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CALL ROBERT AT 256-389-8150 WITH ALL YOUR LOCAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS AND I'LL POST THEM ON THE WEBSITE.
Gray's Trail Classic Tournament results from 1-5-2008
1st Sonny Carter and Lee Carter 22.5lbs
2nd Danny Gray and Waymon Gray 20.9lbs
3rd Leon Tidwell and Leon Tidwell Jr. 17lbs
Big Smallmouth Sonny Carter 5.35lbs
Big Largemouth Trent Goodlow 5.9lbs
Top 3 all had limits of Smallmouth.
| SHOALS OUTDOOR SPORTS ANNUAL SPRING OPEN BASS TOURNAMENT
May 24th 2008 6am-3pm
Pickwick and Wilson Lakes
5 fish limit, 14 inch minimum
$65.00 Per boat
$1500 guaranteed first
Triton Gold Certified Tournament
Lunker included. Over 50 boats will pay 2 lunkers 60/40  |
"SAC" Northern Alabama Division - 2/16/08
BIG FISH # DEAD TOTAL FINAL
Place Team # FISH WEIGHT FISH WEIGHT WEIGHT POINTS
1 Mark Odom/Brian Tatum 5 4.06 0 14.42 14.42 310
2 Mark Sloan/John Thomas 5 5.54 0 13.23 13.23 309
3 Mike Franks/Ferlin Weeks 5 3.20 0 11.13 11.13 308
4 Chuck Hemm/Jim Holsenback 5 3.89 0 10.53 10.53 307
5 Steve Holt/Tim Gray 5 3.07 0 10.06 10.06 306
6 Mark Buetjer/Will Beutjer 5 3.00 0 9.93 9.93 305
7 Shannon Howell/Brett Putman 3 3.79 0 9.70 9.70 304
8 Terrel Harbin/David Koger 5 0.00 0 8.93 8.93 303
9 Harold Rogers/Regina Rogers 5 0.00 0 8.25 8.25 302
10 Chad Wynn/Keith Marsh 5 0.00 0 8.23 8.23 301
11 Winston Jackson/Jerry McCafferty 4 3.38 0 8.00 8.00 300
12 Richard Mason/Terry Billions 5 0.00 0 7.17 7.17 299
13 Norman Ligon/Michael Daniel 3 3.92 0 7.16 7.16 298
14 Robbie McDowell/Preston Braden 5 0.00 0 6.91 6.91 297
15 Brian Biggerstaff/David Wyman 3 0.00 0 4.39 4.39 296
16 Lance Jackson/Levi Gordon 4 0.00 0 3.54 3.54 295
17 Earl Hargrave/Gary Thacker 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 10
17 Jerry Lawler/Danny Johnson 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 10
17 Chris Rose/Rocky Rose 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 10
17 Jim Barnette/Jonathon Barnette 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 10
17 Jeff Moore/Clay Fritts 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 10
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Big Bass and Jigs Just Go Together
I’m sure as an Tournament Angler you have read your share of articles on catching big bass by flipping or pitching jigs. Jigs are a top bass bait throughout the year, and it’s rarely a bad choice to use one. However, there are no magic lures, and some days a crankbait or a spinnerbait might work better, but over the years I have caught more big fish on a jig.. Big Bass and Jigs go together like Apple Pie and Ice Cream, and when the conditions are tough, there’s nothing better. Jigs are always my “go to” bait during a tournament, whether or not I’ve limited out, I almost always pick up a jig to look for that kicker fish. This brings me to the purpose of this article, which is not to talk about standard pitching and flipping techniques, but some of the lesser known techniques I’ve picked up on over the years. These techniques may be lesser known, but can be just as productive for big bass. The techniques I’m referring to are “stroking” and “finesse” jigging”. In this article I will go into detail on each technique, and discuss the “when”, “where”, and equipment needed to optimize each of these techniques. My hope is that this will add a couple more weapons to your arsenal, and aid you in putting some big green fish in your livewell.
Stroking a Jig:
I learned this technique last year, when fishing the Triton Owners Tournament with a good friend on Kentucky Lake. My partner had a friend local to the area that took him prefishing for the event. His friend introduced us to this technique. Stroking, also known as hopping or slack lining is a deadly manner of working a jig over deep offshore structure. During the qualification day of the Owners tournament, my partner and I used this method to put over 16lbs in our boat and come in with the 4th biggest total of that qualifying day. This technique is excellent on Lakes or Reservoirs that have defined ledges or structure in them. To start this technique, you first need to make a long cast beyond the structure, or on top of the ledge, letting the jig freefall to the bottom. Once your jig hits bottom, you will have some slack remaining in your line. Next, rapidly raise your rod tip in an upward snapping motion to the 12 o’clock or higher position, then just as fast lower the rod back towards the bait. Now, reel a few cranks and repeat the process again. Stroking is very similar to flipping in that you flip to a target and hop it in place on slack line. Instead of just one hop as in flipping, you are hopping the jig15 to 20 times each cast, and you’re doing this in water as deep as 30-40 feet. I normally position my boat in 20-40 feet of water and cast the jig to the top of the ledge, which could be as shallow as 2-3 feet, again stroking the jig all the way down the drop back to the boat. The best way to describe this technique is, it’s like setting the hook every few seconds as the jig works its way down the ledge. At first, it can be really tough to detect strikes, and you may loose a few jigs, but with practice you will develop a rhythm during the retrieve. When I initially started stroking jigs, I caught fish I never felt hit the bait, but when I rapidly raised my rod, I unintentionally set the hook on them. Again, with practice, you will develop a cadence, and the necessary ability to watch your line while it slack lines after the hop. Like all jig type fishing, the bite may be subtle, but once you’ve developed those skills during the retrieve, you’ll know when something feels different, set the hook. After a day of stroking a jig, if you are doing it right, you will definitely feel it in your arms. I believe this method of jig fishing gets more of a reaction bite from the bass, as most strikes take place when the jig is falling back to the bottom. Kentucky and Barkley Lake locals have used this technique for years with great success, but you would be hard pressed to get many to reveal their secrets. Since learning this technique, I’ve had great success on Wheeler, Wilson, and Guntersville Lakes, and I’m very happy my partner’s friend introduced us to it.
Where to Stroke jigs: Offshore structure is the best answer. It may be the main river channel, creek channels that feed into the main channel, points, bars, or underwater humps. The best areas have ledges with well defined drops. Other things to look for are: Changes in the top of the ledge (indentations and irregular features), creek channel intersections in the main ledge, current breaks (islands or shallow humps), changes in bottom make up, areas that may have changes in current (channel bends or the mouths of creeks), and pockets. Second, look for structure within the drops, usually wood, grass or rocks. As we all know bass relate to structure for concealment and to ambush their prey; if you find good structure on the ledges, there is a good chance bass will be holding there. Next, find areas that are holding baitfish. During the Triton Owners Tournament, when we pick up balls of shad on the Lowrance, we usually got strikes. The baitfish where not located at any one particular depth, and they just seemed to move along the ledge, but once found, hold on. Finally, current is key. As with most bass fishing in reservoirs and rivers, if the water is moving, the fish are more active. When stroking a jig it’s no different, current optimizes its effectiveness. During qualification day for the Triton Owner’s Tournament, strong current was present on Kentucky Lake and we caught fish all day. However, championship day, current was not present on Kentucky Lake and my partner and I only produced one fish with this technique. The winners of the tournament were fishing on Barkley Lake, where current was being generated, and they won with over 20lbs of fish, stroking a jig. If you can locate areas with good structure, defined drops, bait fish nearby, and current, it’s a good bet you can land fish stroking a jig.
When to Stroke a jig: This technique can be effective anytime except during the spawn. I’ve found that the best times of the year are: a month after the spawn, through the dead of summer, and then again in the winter months. To understand why this is true, you need to understand bass migration patterns. Although it is true that some bass will stay shallow all year long, the majority however will follow the food source (baitfish). Because of food sources and water oxygen content baitfish move shallow in the spring (during the bass spawn), and back out to deeper water in the summer; which is repeated again during the fall and winter months. Migrating bass use these ledges as their travel routes when they move from shallow to deep water and vice versa.
Equipment: The standard heavy duty line and long pool stick rods that are customary when flipping and pitching will not work here. You need to use a line that has hardly any stretch. I’m a big fan of braid on certain applications, but braid is not the best answer either. Remember you need to really stroke the jig to get the desired action, stroking with braid will result in your trailer ripping off. I recommend fluorocarbon line, I use 12 lb Berkley Vanish. What is good about fluorocarbon is that not only does it lack stretch and have more sensitivity than monofilament, it also sinks quicker, adding to the action of the jig. As for your rod, you need a good quality medium power, fast action, 6 to 6 ½ foot rod in either spinning or baitcasting. If you go with a longer rod, you will snap your line while stroking, just ask my partner. I prefer baitcasting outfits for this technique, my first choices being, the Avid and the new Tournament Bass Series rods from St. Croix . They are extremely light and sensitive, and you can really feel the jig working its way down the ledge. As for a reel, use whatever complements your rod. I like the Shimano Curados with the high speed gear ratios. Now for the jig, you need to use a jig at least 3/8 oz and as big as ¾ oz. The heavier the weight the faster the fall, you’ll have to let the bass will tell you what they want. I’ve seen days they wanted the fast fall, and others where it had to be slower to get them to bite. As for jig colors, I let water color determine my jig color. If the water has a good stain, I use a black/blue jig. If the waters clear, I use more natural or neutral colors like watermelon or pumpkin. The Last thing I address is whether or not rattles attached to the jig are the ticket. I only use rattles for this technique if the water is extremely stained.
Stroking a jig can be very effective on any body of water that has defined ledges, structure and has the ability to provide current flow. Although stroking was developed in Kentucky, I have had some really good success on my home waters using this technique, hopefully you will to.
Finesse Jigging
Bass fishing technology has greatly evolved over the years. In years past, the terms finesse and bass fishing were usually not in the same conversation. If they were, it was in regards to smaller tackle and ultra light equipment. However, as the number of bass fishing competitions has increased, along with the pressure put on bodies of water, finesse fishing for bass has almost become a necessity to be successful. To me, the term “finesse”, when talking about bass fishing, is more of a technique, than a reduction in bait size. I have discovered that the ultimate big fish bait, “a jig”, can be finessed. Sometimes it’s a necessity to finesse a jig if you want bass to strike it. Finesse jigging means a thorough and stealthy presentation of your jig to a particular structure, boat docks in most cases. While downsizing may enter the picture, finessing a jig is more about minimal noise and movement, while targeting structure thoroughly. This is a technique that I basically stumbled across, but it has given me a lot of confidence when targeting bass around covered structure. If done correctly, finessing a jig can catch bass that most other anglers won’t catch. I like to start by targeting docks, the wooden docks are usually the best fish attractors. The problem here is, most anglers know this already. When the bite is aggressive, most anglers know they can catch bass by targeting outside dock posts, pitching or flipping a jig. However, when the bite gets tough due to clearer water or fishing pressure, these non-aggressive, pressured bass, move way back under the docks. The bass usually move to the deepest and/or coolest parts, out of reach from the standard baitcast pitching and flipping equipment. The bass pictured was taken on Lake Guntersville in late March, finessing a jig under a dock. For weeks prior to my landing this fish, the lake had been hammered with “local” and “national pro level” tournaments. She (the hawg bass) was positioned in the back of a boat dock, getting ready to spawn. Heavily pressured lakes are perfect for finesse jigging, and to do this, it’s easiest to use spinning equipment. Using spinning tackle and a low sidearm swinging cast, an angler can skip a jig from the front edge of the dock back to where the bass are located. When done correctly a jig with this type of equipment can be skipped 20+ feet under the structure. Once the jig lands, twitch it a couple times, then let it lie motionless for a few seconds, then twitch it again. Continue this presentation until the jig is out of range of the targeted fish. Continue this technique until the complete underside of the dock has been covered.
Where to finesse jig: When I use this technique, I like to target docks that have a wood foundation, as opposed to steel or floating docks. Over the years I have found wooden docks attract more bass. Second, look for docks that have ditches running to, or paralleling the front of them. Bass will use these as travel routes in and out. Those docks that have ditches that run to them, are usually the ones that hold the biggest fish. Third, the best docks have wide platforms that attach all the way back to the shoreline. These docks provide the best shade and security for the fish. Additionally, the larger the dock, the better the chance of depth changes underneath as it extends toward the shore.
When to finesse jig: I have discussed this above, if a body of water is heavily pressured, this is the best time to finesse jig for bass. Normally the spring is the best time for shallow docks as the bass migrate in and use these docks to spawn under. This technique will also work at other times during the year, but look for docks with deeper water nearby. Bass are attracted to cover, the boat dock, especially those with wood, provide that cover. Lastly, on real sunny days dock fishing can be at its best. Bass will use the dock to seek the cooler water that lies underneath.
Equipment:
Line: Since typically spinning equipment is not as stout as baitcasting gear, I use braided line to aid in pulling huge fish from under the docks. Braided line also is far more sensitive for strike detection. My favorite is Berkley Stealth in 30lb test.
Rods: Use a medium to medium heavy power, fast action rod. You may want to start with a shorter rod until the skipping is mastered. The shorter rod allows you to parallel cast much easier. Typically, I like to use a lighter action as opposed to a heavy action rod, as you need to whip the jig to get the skipping action to work best. For this technique I use a St. Croix, Legend Elite 7 foot, Medium power fast action Rod. This rod is really light, but has no problem pulling large fish from under docks. Since you are using braid on your spinning equipment you need a good quality spinning reel. I use a Shimano Sustain 2000 to accomplish this. And last but not least, your jig: As for jig color I limit myself to three choices. Black/Blue for stained to dirty water, pumpkin and watermelon for clearer water. Next your jig needs to have a head that is conducive to skipping, and I like to use ¼ oz jigs for this technique. If your jigs have rattles make sure the rattle encasement is flat, again to help in the skipping. If you prefer not to use rattles, run your plastic trailer all the way up on the hook as it will lie flat against the hook, again to aid in skipping. Finally, I like to cut the shirt down to the end of the hook. Since you let the jig lay motionless for a longer period, the shorter skirt flairs out better giving it a more natural look.
Next time out give this finesse jigging a try around boat docks, I believe you will find not only can you fish a lot more of the structure; your success will be greatly improved.
I hope this article has added a couple new dimensions to your jig fishing fun and success, and here is hoping that every cast is a big one.
Written by Chuck Hemm
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Southern Anglers Challenge
Congrats to Chuck Hemm. He is the newest member of the Shoals Outdoor Sports team.
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Place Team # FISH WEIGHT BIG FISH WT. # Dead FISH Total Penalty Final WEIGHT Points
1 Chuck Hemm/Jim Holsenback 5.00 18.94 6.98 0.00 0.00 18.94 310
2 Mike Franks/Ferlin Weeks 5.00 18.26 5.82 0.00 0.00 18.26 309
3 Brian Biggerstaff/David Wyman 5.00 15.69 4.15 0.00 0.00 15.69 308
4 Shannon Howell/Brett Putman 5.00 15.40 4.05 0.00 0.00 15.40 307
5 Bill Dukemineer/Jack Napier 5.00 14.52 3.66 0.00 0.00 14.52 306
6 Jim Barnette/Jon Barnette 5.00 11.89 5.62 0.00 0.00 11.89 305
7 Mark Sloan/John Thomas 5.00 10.86 5.88 0.00 0.00 10.86 304
8 Steve Holt/Tim Gray 5.00 10.65 4.12 0.00 0.00 10.65 303
9 Earl Hargrave/Gary Thacker 5.00 10.63 0.00 0.00 0.00 10.63 302
10 Harold Rogers/Regina Rogers 5.00 10.58 3.14 0.00 0.00 10.58 301
11 Danny Johnson/Jerry Lawler 5.00 10.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 10.04 300
12 Norman Ligon/Michael Daniel 5.00 9.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.98 299
13 Winston Jackson/Jerry McCafferty 5.00 8.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.28 298
14 Chad Wynn/Keith Marsh 5.00 7.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.17 297
15 Heath Green/Roger Riddle 4.00 6.39 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.39 296
16 Mark Beutjer/Will Beutjer 3.00 4.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.27 295
17 Robbie McDowell/Preston Braden 3.00 3.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.28 294
18 Danny Jones/Troy Brown 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10
18 David Covington/Greg Moore 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10
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