Elmer Davis Report 5/30/11

[dabassking]

Decided to get the blacklight out for the first time this year. My dad, cousin, uncle, and I all fished out of the same boat. We were in for a pretty long night. We fished from about 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. We caught around 30 bass. (not a good night considering the amount of time on the water with 4 fishermen). Most fish were caught on T-Rigged plastics with a few on the fluke and one 16"er on a crankbait. Most fish were under 12". We caught about 10 that were in the slot and one over. The fish were really shallow and tight lipped. Has anyone else noticed that this lake just SHUTS DOWN after dark?

[ironhead70]

had a pretty good weekend there only fish 5 or 6 hrs a day noon till 6 but had 30+ each day all on top water alot of slots and a few over 15

[Brandon__]

I noticed it when we fished our tourny there most everything was in the slot... So that would tell you they need to remove the slot?

[dabassking]

I noticed it when we fished our tourny there most everything was in the slot... So that would tell you they need to remove the slot?

I think the slot limit is in place for a reason, Brandon. The slot limit is in place because the lake has a VERY LARGE population of little bass. The biologists WANT people to KEEP those bass under 12" to help the fishery. By removing more little bass, the bass that are in the slot limit will have more food and room to grow. A fish will only grow to the size that its habitat can hold. With more room to grow, a fish will stay within the slot range for a shorter amount of time. Also, the biologists want fish within the slot to stay in the lake because that size range is a good breeding stock.

I dont want this to turn into a catch and release debate because I believe everyone has had enough of those, but I do believe that if more bass under 12" were kept, the fishery would improve drastically.

[ironhead70]

in the past 4 years i have been fish it the fish have gotten better 4 years ago you could catch pleanty of 6 in bass ..... this year and last i have noticed alot more slots being caught ...... its still a fun top water lake as long and they leave the grass alone

[Wormin]

in the past 4 years i have been fish it the fish have gotten better 4 years ago you could catch pleanty of 6 in bass ..... this year and last i have noticed alot more slots being caught ...... its still a fun top water lake as long and they leave the grass alone

Don't tell them there is grass in it. You know were not allowed to have any grass in our small lakes, you have done it now, I can hear the wheel turning already. So long grass.

[spinnerbaitguy]

You're right with the grass comment. When "they" began trying to control the grass in Beaver Lake in the 90s(by spraying and with the newly implemented grass carp), it was the end of a great lake. When weed control talk begins, you can almost hear a distant choking sound.

[ironhead70]

You're right with the grass comment. When "they" began trying to control the grass in Beaver Lake in the 90s(by spraying and with the newly implemented grass carp), it was the end of a great lake. When weed control talk begins, you can almost hear a distant choking sound.

the last couple of years they start spraying in july and the lake usually shuts down.....still catch a few but seems they move out alot deeper

[spinnerbaitguy]

Seems like I remembered the lake being turned to a slot lake in the late 90s but could definitely be wrong about that.

[Brandon__]

Edited.. Sry for
Confusion

[Brandon__]

I think the slot limit is in place for a reason, Brandon. The slot limit is in place because the lake has a VERY LARGE population of little bass. The biologists WANT people to KEEP those bass under 12" to help the fishery. By removing more little bass, the bass that are in the slot limit will have more food and room to grow. A fish will only grow to the size that its habitat can hold. With more room to grow, a fish will stay within the slot range for a shorter amount of time. Also, the biologists want fish within the slot to stay in the lake because that size range is a good breeding stock.

I dont want this to turn into a catch and release debate because I believe everyone has had enough of those, but I do believe that if more bass under 12" were kept, the fishery would improve drastically.

I agree with your catch and release argument. I dont keep anything no matter what. I was just pointing out that between me and my partner caught alot in the slot- not many under- that seemed to be the story all day with everyone. Personally it doesnt matter to me what that do, just makes a terrible day when you go out catch the hell out of fish and only get to weigh in 4 that were only 2 pounds..

[dabassking]

I agree with your catch and release argument. I dont keep anything no matter what. I was just pointing out that between me and my partner caught alot in the slot- not many under- that seemed to be the story all day with everyone. Personally it doesnt matter to me what that do, just makes a terrible day when you go out catch the hell out of fish and only get to weigh in 4 that were only 2 pounds..

And in a couple of years, those slot fish will be of keeper size. It just takes time for any size limit to show a huge effect on a fishery.