better hurry I just made my order!!

congrats on y'all's big win bud that was awsome to hear you won

Years ago the bass would stack up on deep structure and it was ten times better than it is now. This lake fishes very small compared to how it used to. There used to be some heavy stringers caught where Barnes Bridge Rd. crossed the levee. The hybrid stripers have taken over most of the deep structure. I used to catch a lot of bass off the gravel pits before the Sandbass and Hybrids took over. Its still a good lake, it just fishes real small.

I'm just glad the secret had been revealed. Looks like you and I missed the memo on that until now!

I tried to tell you that's how it would get won the day we fished that tourny, but now I'm glad we know the secrets of the Ray Hubbard locals now!!!

I can't wait to go spend a day of fishing rocks and re-rigging!

Nothing like breaking off $100 worth of shaky heads love tieing my knots!

You two don't even know what a shaky head is.

I actually saw Tommy with a wacky worm and a drop shot tied on recently, I bet he has added the shakyhead to his finesse arsenal...

Lol. I bought a pack once.

You just thought they were crankbait or jig rattles.....

The line I use doesn't even fit thru the eye of the jig head. Gave them to Tiltman as a Christmas present.

Tilton = Don Iovano

I re-gifted them to T Ross

Couple of techniques left off to go along with the others. Find the deep patches of hydrilla in the rocks there are a few spots it always grows along the power plant jetty. Wacky rigged water Mellon frys and senko type baits and chatter baits in white along the rocks minimize the hang ups. Wind blown main lake points with stick baits there is one point south of 30 they stack up on in 1-8ft when it's right.......

Why are you yelling?

Hydrilla on the jetty??? Climer, you and I have got to get out and learn this lake they call Ray Hubbard! I bet I can get Tiltman and Gandy to go as well.

I'm all for a good educational trip to this body of water!

Man no kidding , I love to fish Hydrilla especially the deep stuff it soooooo hard to find

I FIGURE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE PRESSURE THEM, MAYBE THEY WILL MOVE. I DON'T REALLY ENJOY FISHING THE ROCKS. MAYBE WE CAN PRESSURE THEM OUT INTO THE TIMBER. IF YOU GET BORED WITH THE ROCKS, GO TO THE MARINAS, THROW A SWIM JIG DOWN THE FLOATING STYROFOAM BLOCKS AND BRING IT BACK SLOW ENOUGH TO GET IT DOWN A FEW FEET, THEY SUSPEND ON THE DOCKS UNDER THE STYROFOAM. AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN.

Refugio......is your caplock button stuck?

Is that what TOMCAT21 meant by yelling? I suppose I am computer illiterate.

They've been pressured on the rocks for 40 years. Think we've got them on the verge!

Yes all caps =

The only hydrilla I have seen this year is at the ramp, about 2 sprouts, oh and the whole North end of Fork.

Crankinstein, you must really know the lake well, maybe you could share some of you're better techniques.

I don't know the lake as well as I thought. Learning lots!

Sorry. That hydrilla may have blown off my boat as I was going over the bridges coming home from Fork.

I'm on my way to wallmart to pick up some baits.

His parents never really taught him to share , he was adopted and dealt with anger issues as a young man. His time in the pen really mellowed him but I doubt he'd spill the beans.

I also heard Heavy Sack was the man on that lake! Please share your knowledge with us all, love to learn new things!!

I thought I sensed some sarcasm, my bad, I see now you are humble. Are you one of the local sticks on Ray Hubbard.

Please save some for the rock newbies!!

That's a loaded question but yes he is one of the dicks on Ray Hubbard

NO. I DON'T EVEN HAVE A TEXAS FISHING LICENSE!

Refugio , Climer is the real deal out there catch up with him out there he's always good for some info. You can't miss him just look for guy in a wrapped basscat speeding around from spot to spot with his orange and black jersey he looks like a big jack o lantern haulin ace by you!

What does it take to be considered a stick, how does one reach this status? I am sure a 1/4 oz. shakey head rigged with a large senko will catch many big fish on the rocks so what am I doing wrong? How can I earn the respect of the local sticks.

Hey heavy sack I think I know who you are don't you run that big white express, dark hair and wear glasses sometimes i have seen you on the rocks before!

Sticks: Killingsworth, Climer, Tiltman, TDRoss.....just a few hammers out there

I fished a few Tuesday night tournaments a while back and Tommy always scared me, he would stare me down.

Hold on and I'll ask.....

Okay, Eric Gandy said best way to gain some respect among the accomplished anglers is to buy a lot of his baits.

Hope this helps

Were you dressed like a hamburger?

Follow the guy in the white tin can that looks like Bill Nye the science guy he is the whole tree not just the stick!

Refugio, in all seriousness Tiltman can catch them out there too and is very forthcoming with info if you catch him on the lake. He drives a white Xpress and one of his arms flaps in the wind behind the boat when he's running.

Now I do recognize the name Killingsworth, I think he and Tucker won the LSB last year on Hubbard, maybe it wasn't Tucker, and I think Greg Yates had the big sack on day 2, and I am sure I know who Tiltman is, white express with duel power poles.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Climer taking unnecessary abuse in this thread. Tilton with honorable mention on Jack o lantern comment as well.

You guys have the wrong guy Tiltman has a bullet with a 300 on the back , heavy sack is the man out there keep pestering him.

Climer can be scary , just give him your lunch money and what ever food and drinks you have and you'll be fine.

Trivia question, who knows what Refugio is?

A Ray Hubbard stick?

No question Doug Renner

Is it what Jerry Shipe drinks when he's outta rum ?

One time Climer was my navigator in a Triton that would only turn right, oh and he caught an 8 and change in my prop wash this past summer


Oh and the Reel Deal Hammer on Hubbard is Johnny "Ray Hubbard"!

not I and its Re N er with one N Tilty

I did meet and talk to Climers dad one day at the ramp at 66 a few years ago, enjoyed the conversation with him. I have never really met Tommy but I have seen him alot in the river when you could still get there in a boat.

he also answers to the Drop Shot Kidd! Looks like wired Al Yankovics cousin he is full of info and also does intructional trips!

Doug, didn't you use to go by Dougefresh or something like that?

That is Tiltmans other cousin he has lots of family in the area!

I got this pic of Climer up north today

Coming from the great pumpkin.....nice

I think I am starting to figure it out, is Jerry Shipe Clay Shipes kin folk? Jerry boats out of a TR20, white with a maroon inset, 225 Yamaha, and Doug has a very nice Cat with a SHO and twin power poles. The only a fore mentioned person I can't place is Crankenstein, is he in a bullet? I do occasionally see a red and white bullet out there, looks like McCalmonts old bullet from thirteen years ago.

Dang! U got me

Refugio is Nolan Ryans alma matter. Refugio Bobcats. The South Texas folks know where it is and most who ever ventured to Padre island passed through it.

That's him! Go tie up to his boat and say hi next time you see him.

Crank is in a Yak, it's tie-dye rainbow colors!

Liar!

So how did you achieve you're status as local stick? Did you once catch a heavy sack at Hubbard?

he had 49 lbs in a Monday derby a few years back

Okay, okay...I'm in a white Xpress with a 115 Yamaha. And usually wearing a straw hat. If you see me beer me.

Do you live on the "Hill"?

he went out on some of DropShots trips and was well educated and that is all he catches is Heavy Sacks in that fast Bullett

TRoss also a BassCat white and blue I think. Have I missed anyone cause I want to make sure you all get you're due. Gosh I suppose I too must spend a bit of time on this lake.

The cheeseburger comment was money.

How many years back, how far back can we go a still claim it?

And all fun aside is it a red and white bullet?

You and Tony Sr have been known to drop a shot or 2 on Fork lol

Yes it is!!

What is a Monday night derby?

Climer, Tilton, Killingsworth, Yates and many more are all "Hammers" on Hubbard actually.

It's a tough crowd to try and fish against, the good Lord knows they have taken a lot of my money, but everyone of them are stand up guys and just good folks!

Who is the GPS bandit in the blue Ranger?

HEAVY SACK (aka Crankinstein) ???

Is Tiltman dropshot? Getting confused again.

Yes he's the best! Just ask him.

Makes two of us

This has been enjoyable, I guess I will watch for a bullet and a ranger, and steer clear of both. I will hope Tiltman is drop shot so all the Questions I had have been answered but two. C rankenstein won't give up his status earning techniques and I am still not real sure what he fishes out of. Oh, no one ever explained how far back we can go and still claim it.

Claim what ?

Looks like Denver is whippin [censored] now.

Tournament success, victory, STICK status. And some one else is getting as big a laugh out of this as me. That is Planet of the Apes.

Oh that , 6 weeks

Good night John boy.

Been smokin a little bit?

There's been some funny stuff said in this thread.
But like Doug said there some really good people on ray hubbard also.

How did I miss this all day?? Pretty funny and quite revealing.

Are you crazy? There is so much misinformation going on here. I never run out of rum.

Hah! I should have known!

Classic thread! Thanks for the info. Plan to see if you all are telling stories about the rip rap! Way to burry the good info at the beginning. Where should I put in? Is it called harbor bay since can't fish the river? Thank you

I drove over Hubbard this weekend on my way to Fork. What a mistake that was....

Since you asked politely....but don't tell anyone....it's the Float-n-Fly!

LOL! most probably think you are BS'in...

I've said too much already....

I am surprised how many people really think Crankenstein is a real person. He is a computer bot designed to create drama and controversy on the TFF in order to stir up reaction based post. Top secret CIA stuff that JP got his hands on.

Dang, all these years of fishing and it was a buck tail jig all along. WalMart in Rockwall was sold out of Arkie Shakey heads tonight.

Didn't know you could weigh in whites and hybrids....

You went to Walmart in rockwall and nothing happened to your vehicle that place is about like the boat ramps at ray hubbard.
Walmart in Wylie had them on clarence last week they was in the bottom of the clear tubs.

After some careful consideration I'd say as far back as needed is fine , say 2004-2005

1971

I here binoculars are all the craze on Hubbard!

Don't you know every day is different there is a lot of different patterns to fish the rocks I have caught big fish on the rocks all on different patterns.J.D.

No, that's the only way to do it.

We're you even alive in 1971?

It's amazing that there are so many experts on Hubbard. Climer, you need to step it up!

You say experts but do they really have a leg up on the regulars?

If they were regulars,they would know who all of yall were,because they have all donated to yall at some time,including myself..hey i heard there was a new guide out there also?

Tiltman get his guide license???

Not me.....Climer maybe? Halloween Guide Service?

Come on Tiltman i heard you and this new guide were best of friends!

No one I know I promise!

I dont know,i kinda remember some advice you tried to give the new guy........lol

oh that.....yeah.."go guide on a better guide lake". True, I did give that advice out but I don't know the guy.

i heard Gandy was going to be guiding out there also,rumor has it that he loves chasing the Phat Girls on n off the water.......

You never know what that ally cat is up to.

Poor Gandy.

My name is GREG WEST. I am the new guide at Hubbard. The advice "Tiltman" gave was well taken. We all know Hubbard is not lake fork, and i am not pushing for 300 trips a year, but hubbard is a great fishery. I enjoy showing people how to catch quality fish close to home. Look forward to meeting tiltman one of these days. Your welcome to fish with me anyday.

It is a great one......just a little small at the moment. I wish we'd get some freek rain storms like Austin. Sorry I forgot your name Greg, I'll remember next time.

You say that now. Take my advice , wear a helmet.

I do not guide. Obviously there are limitless ways to catch fish at Hubbard, and when there were acres of grass up in the flats it was a blast. The first post I made on this topic is one sure way to get bit and a good place to start for new comers to Hubbard. I do know almost all of you, not Crankenstein or Tommy although I know who Tommy is. As far as being an "expert" on Hubbard I don't think it would even be possible for me to care any less whether I am recognized as an expert. I get to fish over 200 days a year and I can't imagine being any more blessed with time to fish than I already am.

Note to Refugio.....Quit your bragging! 200 days a year you lucky POS! And For sure you're not an expert! LOL None of us really are! But you are a goober who doesn't listen to good advice about whether that tub nitro can run in 6 inches of water or not!

Oh no. Somebody's CAP LOCK button is about to get stuck again.

I'm an expert on Joe Pool.

I am thinking about buying a p'toon and hosting weekend booze cruises to party and porno coves...

Just to keep it honest, I started a new job in May and now I have to work 190 days a year, up from 138, and yes 6 inches of water was just enough to get back out of the river the last time I was there.

You're an elusive neighbor

And promptly get stuck 40 yards out !

No, I got stuck on the way in, it was just easier to keep going north then run back out. Coming out was a breeze, and yes it was scary as hell cause I wasn't very sure I would make it. That was my last day in the river, we need a monsoon. Who is Crankinstein, he scares me.

Yea, the last time I saw you was the day I met you. If it wasn't for seeing you're boat from time to time I'd swear you moved. I hope none of you're dogs are males, this whiney dog of mine is about to come in to season. That will really wake the neighbors. http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/images/icons/default/laugh.gif