Fishing Report Archives

Hey from the Excel 230 Elite.

Memorial Day weekend is here. It is the kickoff for most recreational boaters and the time many fishermen put their boats in the garage until after Labor Day. It is neither for me. The lake levels finally got back to summer pool and with that, fishing has kicked into high gear.

The full moon has a lot to do with that also. The late May full moon usually is the time many Redear fishermen see their best catches of these hard-fighting bullies. Bluegill will spawn for a couple more full moons. The catfish are busting with eggs and they will be in shallow spawning areas thru June. Worms, crickets, or imitations of both will get you a basket full of all of them.

The crappie bite has rebounded nicely from the low point of the recent high water. They are moving into summer areas but due to the rigors of spawning, are feeding up big time.

As is my normal mode of operation, we are catching some nice fish on Pico Lures INT cranks. I’ve been honored by Pico with their release of one of my go to colors, D. Wynn, a dark green and black bait I’ve used with success for years. The sauger, white bass, and catfish all love it too.

Lots of great catches of catfish are coming on jugs, or pool noodles, fished in shallow bays using cut bait like bluegill, worms, or prepared stink baits. Chasing down a jug with a sizable catfish can be fun and frustrating at the same time. I highly recommend the use of a pole, like a broom handle, with a heavy bent wire to snag the line below the jug. This can be a fun way to stock one’s freezer.

Memorial Day brings out many boats that have been stored since Labor Day. Many owners will not see if their boat is seaworthy until they back it onto the ramp. Having a motor that will not start is something that should have been discovered long before the trip to the ramp.

Late model outboards have ports into the water system so a hose can be attached and an engine started in one’s driveway. A set of “muffs” that also allow running an engine at home can be bought for under $20 and are well worth the price. Getting an ear full from those waiting in line behind a boat that won’t start is much more expensive.

On that same line of thought, the ramp is not where you need to round up the kids, the dog, the cooler, and all those items necessary for a great day on the lake. Those tasks need to be taken care of BEFORE backing into a ramp lane. Be considerate of others.

Be careful out there! Watch out for those who won’t watch out for you. Leave the booze on the bank for later. Take your trash with you. Don’t leave it for the rest of us to cuss you over when we see it floating on the lakes that belong to all of us.

Have a fun, safe holiday but keep an eye on the sky. Storms are forecast and getting caught in one on our lakes is no laughing matter. Enjoy our slice of Heaven.