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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 3:51 am: | |
Well, the fishing is holding on in the green light. We are still catching 15 to 25 fish per day and some days more. The small fish are still plentiful but there are some nice fish mixed in. The cool weather should get the bigger fish moving. The water temp was 68 Wednesday but should drop some with this approaching front. Spinner baits and weightless Wave worms fished around grass early have produced some good fish. Wave has recently come out with a new bait called The Bamboo. This bait is a little bigger on size and heavier. This bait sinks a little faster than the Tiki stick. You will need a 5/0 hook for this bait. This is a great shallow to 10 ft. bait. Fish it around the trees and grass. The mid day I switch to jigging spoons, tail spinners, big spinner baits, and Carolina or Texas rigs. Use your electronics to find fish on the deeper points and humps.
The crappie are starting to pick up and some nice fish are showing up on stringers. 18 to 25 foot of water has been the ticket. Small jigs and minnows will get you bit.
The lake is down about two foot. Now is a time to really be careful when you are running from place to place.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 11
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 4:21 pm: | |
Well, this week has been windy. Mercy! The fish don’t care but it sure drives the fisherman crazy. Trying to move the boat from place to place is another thing. The weather is still keeping the fish a little finicky. The early bite has not been super but enough bites to keep you interested. The lipless crank bait has been working well for me in the afternoons around the grass. Hit the less windy banks you can stay on. Smaller baits are the ticket. The Carolina rig on main lake points you can stay on are producing fish. The wacky worm is another good choice. Fish it around the grass all day. There are plenty of little fish still roaming the banks with a good fish mixed in. The jigging spoon and tail spinner are working on plenty of bar fish when you can get out on a hump or two. There are some bass mixed in with them. The crappie are starting to show up around the bridges and timber in 18 to 20 foot of water. Jigs and minnows are the best baits.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2003 - 3:47 pm: | |
Well, if change is your thing then Texas is your game. The Weather has been changing quicker than a Las Vegas Show girl. We have had cold fronts coming down almost ever three days. The temp is great but the wind has been hard on the fishing and fisherman. The Fish can’t stabilize or pattern with the changes. This has been a weird fall. The lake is in process of turning over. This is happening all over and this is another problem for the fisherman. You find fish one place today and tomorrow they are somewhere else. The deep fish have been finicky. The shallow fish one day will hit wacky worms and top water then the next they wont hit anything. The shallow bite when they bit will be on top water, wacky worms and weightless baits. The Texas and Carolina rig fished around grass and main lake points has been fair. The fish are biting but not everyone is catching them. I have been fishing areas for fifteen minutes then if no bite move to another area. Covering Plenty of water is the best bet for me right now. Spinner baits and buzz baits early covering the banks will get you a few bites.
The crappie have been up and down also. Look for them in eighteen foot of water. Small jigs and minnows are the best baits.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 5:08 am: | |
Well, the weather has gone back to summer. Mercy only in Texas. The big fish are starting to show up around the lake. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of small fish still biting. The action has been good with the small fish keeping your line tight. We need some cold weather to get the big girls moving. The grass is still the key. Weightless wacky worms, flukes, and light weight Texas rig worms fished around the edges is the best pattern. There is a few top water bites coming on early mornings. The Wave Tiki stick fished over and around the grass with a light weight or no weight at all will get you some bites. The Lake Fork Ring Fry is another good choice fished weightless over the grass. The Texas and Carolina rig fished on the outside edges of the grass and deep humps and main lake points have been productive. The Johnson jig in half ounce pitched around the grass and timber on the edges of the creeks is a good bet. The fish are stacking up in the creeks as they try to move back into the bays to feed. Big crank baits are another good choice over the humps and main lake points. This weekend is the full moon so don’t rule out night fishing.
Don’t forget about the bar fish. We have a great population and there is no size or limit. They will keep the little fisherman happy with plenty of action and you still have a shot at a big bass hitting your tail spinner or jigging spoon. These fish are very good eating. You only need to hit the humps and roadbeds and you should find the fish. Your electronics can be your best friend here.
The crappie have started moving and the little fish are plentiful. There are still some big fish biting but you may have to catch a bunch of little fish before you get a limit.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 03, 2003 - 3:11 pm: | |
Well, sorry I was late this week. I have had a week to remember. The weather has been getting right for the big bite. The little fish are schooling and chasing shad. The grass and creek channels are the main key areas. Texas rigs fished in and around the creek channels along jigs have been good. The weightless Wave Tiki Stick fished wacky and straight has been very good. There is a little top water action but slow fall baits have been better. Small crank baits fished off the edge of grass and lipless crank baits have produced some good solid fish. You may have to cover plenty of water and then you will find a small area that has several fish stacked on it. The bar fish are stacking up on the humps. The big fish are soon to follow.
The crappie are starting to really show up around the timber and bridges. Small jigs and minnows.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 5:00 am: | |
Well, the waters of Lake Fork finally start to settle after the 3700 fishermen who attacked it this past weekend at the Mc Donald tournament. Boy it was a mad house out there. There were plenty of fish caught during the three days. There were three tens weighted in. The one thing everyone needs to remember is that there may have been several more but were to short to bring in. The 24 length keeps a bunch of good fish from being weighted in. I have two replicas that were 22 inches long and were 11.5. This is exceptional for that size fish but that can happen.
Well for the fishing. The fish are biting. I was on a recent trip and there were many boats with twenty or more fish for the day. The fish are hitting lipless crank baits and Carolina rigs. Small shad baits will catch plenty of the small schoolies. The fish are starting to school off and on during the day. I started yesterday with a top water and fluke. The Wave worm fished wacky and the Lake Fork Ring fry are good over the grass fished weightless. We worked the grass. Then we switched to the lipless crank bait. The quarter ounce size is the best. The tail spinners fished like a spinner bait over the grass is a good choice. Johnson limit getter spinner baits fished the same way will produce the same action. You will need a high speed reel to keep it out of the grass. The deep fish are starting to show up and jigging spoons. tail spinners, storm wild eyes, and Carolina rigs will work in these areas.
The weather has been great fishing conditions. The fronts are rolling in pretty quick. This will get the big sows moving when the water temp starts to fall. I know the deer hunters are getting that lump in there neck. I know that deer stands are starting to be pulled out to leases. This is a good time to fish as the number of fishermen will diminish on the lake as deer hunting will get into full swing.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 4:35 pm: | |
Well, here we are on the week before the McDonald Tournament. Next week at this time the lake will change. The quite mornings on the lake will explode with the sound of excited fisherman. I wish all a safe and prosperous time. The fishing has been picking up. I had a ten and a seven on a back to back cast this week. There are a lot of seven plus pound bass showing up. I know these fish are all in the slot, but this is a good sign that the big fish are starting to move. The cooler weather coming this weekend will drop the surface temp and this will help to jump start the week. The early pattern has been the grass. Fish weightless Wave Tiki Sticks wacky or straight, Lake Fork Tackle ring fries, and some top water Pop’r type baits. The Texas and Carolina rig on the out side of the grass after the sun gets up is a good bet. The deep bite is starting to get better. Carolina rigs, Tail spinner, jigging spoons, and storm wild eye shad have been working on the humps and the main lake points.
It is still not to late to put a brush pile or two for the tournament. Remember the lake will be crazy so watch for the other guy and to him you are the other guy. I still have a few days open before the tournament if you want some last minute pointers. Show sportsmanship to all around you.
Good Luck
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 3:50 am: | |
Well, the fishing has been good this week. The weather has been cool and enjoyable. The morning bite has been lipless crank baits, weightless baits and top water. Work the edges of the grass and points. When the sun gets up Carolina, Texas and deep crank baits are the ticket. The jig pitched around cedar bushes has produced so nice fish. Drop the bait down through the heart of the tree and lift or hop the bait . You will need strong line and a good heavy action rod as you will to get the fish out before they get to tangled in the bush. A lot of the fish are suspended right now. The lake is about one and a half foot low. You want to be careful where you run as the stumps are starting to show up in some back creek areas. The water temp is about 84 to 86 degrees.
The crappie are showing up at the bridges. The timber is holding fish at the same depth. Small minnows and jigs are the best bait. The McDonald Tournament is not far off. If you plan on fishing the tournament you need to get your brush out now on some of your fishing holes.. If I can help show you a pattern to work on during the tournament call and book a trip.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 3:42 am: | |
Well, this week has been full of rain showers. We had three quarter of and inch. The lake is still a little low but normal for this time of year. The water temp is around 87 to 90 degrees. The fishing is starting to pick up good. The fish are following the bait back to the backs of the creeks. There is some schooling going on. Start the day with top water or Wave Tiki Sticks weightless. The Johnson spinner bait is another good starter. Work along the edges of the grass. When the sun gets up switch to The Texas or Carolina rig along the same areas. The lipless crank bait will be a all day producer especially if the fish come up. I had two fish on three cast in a row here not long ago. The deep fish are stacking along creek channels, main lake points, humps, and road beds. Jigging spoons, tail spinners, Carolina rigs, and the Storm Wild eye will all be good producers.
The crappie are starting to stack up around the bridges. Get your freezer ready as they will soon be the “GOOD BIGGINS” This is the time of year all crappie fisher men wait for. Small minnows and jigs are the best bait. Carry a way to mark your line so you can get back to the right depth. This is the key.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 2:59 pm: | |
Well, the water temp has come up the last week. The current temp is 90 degrees. The shad are moving up in the shallows and the bass are following them. The fishing is still only fair. The big crank baits are still producing over points and main lake humps. Either strolling the big crank baits over these areas with the trolling motor or the big motor. The early bite has consisted of top water and weightless baits around the grass. The grass is really coming on strong. This will be our life blood to the lake. I can remember in the early nineties when the grass was super thick. The fishing was fantastic. The jig pitched into the holes or the hole you make is the best approach for fishing the grass. The weightless baits over the grass very early or very late in the evening.
The best time to fish is really very early or night. The crappie have slowed down some but will pick up soon.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 2:37 pm: | |
Well, the weather was great while it lasted. The cool was a blessing compared to the 100 degree days. Looks like we will have a few more before the heat is over. The fish liked it as well. On one recent trip I made five cast with a lipless crank bait and caught eight fish. That sounds like a fish story doesn’t it. But it was true. Granted the fish were not giants but there were two fish on all five cast but on two of the cast one of the two fish got off, that should have been ten for five cast. We were fishing the grass and the fish were stacked on the edge. The quarter ounce lipless crank bait in chrome and black was the best color and size. The fish are starting some schooling and this is a good sign as the fall is on the way. The top water was not as good as I thought it would be this week. We fished the first hour with top water Pop’R type of baits and then some weightless Wave Tiki sticks, fluke, and Lake fork Tackle Ring fry but the fish were not interested. This time of year till November the lipless crank bait will be tied on. This is one of my go to lures. The Carolina and Texas rigs were good out in fifteen foot of water. The outside of the grass and on main lake points. Bigger crank baits like DD22’s and the X caliber bar fish pattern crankbaits will do good on points and out in twenty five to thirty foot of water. The jig fished around the grass and out in the timber is working. Pitch the holes in the grass and work the taper grass. Pitch the timber out in ten foot that is on the edge of the creeks and work them slowly. The Ten inch worm worked in the same areas will produce fish.
Don’t forget the Mc Donald tournament is not that far off. Now is the time to put you a few brush piles out in areas where you can have at least one hole to fish. Call me if I can take you out and put you on a pattern or just show you how to run the lake.
GuideJim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 9:09 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the last couple of days has been something. The wind blew one day and the next the lightning, rain, and strong winds. We have had some much needed rain the last couple of days. The fishing has been good. Top water, buzz baits, and weightless baits have all been the morning starters. Top water consist of Pop’r type baits and stick baits. Work them slowly and let them sit before moving them. White buzz baits on clear days and chartreuse and white with gold blade on cloudy days. Cast out and raise your rod up about 45 degrees and slow the retrieve to just keep the bait on top of the water. The weightless Wave Tiki Stick in Christmas Tree has been very good around the grass and floating vegetation.
Wacky worms are another good choice.
The Texas and Carolina rigs fished around the timber and humps in ten to fifteen feet are another good bet.
The crappie have been good on baited holes with minnows and jigs.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 8:34 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the fishing is picking up a little. The fish are suspended over deep water and swimming baits over them will catch these fish. You will have to work on your count down to get the proper depth. The DD22 has been a crank bait to get down to the fish. Throw a marker where you find the fish and back off to where you can cast past the marker and crank down fast and slow down the retrieve. This will get you in front of the fish. The early bite is on top water and weightless Wave worms and Lake Fork Ring Fries. Work the grass very early or until the sun gets up. The lipless crank bait is another good choice. Throw it over the grass and run it just over the grass. The crappie are biting in 16 to 25 foot of water.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 11:49 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing report
Well, the fishing has been different. This time of year you should start out with top water. Then move out to deeper water with Carolina or Texas rigs. But lately you need to catch the early bite because the rest of the day is tough. This is usually the time of the year you can fish just about anything you like and catch a few fish. After lunch you should be out on the humps, roadbeds and main lake points. But again this is not the case. The recent cold front has scattered the fish and they are very hard to catch. We need several days of good south winds to get the fishing going again. I don’t wont to paint a grim picture but I told you I would always shoot straight. We have caught some nice fish but the numbers have been light.
I have started out with top water very early then switch to weightless Wave worms, Lake Fork Ring fries, and wacky worms. All fished over the grass slowly. The Texas rig worm is a good bet around the grass where timber is present.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2003 - 9:10 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the fishing has been up and down with these late cold fronts, coming and going. One day I had on my shorts and by nine o’clock I had on socks and shoes and rain wear to stay warm. This weekend calls for another cold front to show up. The mornings have been started with top water, weightless worms, and spinner baits. The top water is the Pop’r Type. The key is to work the bait slowly. Don’t over work the bait. Throw it around the floating grass and over the submerged grass. The spinner baits are best fished on points with timber out to eight feet of water. The half ounce Johnson spinner bait with silver blades and white skirt is the bait of choice. The Wave Tiki stick, Fluke, and Lake Fork Tackle Ring fry fished weightless around the edges of the grass and floating vegetation is a good starter bait. Work the baits slowly and give the fish a few seconds with it before setting the hook. The deep fish are hitting deep diving crank baits over humps and Carolina rigs.
The crappie are still plentiful and you have to wade through a bunch of little fish to get a keeper.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 10:28 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing report
Well, the weather has been something. The smoke from Mexico has my sinus running like and eight day clock. The early top water has been good. Pop’r type baits have been working along the edges and over the submerge grass. The weightless baits like Wave Tiki sticks, Flukes, and Lake Fork Tackle ring fries are working in the same areas. The key is to work the baits slow. Shallow running crank baits, Johnson quarter ounce spinner baits, and quarter ounce lipless crank baits will work in the same areas. The bait has been up and down. One day you can do this and tomorrow you better do something else as the yesterday approach wont work. Texas and Carolina rigs fished on main lake points can produce a good number of fish and some quality fish. Flipping jigs around the stumps, timber, and cedar trees is a good bet for a good fish. If you like crank bait fishing now is the time to get out on the points and humps and start cranking.
Get out early and start with top water and start switching to deeper baits as the day goes on.
The crappie have been on and off the same as the bass. The Bream fishing should take off as they are bedding as we write this.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 11:52 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, sorry for the delay on the fishing report this week. The server I use was down and I couldn’t get on the net. The wind has been in the picture again as I write this. The wind is blowing about 25 mph right now. The fishing has been good. The top water has been working but you have to throw it out and let sit. Only slight movement is all that is needed. The weightless baits are working the same way. Work them slowly. There are still fish on beds. I saw three females on one bed yesterday with one male circling around running off the bream as the females laid their eggs. The wacky worm, Wave Tiki stick, Johnson quarter ounce spinner baits and Lake Fork Tackle ring fries worked over shallow grass and timber will get you a bite or two. Pop’r type baits are the best top water and small shallow running crank baits will work in areas where the black snot grass is not present. There is plenty of grass growing and I hope it will get back like it did in the early nineties. Soon the deep fish will be present where the Carolina rig will be the popular bait. Work the main lake points and out side edges of the grass with Texas rigs and Carolina rigs.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 8:38 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the fishing has started picking up. The fish are still spawning and plenty of fish up shallow. The males are protecting fry. There are some females out on main lake points and deep humps. The top water Pop’R type baits are working in the early morning hours and sometimes all day on cloudy days. Weightless baits like Wave worms, wacky worms, Lake Fork Tackle Ring fries, and flukes are all working in the shallow water. The key is to work the bait slowly. Don’t over work the bait. The Texas and Carolina rigs are working around the edges of the grass and tree lines.
The One minus fished over the grass in a good producer. Small Frank Johnson Spinner baits are a good choice. Buzz baits thrown on windy banks and points is a good pattern. Don’t over work your lures as the slower the better.
The crappie are shallow out to very deep water. Small minnows and jigs are the best choice.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 6:28 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, at this time I am trying to get the kink out of my neck from leaning forward into the wind. MERCY! It has been a windy spring. As I write this the wind is blowing 25MPH. The fishing would be great if you could get to them and be able to cast something to them. There are plenty of fish on the banks spawning and plenty who have spawned. Soon the top water bite will be at its best.
The Wave Tiki Stick has been a good starter bait. Fish it on a 3/0 hook weightless. Work it around the grass and timber. Johnson spinner baits and buzz baits fished on windy banks and points early in the mornings are another good starting bait. Three eights ounce double willow leaf with gold and silver blades in white or chartreuse and white. Small crank baits that are shallow runners will be good soon.
The Carolina and Texas rig are producing a few fish. Work the grass, timber and points. There are allot of fish on beds spawning. So sight fishing is still possible. The crappie are on again and off again. They are still holding the bridges but there are plenty in the shallow water. Small minnows in the shallows with a float above pitched along the bank till you come in contact with the crappie. Then slow down and fish the area good.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 9:48 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing report
Well, the full moon has come and gone. The fish are still trying to spawn. The recent 35 plus MPH wind has halted the fish for a day or so. The best baits have been slow and slower type of presentations. Frank Johnson spinner baits in three eights ounce with willow leaf gold and silver blades with white and chartreuse skirt fished slow rolled around the floating grass and the limit getter spinner bait in the same areas have been good. Small shallow running crank baits fished over grass and shallow water have produced some good size fish. Light weight Carolina and Texas rigs fished slowly around the timber and points out in three to eight feet of water with worms and lizards will produce some numbers.
The Wave worm in the new Christmas tree color is a good bait to fish around the slime grass with no weight.
Work the bait slowly with slow pull not jerks. The jig flipped around trees and stumps in black and blue with the same trailer is working in some areas.
The crappie are starting back into the coves again. The eggs have not gotten real bloody so we are still a couple weeks before they get serious about spawning maybe just a good week of warm weather.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 12:37 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather has been stable even with the showers. The fish are making their way back to the shallow water. The spawning activities have started again. Hopefully there wont be anymore cold spells to stop the spawning. There has been several thirteen pounds plus fish caught the last several weeks. The water temp is in the upper fifties in some pockets and mid sixties in others. You can find some beds with fish on them. Some maybe not ready to spawn and others are ready. Wave worms, ring fries, lizards. And spinner baits are all good starting baits. I have had a couple days where top water have paided off well.
The crappie are holding around the bridges and will soon be back in the shallows when the water gets back right.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 10:13 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, there is no justice. As I write this fishing report the weather is making a drastic change. This has been a strange year as the fish have not made a major spawn because the water temp has been so unstable. Ever week the water temps are changing. There has been a few fish bedding but not a major spawn. I am still finding water in the fifties. After this weekend the water will be in the forties. The norther that is approaching is going to change everything. The slow weightless baits will be the baits of choice. DEAD STICKING will take on a whole new meaning. The fish will take another two weeks to get back on the beds. Wacky worms, weightless baits, and Texas rig lizards will be the best baits. For the next couple of days. The crappie had started moving up to spawn around the shallows.
Move out to ten feet of water and work all baits slowly after the passing of the front.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 9:42 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather has struck out at a bad time. The water that was 65 to 68 has fallen to the low fifties. One place the water has fallen 12 degrees. The fish have pulled back and will sit till the temp gets back up. Turn your attention to the five to eight foot water. The fish will move out to that first break and still bite. Fish slower with Carolina rigs, spinner baits, small crank baits, Texas rigs and jigs. The wave worm or ring fries fished weightless and dead sticked will produce some bites. The coming week will bring sum much needed sun shine. The best shallow water fishing was right around the corner. It want take long for the water temp to come back up with warm nights and days. Fish slowly and thoroughly.
The crappie are showing in the shallow water. Small minnows and jigs will be the best bait.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 9:45 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the water temp has finally gotten to the upper fifties and the males are making their presents known. The shallows will be full of spawning fish by the weekend. The recent rain fall has muddied the backs of most creeks and sight fishing is almost lost. The weightless baits fished very slowly is the best bet right now. Spinner baits and small crank baits fished along the edges of the grass will get you a few bites. The jig fished around standing timber and pitched into brush is a good bet. The key for the next couple of days is to work all baits slowly.
The females are stacked up looking to come in as soon as possible. There are many females needing to spawn with the late water temperature. They will be some moving in as I write this article. The full moon is Tuesday and that will really get things kicked off to a good start. We had three thirteen pound fish caught last week. So get your pole and get to the lake. The more fishermen the better chance we have to set a new state record.
The crappie are starting to bite good. Every where I look they are being brought over the side of the boats. Don’t forget they have to be over ten inches and twenty five is the limit.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 7:40 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather is still the big question. The temp as I write this is 28 and will probably fall a couple degrees. This will slow the bite but the warm weather they promise us for the weekend should get things going in the right direction. This should get the water temp in the mid to upper fifties. The males should hit the banks in numbers this weekend. The nights call for upper forties and days to be in the sixties with plenty sun shine. The sun shine is the key we to warming the shallow. Johnson three eights spinner baits with silver willow leaf and small gold Colorado with fire tiger skirt, chartreuse and white, or white skirts will get you a bite around the grass. Flipping a jig around these same areas may get you a real bite. When the sun gets up start on the secondary points and work this area with weightless Tiki Sticks, Flukes, and Ring fries. Wacky worms will also work in these areas. Small crank baits, rogues, and lipless crank baits fished around grass and timber can be deadly. The water temp is at 46 degrees. Don’t forget there can be a few degrees difference in temp from boat to boat.
Start your search at the mouth of the creeks and work your way back. When you get a bite or catch a fish work this area slowly as more fish may be close by. Look at the structure and try to find other areas with the same. The main key is work your baits slow.
The crappie have been steady with some nice fish being caught. Small jigs and minnows are the ticket.
Jim Reaneau
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Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 1:37 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather has been the news on Lake Fork. I can’t say much as I have not been out this week. A few crappie fishermen have been out braving the cold but most ramps I have been by were empty. The coming week will bring what we need and that is warm weather. Again until the water temp gets to the fifties and remains there consistently the fishing wont be stable. There will be some shallow fish always but it will take a lot of fishing to get them to bite. The big females will sometime come out and feed on some of these bad weather days. Keep your fingers crossed for the warm weather they are talking about next week.
The water temp has to be in the low forties. Remember to fish slow and cover plenty of water. Lipless crank baits, spinner baits and jigs will be the baits of choice.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 9:46 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather will not give us a break. Every weekend we have a cold front coming in. These fronts are also bring rain. We can’t complain as we have been below rain fall for a while. I know we don’t need to get it all at once. This will muddy up the creeks, or should I say keep them muddy. The northern creeks are really muddy. The creeks above the 515 bridge seem to be holding clear. The males are trying to move up to scout around the banks when the temps come up a little but are pushed back with the water temp dropping. The water temp varies in several creeks from 47 to 49. The surface temp is running 52. These temps may vary from boat to boat as different temp gauges will read different. I can only print what my temp reads. I have two gauges and use both. The best pattern is cove plenty of water. I have not had any areas where the fish have been stacked up. They have been scattered. The lipless crank bait and Johnson spinner bait in three eights ounce size with gold and silver willow leaf blade slow rolled around points and half way back in creeks are producing the majority of the fish. If jig fishing is your thing this is a good time to get it out and work the grass out to 10 foot. Neon pumpkin with a Wave Tiki Craw Dude as a trailer can’t get your arm broke. There have been some good fish caught on jigs lately. Don’t plan on catching a lot of fish but this is made up by the size fish you are catching.
Try pitching the jig around the creek bends in the coves. Work the bait slowly.
The crappie are on and off. The magic depth has been 20 foot. There are a few reports of some being caught in ten feet around docks. Everything is set all we need is some help from MOTHER NATURE, warm days with plenty of sun shine. Again the best advice is to work all baits slowly.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 9:47 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the fishing is picking up with the warm days. The weekend looks to bring rain, but the air temps will not drop to much. The water is still cold and holding into the upper forties. The jig has really started Feb. off a bang. The Johnson jig in three eights or half ounce will be the size. Black and blue or neon pumpkin are popular colors. Use a contrasting trailer. Now look for grass on main lake points or secondary points going into feeder creeks. Pitch the jig out on the edges of the grass and hop it several times. When the sun has been out for a while on the warm days the fish will get up into the grass and this is where you want to drop through the grass. Lift or hop the jig several times in each hole. You may have to work the grass through but it will pay off. The lipless crank baits are still producing its share of fish. The spinner bait is another good bait to keep handy. When the water gets up to the mid fifties the males will be moving into the coves looking for a place to make their nest. As with every February we try to push the spawn up. But remember that this month is usually our winter month. So we will still have plenty of cold weather to go through.
The main thing I can’t stress enough is work all baits slowly.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 06, 2003 - 10:46 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, once again a major tragedy has struck our space exploration. I was able to see the shuttle pass over Lake Fork last Saturday. This was a sad picture as it streaked across the sky. Our prayers are with the families.
The fishing has still been tough with water temp holding in the mid forties. The weather is still the controlling factor. Remember that anytime you can fish right now is a good time. Even with bad weather you may catch that fish of a life time. The fish that are being caught are in great condition and FAT. They are getting ready to spawn and as soon as the water reaches the sixties they will flood the shallows. Lipless crank baits, Johnson spinner baits, Johnson jigs, and small shallow running crank baits worked around points and grass have all produced good fish. The key is slow your retrieve on any of the baits.
The Texas and Carolina rigs have been good in water four 15 foot. Work laydowns, grassy points, and mouths of creeks.
The big females will be suspended off the edges of creeks and will move up and down with the warming sun. Slow rolling spinner baits over creeks will be a good tactic. We are still a couple of weeks away from some of the best fishing Lake Fork can offer.
Remember slow is the ticket.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 10:13 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the year is moving along at a fast pace. January is gone and we are approaching the Season we all wait for every year. February usually starts the spawning season. The big sows will start their migration towards the shallows. They will start showing up in regularity. The fish that have been caught this week have all been chunks. The lipless crank bait has been the bait of choice. This is the normal pattern for this time of year. Cover plenty of water and when you get a strike or catch a fish stop and spend time in the area. Try different baits and work this area good before moving. Sometimes the fish will stack up on a small area this time of year, and sometimes they will scatter down a bank. A three quarter ounce Johnson spinner bait slow rolled out on main lake points can sometimes get you that bite you are looking for. The best tip I can give you is start the year out right. Now is the time to put new line on all your reels and check all the hooks for sharpness. I hear every year someone say Boy I Had The Fish Of a Life On And It Broke My Line. Remember check your line. I always check my drags to insure they are not locked up and will pull out easily. When the reels have set up for sometime the drag will bond and not move. Loosen the drag all the way and pull out line then reset the drag. A good tip is to loosen your drag when you leave the lake and reset the drag when you go fishing again.
The fishing will start picking up as we move into the month of February. Watch your temp gauge and work the warmest water you can find. The magic depth is 3 to 15 foot. Parallel the bank in this depth of water and fan cast shallow to deep and watch when you get a strike note the structure and depth. Look for this same combination in other areas. The Parks and Wild Life are asking starting Feb 1 for all fish seven pounds and over be report to a marina. All Marinas will have a place to report your catch. Help us to kick this study off.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 10:16 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, you can tell you are in Texas. The weather is changing quicker than a fisherman’s mind in a tackle store. This morning it is 21 on my porch and the wind is 15 out of the north. The fishing would be a little tough. I don’t think a top water would be the bait of choice. The fishing has been up and down. But slow has been the normal. The weather is the governing factor right now. The water temp is in the low to mid 40’s. Lipless crank baits, Johnson spinner baits, and Carolina rigged Wave worms fished around the grass will get you a few bites. The lipless crank bait would be my main bait to cover plenty of water. When you get a bite work this area over with a Carolina rig and the lipless crank bait as other fish maybe close by.
The crappie have been hard to catch. 25 to 35 foot of water is the best depth to look at. Jigs and minnows are the bait of choice.
I have a new in the box 74 Minn Kota Maximum hand for sale
Email or call
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 9:28 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the weather is really crazy this year. We had snow last week and then warm and now 25 to 35 mph north winds and a hard freeze due tonight. The fish are getting harder to catch. But this is normal for the winter fishing. The key this time of year is SLOW and then SLOW WAY DOWN. The Johnson jig and pig fished very slowly around timber and creek channels can be very deadly. Black and blue is a good winter color with a matching color trailer. A good tip is to double the skirt the jig to bulk up the bait. This helps slow the fall. The bulk will attract more bites. The Texas and Carolina rigs are good choices around the grass and edges of timber. Wave worms worked on drop shots, tail spinners, and jigging spoons worked out in the deep water can produce a few bites.
Lipless crank baits can cover a lot of water in a short period of time. This is another good pattern. Red is a good color and vary your retrieves. When you get a bite work the area over good as other fish may be stacked up in the same area.
The crappie are still holding on the main lake points in 25 to 35 foot of water. Small jigs and minnows are the best baits.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 9:22 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, as I write this article Mother Nature has once again struck out. I know it is winter but the seventy degree days in January the last couple of days were very nice and the fish like it also. The fishing is up and down as it usually is this time of year. The water temp is in the upper forties. The weather is the key factor in the fishing action. After the cold fronts they will be hard to catch. The shallow bite has been with lipless crank baits and Johnson spinner baits. Target the grassy points and work the out side edges. Remember to slow the retrieve. Just let the bait tick the top of the grass. Texas and Carolina rig Wave Worms in the same areas can be productive. When the sun gets up move out to the deep humps and work Jigging spoons and tail spinners.
Keep in mind that we are just on the outside edge of our coldest time of the year. February is our usual winter month. The key to producing fish is work the baits slow. The best bet is keep a lipless crank bait tied on and cover plenty of water.
The crappie have been fair out on the points at Little and big caney. Use the electronics and locate the fish, minnows have been better producers but jigs will produce fish.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 9:21 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, first I would like to wish all a Happy New Year. I hope the coming year will bring prosperity to all.
The weather is really crazy this year. One day it is freezing the next it is in the 60 or 70’s. I hope this will not be a winter where the fish get on the beds in February and then the temp gets below freezing and drops the water temp to drive the fish out as it did several years ago. This makes for a tough spawn. The grass is still holding on in many areas. The fish are holding in and around it. The lipless crank bait, Johnson spinner baits, Texas and Carolina rigs, and drop shots fished on the outside edges have been good techniques. The recent rains brought the lake up to full and three gates have been open. The backs of the creeks are pretty muddy but should clear up soon as they close the gates. The water temp is still holding around 50 on the main lake and is in the upper 40’s half way back in the creeks. Cover plenty of water and when you catch a fish or get a bite spend some time working the area over as other fish may be present. The fish that have been caught are good solid ones. There was one ten plus with several fives and sixes.
Remember to put some new line on your reels as we are starting a new year. January is the start of the big females showing up. Remember our state record was caught in the month of January
This is also a time to start thinking about your spring trip. The motels will be filling up and guides will be booking trips.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 9:07 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the fishing report will be short and bitter this week. First I hope Santa was good to all. The weather has been bitter with cold rain and brisk winds. I did not fish this week and have only spoken to one crappie fisherman and he said the crappie bit Monday. Then came the rain. The weekend brings warmer temps and sun shine. The fishing will probably be slow but the weather will be good. Jigging spoons, tail spinners, and lipless crank baits will get a few bites. Look for grassy points and work the lipless crank baits over and around it. Let the bait tick the top of the grass and rip it up and let it fall. As the bait sinks back down this will usually be when the fish will hit it.
Use your electronics to locate deep humps or schools of bait fish. Drop the spoon or tail spinner down to the depth the fish are holding. Either lift the spoon up slowly or hold it still as this may be the best presentation. Try several different retrieves.
I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Safe Holiday Season.
Jim Reaneau
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Guide Jim Reaneau
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 11:24 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Lake Fork Fishing Report
Well, the past week has been filled with the wind and more wind. The fishing has been up and down. There are some nice fish starting to show in the shallow water. The lipless crank bait has been the best producer. RED is the color. Points with grass is a good starting area. The weather will govern what the rest of the week will bring. The cold and rain will make the bite slower. Jigging spoons and tail spinners are good baits on the deep structure. This is short but most will be last minute Christmas shopping this weekend. The weather is going to hold a bunch in also.
I wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas and a Safe Holiday Season.
Jim Reaneau
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