The Final Push ~ 2024

A-Jay reply :

So here it is, the first week of October.

For those of us that are eventually heading to hard water, this last two months or so of open water seems to really fly by. These next few weeks can be so Good both for numbers and size, which seems to add a serious layer of intensity to the whole deal.

Accordingly, I’m trying to be on the water every chance I get for as long as I can stay. And as the Autumn season goes in to full swing, along with the brilliant colors and the falling air & water temps, there’s almost always some very stiff wind. Here it’s usually coming from somewhere near the North Pole, at least that’s what it feels like. A little is OK and for the most part even desirable. Beyond that, There’s sadness & disappointment in A-Jay World.

When I’m not on the water, especially this time of year, I’m checking & re-checking the local weather forecast ~ several times a day. This meteorological report seems to drive my very existence as I hope for at the very least, reasonable conditions to get out on the water those last few times.

This weekend has been a total wash out with excessive wind & big fat rain. The upcoming week does look much better with seasonal overnight & day time air temps and most importantly, light to only perhaps moderate winds. Of course that can all change in an instant, but I’m going to remain optimistic.

Finally, if your home waters do not freeze and you’re able to fish open water year round, you may not be able to totally comprehend or relate to the text above. I’m OK with that.

And in a few weeks when the world freezes over up here, I'll still enjoy reading about and seeing pictures / videos of the great bass you'll no doubt catch. But if you would, just please don't remind me about it. Not here & Not now.

A-Jay

Jaderose reply :

Yeah...about that wind. Dead calm here today and I was excited to see glass when I went out the morning. Boy was that a mistake. That glass made for a tough tough bite all day. Could NOT find any pattern to save my butt. One of those day that I would up with or so different plastics and jigs and spinners in my "save it for later" tray. I USUALLY have about 3.

Gundog reply :

I know what you're talking about A-Jay. Weather at this time of year can be totally unpredictable. I've had the last 4 days off from work and heard that the big smallies were biting at Lake Wallenpaupack. We had serious rain storms rolling through, not to mention a huge low front sit over top of us. Storms so bad I was stuck indoors thursday & friday. So when I did finally get a chance saturday to get to the lake the fish had lockjaw and nothing would get them to bite. Finally gave up and headed to the river. Caught a couple nice ones to salvage the day. I'm not looking forward to winter coming. I know its just 2 months away but I'm not giving up that easy.

"hamma" reply :

If there is open waters on the cape, and favorable conditions, you can come fish a day with me A-Jay,.. it's only about an hour away.

Im praying for a mild winter to keep the boats motor from being winterized to facilitate such ventures. But you know the weather over here ,.so we'll see

Catt reply :

I guess you want sympathy too!

Fiske reply :

No sympathy from me A-Jay,,,but oh so much empathy,

When I finally fade into the sun,,,
I hope it's a summer sun and I'm fishing for bass.

ashes over water
only mourners see
summer's dawn

A-Jay reply :

On 10/3/2016 at 6:52 PM, Catt said:

I guess you want sympathy too!

Nope ~

As some of my more recent reports have shown, there's been a few decent days for me so far this fall.

So I don't have anything to really complain about or expect sympathy for.

I'm simply hoping that the next few weeks include a few more warm southern wind fishing days and less Cranking from a Northerly direction wind fishing days.

For both of us my friend.

A-Jay

NYWayfarer reply :

The wind and rain in the northeast this weekend made fishing undesirable. I was able to get the canoe on the water for an hour and a half on Saturday for some paddling exercise with my son. We forgot the poles at home though!

Next weekend looks crummy so I am taking a vacation day either Wednesday or Thursday to get out on the water. Sad to say but that will most likely be my last outing until next spring. After Columbus Day we start getting ready for winter and the toys have to be put away.

Like A-Jay I will be living vicariously through my southern brothers at Bass Resource.

GORDO reply :

I wont be bass fishing this month, maybe a little. Here in Washington state its salmon/steelhead time. In november and december there are a couple ice fishing lakes that have some giant brown and rainbows but for bass, its pretty much over until the lakes thaw

Catt reply :

On 10/3/2016 at 7:54 PM, A-Jay said:

Nope ~

As some of my more recent reports have shown, there's been a few decent days for me so far this fall.

So I don't have anything to really complain about or expect sympathy for.

I'm simply hoping that the next few weeks include a few more warm southern wind fishing days and less Cranking from a Northerly direction wind fishing days.

For both of us my friend.

A-Jay

It's OK!

shimmy reply :

A-Jay, are you headhunting this fall for a personal record smallie or anything? Staying on familiar waters or hitting some big fish waters? In 2 weeks I get to try and entice 6 pounders and possibly considering maybe thinking about entertaining the notion of pondering the idea of a Minnesota 7 lber... I will unfortunately sacrifice lakes with many 4s and a some 5s for the lakes with low numbers and 6s and 7s.

Any particluar arrow in your quiver you feel lucky with? Mine will be the jig, but I am secretly hoping the jerkbait calls them up.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/4/2016 at 7:15 AM, shimmy said:

A-Jay, are you headhunting this fall for a personal record smallie or anything? Staying on familiar waters or hitting some big fish waters? In 2 weeks I get to try and entice 6 pounders and possibly considering maybe thinking about entertaining the notion of pondering the idea of a Minnesota 7 lber... I will unfortunately sacrifice lakes with many 4s and a some 5s for the lakes with low numbers and 6s and 7s.

Any particluar arrow in your quiver you feel lucky with? Mine will be the jig, but I am secretly hoping the jerkbait calls them up.

I certainly am Shimmy. My personal Quest for a Home State Six Pound Plus Smallie continues.

Sadly, I think I actually had her on & up to the boat 2nd week of September, only to have her come unpinned boatside & break my heart. Did offer optimism that they are there and showed me where she at least visited to eat occasionally.

As for my favorite Quiver - (good word btw) It changes as the water temps continue to drop. A Tube, A Blade Bait & maybe even a U-Rig. Honorable mention may go to a spybait and a small swimbait.

The next 3 or 4 weeks are going to see me fishing hard but regardless of the results - enjoying every minute of it.

A-Jay

DubyaDee reply :

It was last year this time that a 9.32 was caught on Hubbard lake on a split shot chartreuse grub. A month ago we heard about the 9.98 caught on a night crawler. This time of year produces giants, especially the waters that you're fishing.

I'll be lucky to get our 3 times this fall, and I can't pick and choose my days to get out. I'm always envious of your reports, so thank you and keep them coming. Good luck this fall!

Onvacation reply :

Winter is coming here as well. That's why I just booked a trip to Toho in February.

fishwizzard reply :

I have access to brackish rivers, so I can fish for pickerel right up until everything freezes up.

Even then, last year I got so sick of waiting I went out to a local pond when it was about 35-37 out one day, just hoping for some open water. I got there and it was frozen solid. I threw a jig across the ice a few times and then walked back to my car. On the way I saw a large rock. I picked it up and chucked it as far out into the pond as I could. To my surprise it flew about 20' out and broke a hole. I cast until I got my jig into the hole, then propped my rod against a tree, lit a cigar, and hung out until it was finished. I shook the rod a few times during, then reeled my lure in and went home.

It still counted as fishing in my book.

papajoe222 reply :

Many of the lakes in my area close to fishing at the end of the month, so I will also be hitting the water every chance I get. Although my favorite southern Wisconsin lake does not, I plan on hitting it before the water temps drop below 50. If I hit the lottery, I do plan on contacting Jeff about a trip to Mexico after the holidays. If not, it'll be another long winter with that pesky monkey.

shimmy reply :

On 10/6/2016 at 10:29 AM, papajoe222 said:

Many of the lakes in my area close to fishing at the end of the month, so I will also be hitting the water every chance I get. Although my favorite southern Wisconsin lake does not, I plan on hitting it before the water temps drop below 50. If I hit the lottery, I do plan on contacting Jeff about a trip to Mexico after the holidays. If not, it'll be another long winter with that pesky monkey.

Why stop when the temps get below 50? Had two days in a row fishing Minnesota last year in 48-49 degree water temps where I had over 27 pound limits. I think the high 40s is still a big player for big fish.

I am 112 miles north of Delavan lake. I keep trying to convince myself to go there and get lucky with one of the Giants they grow in there

KDW96 reply :

I will be fishin until mother nature shuts the door with ice. I dont care how cold it is. I literally will feeze, slowly workin that jig an pork trailer.

The ride home, will be a gratefull one,because i could go. But if its my last time for winter, it always a long ride home. I never take the time to fish for granted as my time is limited.

But know this, all you bass remember, I WILL BE BACK

WIGuide reply :

I'll be fishing as long as I can. I've fished in the snow a few times before, I've fished with temps in the mid 30's with 25-30 mph winds. The last few years I've fished right up to the weekend before hunting season. I wish I could get out after at some point, but that late in the year, waiting 3 weeks to get back out it's going to be over before I get the chance. I definitely can relate to all these feelings as the season comes to an end. I hate it...every single year, but I still make sure I enjoy every trip.

Mainebass1984 reply :

I will continue to fish until I can not break through the ice with my boat anymore. When the water is cold and the fishing pressure is light the fishing can be fantastic. I have caught some of my biggest bass in the late fall and early winter. It is big bass time for both Smallmouth and Largemouth. It is my favorite time to fish.

TnRiver46 reply :

reading all this makes me thankful to live in Tennessee where the river rarely freeZes

bagofdonuts reply :

On 10/6/2016 at 10:35 PM, TnRiver46 said:

reading all this makes me thankful to live in Tennessee where the river rarely freeZes

me too. here in arkansas fishing is year round hobby just fewer people on the water once deer and duck season starts.

Paul Roberts reply :

Yes, it's happening here too. Just had our first snow up here (8500ft) with cold rain down at my ponds. Water temps yesterday were in the upper 50's. Two days in a row I got blown out by wind.

Plenty of fishing yet to be had, but my "fall" is disappearing fast.

UPSmallie reply :

I hear ya A-Jay. Living in the U.P. everything is wrapping up and beginning to transition into the worst months of fishing (In MI's Upper Peninsula). The salmon runs are almost done. I've been fortunate to catch numbers of Pink Salmon as this was the good year, and even struck the jackpot with a rare King Salmon. All the rest of my efforts right now are going towards the last remaining Kings. Many follow-ups, but nothing to show, yet. These next few months will all be going towards prepping my tip-ups, working on my ice-fishing rods, and rebuffing my ice lures. Sadly hardwater, even up here, will reach us around late December to early January with the way the weather has been warmer just in general this year. Fish can still be caught during this time, no-doubt, but obviously numbers drop significantly. Best of luck.

Goose52 reply :

A-Jay - I know you will keep at it until your bait bounces off the hard water ...

Good luck up there

It's nice that we have mild winters here in Tennessee...

Edited October 7, 2016 by Goose52

Cgrinder reply :

Unseasonably mild here this week. The bass seem confused but the hammer-handles and snot rockets are hitting everything.

gimruis reply :

On 10/7/2016 at 7:15 AM, Cgrinder said:

the hammer-handles and snot rockets are hitting everything.

That's because they always hit everything

WRB reply :

It was 88 degrees with a light breeze yesterday with surface water temps 73 degrees. We could use some cool rainy weather soon!

Tom

A-Jay reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 6:04 AM, WRB said:

It was 88 degrees with a light breeze yesterday with surface water temps 73 degrees. We could use some cold rainy weather soon!

Tom

Tom I'd be more than willing to send you most ALL of ours ~

A-Jay

WRB reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 7:08 AM, A-Jay said:

Tom I'd be more than willing to send you most ALL of ours ~

A-Jay

We can use all you can spare, 5 drought years things are very dry here in SoCal.

Tom

A-Jay reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 7:49 AM, WRB said:

We can use all you can spare, 5 drought years things are very dry here in SoCal.

Tom

Perhaps you guys could re-route some of the moisture (not the wind) from Hurricane Matthew ~

A-Jay

slonezp reply :

On 10/6/2016 at 1:02 PM, shimmy said:

Why stop when the temps get below 50? Had two days in a row fishing Minnesota last year in 48-49 degree water temps where I had over 27 pound limits. I think the high 40s is still a big player for big fish.

I am 112 miles north of Delavan lake. I keep trying to convince myself to go there and get lucky with one of the Giants they grow in there

Delavan has changed somewhat in the last few years and it's getting hard to find the giants the lake is known for. Between weed kills and changes in water clarity you really have to work for them. The lake was closed for a few weeks this summer to boating and swimming because of toxic algae. The pike bite has died as well which worries me. My best catch there this year was an ultralight spinning combo I caught on a jig

WRB reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 7:58 AM, A-Jay said:

Perhaps you guys could re-route some of the moisture (not the wind from Hurricane Matthew ~

A-Jay

California has a long history of mega droughts that date back to 850 AD or longer. The last mega drought was 1150 to 1300AD or 150 years with less than 4" of annual rain fall. The mega drought between 850 to 1100 AD or 250 years with less than 4" annual rain fall, both ominous.

Some of the science weather folks think we have enjoyed a 100 year wet cycle and now may be heading into another mega drought cycle....catastrophic if true with the population we now have.

It's hard to blame anyone for mega droughts but the politicians will find a way.

Tom

Big Bait Fishing reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 7:49 AM, WRB said:

We can use all you can spare, 5 drought years things are very dry here in SoCal.

Tom

very true about it being dry !! went to a small pond i've fished before and it's gone , completely dried up !!

Further North reply :

I fish until I can't break the ice enough to launch my boat on the lake...and then sometimes I go find a river that's still open.

I've fished the Mississippi as late as December 19th, and trout streams as early as January 1st...some of my favorite fishing is the WI early trout season.

Sometimes the catching isn't great...but late season and early season are among my favorites...you often have the water to yourself, it's dead quiet...except maybe the wind...

Where there's a will, there's a way...

Last_Cast reply :

On 10/3/2016 at 6:25 AM, A-Jay said:

So here it is, the first week of October.

For those of us that are eventually heading to hard water, this last two months or so of open water seems to really fly by.   These next few weeks can be so Good both for numbers and size, which seems to add a serious layer of intensity to the whole deal.

   Accordingly, I’m trying to be on the water every chance I get for as long as I can stay. And as the Autumn season goes in to full swing, along with the brilliant colors and the falling air & water temps, there’s almost always some very stiff wind. Here it’s usually coming from somewhere near the North Pole, at least that’s what it feels like.   A little is OK and for the most part even desirable. Beyond that, There’s sadness & disappointment in A-Jay World.

When I’m not on the water, especially this time of year, I’m checking & re-checking the local weather forecast ~ several times a day. This meteorological report seems to drive my very existence as I hope for at the very least, reasonable conditions to get out on the water those last few times.

This weekend has been a total wash out with excessive wind & big fat rain. The upcoming week does look much better with seasonal overnight & day time air temps and most importantly, light to only perhaps moderate winds.   Of course that can all change in an instant, but I’m going to remain optimistic.

Finally, if your home waters do not freeze and you’re able to fish open water year round, you may not be able to totally comprehend or relate to the text above.   I’m OK with that.

And in a few weeks when the world freezes over here, I'll still enjoy reading about and seeing pictures / videos of the great bass you'll no doubt catch.    But if you would, just please don't remind me about it. Not here & Not now.

A-Jay

Well done sir.

I'm in the same boat.

Research and searching for new toys all winter long.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/13/2016 at 4:00 AM, Last_Cast said:

Well done sir.

I'm in the same boat.

Research and searching for new toys all winter long.

Thank You Sir ~

I did that last winter and ended up with one of these ~

A-Jay

Last_Cast reply :

On 10/13/2016 at 5:18 AM, A-Jay said:

Thank You Sir ~

I did that last winter and ended up with one of these ~

A-Jay

Yeah thats a nice one for sure.

I ended up with a 98 nitro.

Worth the headaches.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/13/2016 at 6:05 AM, Last_Cast said:

Yeah thats a nice one for sure.

I ended up with a 98 nitro.

Worth the headaches.

Nice ~

Sorry about the head aches.

A-Jay

RB 77 reply :

On 10/8/2016 at 7:49 AM, WRB said:

We can use all you can spare, 5 drought years things are very dry here in SoCal.

Tom

Yup!

This is a chart of the local city run reservoirs in our area. The colored column indicates the percent of the capacity the reservoirs are currently at:

Barrett	160.88 ft	74.35 ft	34,805.5	1,860.6	5.3
El Capitan	197.00 ft	112.10 ft	112,806.9	23,606.3	20.9
Hodges	115.00 ft	91.98 ft	30,632.6	11,533.1	37.6
Miramar	114.00 ft	105.10 ft	6,682.4	5,342.5	79.9
Morena	157.00 ft	76.20 ft	50,694.0	1,100.8	2.2
Murray	95.00 ft	91.00 ft	4,684.2	4,044.4	86.3
Lower Otay	137.50 ft	126.24 ft	49,848.9	36,340.4	72.9
San Vicente	306.00 ft	262.83 ft	249,358.0	182,179.2	73.1
Sutherland	145.00 ft	60.72 ft	29,508.1	2,128.4	7.2

Brutal in some instances!

A-Jay reply :

And there it is - our first SNOW forecast for tonight & Tomorrow.

The end is truly near . . .

A-Jay

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USMI0323

TnRiver46 reply :

Hate to hear that man. If I lived up there I would have to get into ice fishing, although I have heard that some folks don't like it

A-Jay reply :

On 10/27/2016 at 9:23 AM, TnRiver46 said:

Hate to hear that man. If I lived up there I would have to get into ice fishing, although I have heard that some folks don't like it

Not an Ice Fishing Fan myself.

However, not wanting to squander the opportunity, I do this quite a bit of this instead . .

A-Jay

TnRiver46 reply :

On 10/27/2016 at 9:57 AM, A-Jay said:

Not an Ice Fishing Fan myself.

However, not wanting to squander the opportunity, I do this quite a bit of this instead . .

A-Jay

That looks pretty fun!! Knowing me and my dogs they would get loose and run away

Mainebass1984 reply :

On 10/27/2016 at 3:53 AM, A-Jay said:

And there it is - our first SNOW forecast for tonight & Tomorrow.

The end is truly near . . .

A-Jay

Don't let the snow deter you. Id rather fish in a snowstorm then when its cold rainy. Id take snow and 35 degrees over 45 degrees and raining.

Fishing in the snow can be very good too.

We got 6 inches of snow last Saturday night here in VT. There has been snow showers every day since. The morning of the snow the fishing was pretty good. No giants but my friend and I caught 28 bass in 5 hours.

There is more snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Even though there is snow in the forecast I am greatly looking forward to this weekend. I will be fishing sat and sun. The conditions now are ideal for silver buddy 3-4 lb smallies and giant largemouth on a jig. They will be very predicable from now until ice up. Hopefully ice up wont happen until after thanksgiving. Its the time to catch some of the biggest bass of the season.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/27/2016 at 10:14 PM, Mainebass1984 said:

Don't let the snow deter you. Id rather fish in a snowstorm then when its cold rainy. Id take snow and 35 degrees over 45 degrees and raining.

Fishing in the snow can be very good too.

We got 6 inches of snow last Saturday night here in VT. There has been snow showers every day since. The morning of the snow the fishing was pretty good. No giants but my friend and I caught 28 bass in 5 hours.

There is more snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Even though there is snow in the forecast I am greatly looking forward to this weekend. I will be fishing sat and sun. The conditions now are ideal for silver buddy 3-4 lb smallies and giant largemouth on a jig. They will be very predicable from now until ice up. Hopefully ice up wont happen until after thanksgiving. Its the time to catch some of the biggest bass of the season.

Thanks for the Support I appreciate it ~

And I'm with you on the snow deal - Fishing in the snow is bestter than in the rain, plus it's kind of cool.

The wacky part is the water temps in some lakes here are STILL in the low 50's (Just two days ago) ! That's way warm for now -

So I'll totally get out when I can -

A-Jay

NYWayfarer reply :

I am afraid the end is here for me. It is snowing right now. I am glad I got the cover on the canoe last weekend.

Can't wait until the spring. I might try ice fishing this year for the first time I will keep you posted.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/27/2016 at 11:56 PM, Finesse Wayfarer said:

I am afraid the end is here for me. It is snowing right now. I am glad I got the cover on the canoe last weekend.

Can't wait until the spring. I might try ice fishing this year for the first time I will keep you posted.

Please accept my Deepest Condolences . . . . .

A-Jay

J Francho reply :

Had a couple inches on the truck the morning, it all melted by lunch.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/28/2016 at 12:52 AM, J Francho said:

Had a couple inches on the truck the morning, it all melted by lunch.

Here too.

Just taking a little longer tomelt.

A-Jay

J Francho reply :

What we got was lake effect, during a very cold night. Outlook is for lows around 50°, so any lake effect will be rain, which is a good thing.

NYWayfarer reply :

I might have spoke too soon. Its supposed to crack 60 degrees next week. The cover can come off the canoe faster than it went on.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/28/2016 at 2:03 AM, Finesse Wayfarer said:

I might have spoke too soon. Its supposed to crack 60 degrees next week. The cover can come off the canoe faster than it went on.

Perfect - there's a warm up in the forecast for here too ~

This is just the Zaniest Pre-winter period in recent memory - wish we'd have one that made the bass fishing better instead of such tough sledding . . . . .

A-Jay

TnRiver46 reply :

you guys need to make a trip down south for the winter, we will scout the fish for you.

A-Jay reply :

On 10/28/2016 at 5:32 AM, TnRiver46 said:

you guys need to make a trip down south for the winter, we will scout the fish for you.

That's a Great Idea -

And one I have done a few times - with a bit of success too.

A-Jay

On 10/27/2016 at 9:37 PM, TnRiver46 said:

That looks pretty fun!! Knowing me and my dogs they would get loose and run away

It is fun (the dogs lose their MINDS !) but with the proper fitting gear no one's getting away ~

A-Jay

Jeff H reply :

No snow here yet. Hit the lake this morning, water temps 49-51. 2 bass and a gator and it started raining so I headed in. Supposed to be 68-70 deg tomorrow??? Weather.com says 50+ highs for the next 2 weeks yet. Haven't decided if I'm going to park it or not but today's results favor putting away the boat and getting after some squirrels, rabbits and grouse instead!

slonezp reply :

I really think soft water is going to be around awhile longer.....maybe til Christmas Water was 58 last weekend. We've had some chilly nights getting into the upper 30 but it hit 70 today and forecasts in the upper 60's next week

A-Jay reply :

On 10/29/2016 at 8:48 AM, slonezp said:

I really think soft water is going to be around awhile longer.....maybe til Christmas Water was 58 last weekend. We've had some chilly nights getting into the upper 30 but it hit 70 today and forecasts in the upper 60's next week

Yup - supposed to be almost 60 here tomorrow but with some winds.

I'm going anyway - Sunday too.

Hope you're right.

A-Jay

J Francho reply :

I'm stuck at work on a Saturday, and it's beautiful out.

A-Jay reply :

Got out on a local lake this afternoon - water temp went from 54 to 45 in 9 days.

Jerkbait was hot today - clown color shined in the slightly stained conditions.

A-Jay

"hamma" reply :

Nice Smallies,. there A-Jay!, will be a few more days til I get out there searching for them myself.

Congrats! on another good fall fishing trip, the later in the season we fish? the fatter they will get. Keep it up.

lecisnith reply :

GD right. Looking forward to some of that action.

frosty reply :

I don't see hard water coming anytime soon. It was 79 yesterday, and I was able to connect with a few smallmouth, it's in the 70's today, the family has been outside playing most of the day. I still have green leaves on the trees, they are usually all on the ground by now!

Goose52 reply :

On 10/30/2016 at 1:29 PM, A-Jay said:

Got out on a local lake this afternoon - water temp went from 54 to 45 in 9 days.

Jerkbait was hot today - clown color shined in the slightly stained conditions.

A-Jay

Yowsa - THAT'S what makes those cold days worthwhile !

TnRiver46 reply :

On 10/28/2016 at 5:49 AM, A-Jay said:

That's a Great Idea -

And one I have done a few times - with a bit of success too.

A-Jay

It is fun (the dogs lose their MINDS !) but with the proper fitting gear no one's getting away ~

A-Jay

Whoa whoa whoa I didn't mean that far south. And I sure as heck can't scout any 11lb bass!!! I guess if you are going to fly south for the winter you might as well go all the way!

Further North reply :

Water temps here (90 miles west of the Twin Cities) was between 50° and 52°.

Cloudy, little wind, rained off and on all day yesterday...

Yeah, I know it's not a bass, but it was 40" long, and it did hit a bass bait...

Mainebass1984 reply :

The silver buddy bite has been red hot lately. If you are in New England and find water temps of 50 or below it might be a good idea to have one tied on.

Paul Roberts reply :

Well... I got a reprieve. Water temps should be around 50 or below now -essentially winter here. But record high temps have kept my small waters in the mid 50s. Yesterday, the jerkbait and crankbait bite was just as it should be -when in the mid-50s. I'll take it, although it's a little weird that I'm still watering our gardens here.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 12:30 AM, Paul Roberts said:

Well... I got a reprieve. Water temps should be around 50 or below now -essentially winter here. But record high temps have kept my small waters in the mid 50s. Yesterday, the jerkbait and crankbait bite was just as it should be -when in the mid-50s. I'll take it, although it's a little weird that I'm still watering our gardens here.

Nice one Paul ~

I'd agree that "a little weird' is a decent description of the weather pattern over last 3 or 4 weeks. I've been holding off winterizing the boat in hopes of having at least one more of 'Those Days' and I bet you know what I mean.

Latest information for the NWS predicts that this current mild weather pattern may last a bit. There could be a few brief cool downs, but overall the weather looks warmer and drier than normal over the next 8 to 14 days as mild Pacific air dominates the weather over much of the country. Colder air will begin to move south out of northern Canada by the middle and end of the month, resulting in a colder and likely more wintry weather pattern. Until then, enjoy the mild weather.

Looking to get a few more trips & then stow the Lund just before that first wintry weather pattern. Timing is everything.

A-Jay

Paul Roberts reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 12:46 AM, A-Jay said:

Nice one Paul ~

I'd agree that "a little weird' is a decent description of the weather pattern over last 3 or 4 weeks. I've been holding off winterizing the boat in hopes of having at least one more of 'Those Days' and I bet you know what I mean.

Latest information for the NWS predicts that this current mild weather pattern may last a bit. There could be a few brief cool downs, but overall the weather looks warmer and drier than normal over the next 8 to 14 days as mild Pacific air dominates the weather over much of the country. Colder air will begin to move south out of northern Canada by the middle and end of the month, resulting in a colder and likely more wintry weather pattern. Until then, enjoy the mild weather.

Looking to get a few more trips & then stow the Lund just before that first wintry weather pattern. Timing is everything.

A-Jay

I heard a weather/climate report the other day from a NOAA researcher (NOAA HQ is here) and he said it's a La Nina year, which has always brought snow about mid-November. It's a weak one though, so we'll see what comes. Not sure which I'm rooting for.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 12:55 AM, Paul Roberts said:

I heard a weather/climate report the other day from a NOAA researcher (NOAA HQ is here) and he said it's a La Nina year, which has always brought snow about mid-November. It's a weak one though, so we'll see what comes. Not sure which I'm rooting for.

I can fish in the snow.

However, as long as there's another one of these in my net before it's all said & done, I'd be pretty pumped.

And one even a little bigger wouldn't hurt my feeling either.

A-Jay

Paul Roberts reply :

Big smallies are sure beautiful fish. Very nice, A-Jay.

Yeah, I can fish in the snow too. Just nice to have em chasing, whomping baits, and jumping. My largies continued to put on a show. Won't be long now though.

Steveo-1969 reply :

I was born and raised in Wisconsin so I understand you dreading the hard water that is coming your way soon. I never enjoyed ice fishing and would only go if I had a buddy with a warm ice shanty. I still remember riding in a car on Lake Winnebago the first time at 12 years old with my uncle, talk about FREAKED OUT!! I'm lucky that I now fish the Upper Potomac River and no matter how cold it gets I can always find part of the river that's soft enough to get a bait wet. I rarely catch any smallies but once in a while a walleye will bite. Even with no bites it's nice to have my bait splash instead of bounce. I don't take that for granted...

shimmy reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 1:06 AM, A-Jay said:

I can fish in the snow.

However, as long as there's another one of these in my net before it's all said & done, I'd be pretty pumped.

And one even a little bigger wouldn't hurt my feeling either.

A-Jay

That looks like the point in the distance we always see in Dwights monster smallmouth photos...

I hope Dwight is doing better. Miss his posts.

That is a beautiful smallmouth. I want one.

Shimmy

A-Jay reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 7:38 AM, shimmy said:

That looks like the point in the distance we always see in Dwights monster smallmouth photos...

I hope Dwight is doing better. Miss his posts.

That is a beautiful smallmouth. I want one.

Shimmy

That is an Erie Slob Shimmy

Good eye.

A-Jay

slonezp reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 7:38 AM, shimmy said:

That looks like the point in the distance we always see in Dwights monster smallmouth photos...

I hope Dwight is doing better. Miss his posts.

That is a beautiful smallmouth. I want one.

Shimmy

They use the same IT guy to do the photoshop

A-Jay reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 8:28 AM, slonezp said:

They use the same IT guy to do the photoshop

Ah yes - the photoshop insinuation.

The Ultimate Compliment.

Thank You

btw - enjoy the parade.

A-Jay

slonezp reply :

Going to be in the 60's here at least for the 10 day forecast. Saturday I might be buying another Lund.....stay tuned...and Sunday hitting up a lake with my dad and son for, with any luck, some late season largemouth action. Only been to this lake once this year and we killed them.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/4/2016 at 8:38 AM, slonezp said:

Going to be in the 60's here at least for the 10 day forecast. Saturday I might be buying another Lund.....stay tuned...and Sunday hitting up a lake with my dad and son for, with any luck, some late season largemouth action. Only been to this lake once this year and we killed them.

WHAT ? You're trading in the Predator ? Say it isn't So ! Kidding.

Very Cool - Good Luck and btw - hang the MAX HP Rated Motor you can . . . . under powered vessels are dangerous.

Just stoking the fire bud . . .

Can't wait to hear about it - very exciting.

A-Jay

Scarborough817 reply :

going to be above 50 this aft so i might get out for some action after work even if it's only for 30 min it's worth it

slonezp reply :

A-Jay reply :

On 11/5/2016 at 7:10 AM, slonezp said:

Nice Boat Buying weather right there ~

A-Jay

A-Jay reply :

This may be the last trip ~ but it's hard to put up the boat when there's still a solid Jerkbait bite.

A-Jay

TnRiver46 reply :

On 11/7/2016 at 7:30 AM, A-Jay said:

This may be the last trip ~ but it's hard to put up the boat when there's still a solid Jerkbait bite.

A-Jay

Puuuurty fish

Robeng reply :

Like your post AJAY.

Further North reply :

It was 71° here at 5:45 PM when I pulled the boat off the lake. Water temps are still mid 50s.

Fish are still biting.

Raul reply :

Well, I clicked on this thread by mistake, it's just bunch of yankee fellas getting ready for the "winter".

A-Jay reply :

On 11/7/2016 at 11:27 AM, Raul said:

Well, I clicked on this thread by mistake, it's just bunch of yankee fellas getting ready for the "winter".

A-Jay

Paul Roberts reply :

Oh my, those are pretty smallies.

A-Jay reply :

And so this is how & where the 2016 fishing season ends for me.

A-Jay

.ghoti. reply :

On 11/7/2016 at 7:30 AM, A-Jay said:

This may be the last trip ~ but it's hard to put up the boat when there's still a solid Jerkbait bite.

A-Jay

Cool. Sporting some whiskers to go with those smallies. Growing yer winter coat, amigo?

A-Jay reply :

On 11/9/2016 at 11:07 AM, .ghoti. said:

Cool. Sporting some whiskers to go with those smallies. Growing yer winter coat, amigo?

Yes Sir ~

Facial Wool is mostly desirable right about now. . . .

A-Jay

Big Bait Fishing reply :

glad i don't have weather like that ! it was in the 90's , coldest it will be in the next week is mid 70's

A-Jay reply :

On 11/10/2016 at 4:01 PM, Big Bait Fishing said:

glad i don't have weather like that ! it was in the 90's , coldest it will be in the next week is mid 70's

I hear ya ~

But we don't have sink holes, wild fires, mud slides or anything that comes close to resembling a drought ~ so it kind of evens out . . .

A-Jay

Goose52 reply :

On 11/11/2016 at 12:18 PM, A-Jay said:

I hear ya ~

But we don't have sink holes, wild fires, mud slides or anything that comes close to resembling a drought ~ so it kind of evens out . . .

A-Jay

......and you forgot to mention the potential for the 8.0 'quake.....

(Not sniping at California....I lived there for 35 years....don't any more.... )

soflabasser reply :

Congratulations on a successful season of bass fishing.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/11/2016 at 8:06 PM, soflabasser said:

Congratulations on a successful season of bass fishing.

Thank you very much.

A-Jay

wisconsin heat reply :

Heading out now on what will likely be my last open water trip of the year. Gonna hit a pond that holds some bigger bass armed with a couple of bigger swimbaits, a jerkbait, and a jig. I plan on throwing the swimbaits the majority of the time, only throwing the others if I have a feeling to switch. Not expecting much of anything, but will be good to get out one last time!

Scarborough817 reply :

going to hit a local place this weekend throwing spinnerbaits, jigs and maybe some jerkbaits or big baits for pike

A-Jay reply :

Just dropped the Pro V Bass off for winterization AND the Humminbird 360 Imaging Installation ~

First one is a bit of a bummer however that second one there . . . is NOT !

A-Jay

wisconsin heat reply :

On my last trip I ended up pulling one in! Wasn't a monster of any sorts but was great nonetheless!

slonezp reply :

On 11/13/2016 at 12:24 AM, A-Jay said:

Just dropped the Pro V Bass off for winterization AND the Humminbird 360 Imaging Installation ~

First one is a bit of a bummer however that second one there . . . is NOT !

A-Jay

360??? Nice!!!

Due to some brisk winds and my son bailing on me this weekend I spent yesterday morning getting the forms and paperwork figured out to transfer title and registration on the new boat. Spent this morning digging up the garden. Looks like we could have soft water thru Christmas. I just bought the wifey some Carhartt bibs. We shall see how that pans out

A-Jay reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 3:13 AM, slonezp said:

360??? Nice!!!

Due to some brisk winds and my son bailing on me this weekend I spent yesterday morning getting the forms and paperwork figured out to transfer title and registration on the new boat. Spent this morning digging up the garden. Looks like we could have soft water thru Christmas. I just bought the wifey some Carhartt bibs. We shall see how that pans out

Cool ~

Forecast looks Old Town-able tomorrow. Still deciding if I should go or not.

Guess I'll see how the weather actually shakes out.

A-Jay

Goose52 reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 5:04 AM, A-Jay said:

Cool ~

Forecast looks Old Town-able tomorrow. Still deciding if I should go or not.

Guess I'll see how the weather actually shakes out.

A-Jay

"Old Town-able"....funny that almost everyone that reads this will know what it means...

Mainebass1984 reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 5:04 AM, A-Jay said:

Cool ~

Forecast looks Old Town-able tomorrow. Still deciding if I should go or not.

Guess I'll see how the weather actually shakes out.

A-Jay

Get out there AJ ! The lakes aren't frozen yet and the fishing has been good.

I went to day to a smallie lake I had never been too. Bluebird skies, 10-15 mph, 45 degree water temperature seemed less then ideal. I fished 10-230. I spent a lot of time searching. Once I found one spot with what I was looking for the fishing was good. I landed 7 bass, 3-9,3-6,3-2,3-2,3-0, 2-10, and a dink 1 lber. All on a silver buddy in 15-25 ft near an offshore rockpile.

Going after lunker largemouth tomorrow. Time for a jig.

I'm going to keep on fishing until all the lakes are frozen solid.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 7:10 AM, Mainebass1984 said:

Get out there AJ ! The lakes aren't frozen yet and the fishing has been good.

I went to day to a smallie lake I had never been too. Bluebird skies, 10-15 mph, 45 degree water temperature seemed less then ideal. I fished 10-230. I spent a lot of time searching. Once I found one spot with what I was looking for the fishing was good. I landed 7 bass, 3-9,3-6,3-2,3-2,3-0, 2-10, and a dink 1 lber. All on a silver buddy in 15-25 ft near an offshore rockpile.

Going after lunker largemouth tomorrow. Time for a jig.

I'm going to keep on fishing until all the lakes are frozen solid.

I hear ya ~ and OK, you've convinced me. But we both know it doesn't take much . . .

It'll also be a SMB focused outing. Blade baits or bust.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Congrats on a solid Smallie trip & Good Luck to you tomorrow.

A-Jay

Further North reply :

On 11/13/2016 at 12:24 AM, A-Jay said:

Just dropped the Pro V Bass off for winterization AND the Humminbird 360 Imaging Installation ~

First one is a bit of a bummer however that second one there . . . is NOT !

A-Jay

You'll like the 360°

...but I predict you won't use it as much as you think...

I love mine...and when you need it, there's nothing better...but I've found that I don't need it as much as I thought I would. Great for new water. Kind of a PITA to deploy and manage for water I already know. It would be better if I had bow mount...but that doesn't work with a Terrova/Ulterra.

Further North reply :

It was 61° here at 4:30 PM when I pulled the boat off the lake.

Water temps were 49° - 52°. That ain't right...but I'll live with it.

The extended warm water is keeping the big toothy girls hungry and active...I can live with that too.

Caught another musky, not huge, but big enough.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 10:47 AM, Further North said:

You'll like the 360°

...but I predict you won't use it as much as you think...

I love mine...and when you need it, there's nothing better...but I've found that I don't need it as much as I thought I would. Great for new water. Kind of a PITA to deploy and manage for water I already know. It would be better if I had bow mount...but that doesn't work with a Terrova/Ulterra.

Thanks for the input.

I'm going bow mount on the 112 Fortrex

A-Jay

Columbia Craw reply :

The last hurrah ??? My wife said I only smile when I hold a fish. I haven't smiled much this year.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 1:15 PM, Columbia Craw said:

The last hurrah ??? My wife said I only smile when I hold a fish. I haven't smiled much this year.

The last hurrah ??? My wife said I only smile when I hold a fish. I haven't smiled much this year.

Nice Bass and that looks like a good smile to me.

Congrats

A-Jay

Further North reply :

On 11/14/2016 at 12:48 PM, A-Jay said:

Thanks for the input.

I'm going bow mount on the 112 Fortrex

A-Jay

That'll be great - it'll be right at your feet and it'll deploy every time you put the TM in the water.

What I worry about with the 360° on the back of the boat is smacking it on the bottom - it has to be below the hull to work well.

...also, I have to sort of offset the center of the circle by about 16 ft...some days I'm better at that than others.

A-Jay reply :

Very Mild Monday - Slipped out in the Old Town ~

Solid Bronzeness . . .

A-Jay

BassObsessed reply :

Would be real tough for me to pack it up with chunks like that lol.

Goose52 reply :

"Old-Town-able" indeed ! NICE smallie ...

What were your surface water temps today !?

A-Jay reply :

On 11/15/2016 at 9:53 AM, Goose52 said:

"Old-Town-able" indeed ! NICE smallie ...

What were your surface water temps today !?

Thanks Goose

~ W/T's were a balmy 46 degrees which is way High - and I was fishing more green weed than I've ever seen this late.

I actually had to "wade through" several walleye, to get to the smallies.

Tomorrow has possibilities as well.

We'll see.

A-Jay

slonezp reply :

On 11/15/2016 at 10:15 AM, A-Jay said:

Thanks Goose

~ W/T's were a balmy 46 degrees which is way High - and I was fishing more green weed than I've ever seen this late.

I actually had to "wade through" several walleye, to get to the smallies.

Tomorrow has possibilities as well.

We'll see.

A-Jay

Poor baby my heart bleeds for you

A-Jay reply :

On 11/16/2016 at 2:43 AM, slonezp said:

Poor baby my heart bleeds for you

I'd expect nothing less my friend.

Overcast & considerably cooler today but no wind to speak of.

Bite was a little tougher but there were still a few willing to pull my string.

A-Jay

scaleface reply :

Went today and it could very well be my final outing of the year . The bass were biting , somewhere , but they had me stumped . Ended up with 7 total and 1 over 15 inches . I ran out of daylight .. The shad and bass were not in the creeks , the main lake had schools of deep shad everywhere . I tried fishing deep but just did not get on the right spot . These short days really handicap a person .

Yakalong reply :

I'm hoping for at least one nice day over thanksgiving. If not I'll be done

A-Jay reply :

On 11/16/2016 at 9:47 AM, Yakalong said:

I'm hoping for at least one nice day over thanksgiving. If not I'll be done

Good Luck to you.

If the local forecast holds up I could be on the water the next three days and then . . . . Snow for Saturday.

A-Jay

BassObsessed reply :

Figures the weather takes a nice drop right when I'm heading to upstate New York this weekend to hunt some bronzebacks.

Yakalong reply :

I can deal with a little cold and rain, however, when the snow starts to fall it's time to go inside I guess I'm getting old (or wise)

Further North reply :

AJ, If I can ask: what are you using and what kind of water are you fishing to bag those big girls?

I can't seem to touch anything other than muskies on my favorite smallmouth lake.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/16/2016 at 11:17 AM, Further North said:

AJ, If I can ask: what are you using and what kind of water are you fishing to bag those big girls?

I can't seem to touch anything other than muskies on my favorite smallmouth lake.

Just Muskies ? I wouldn't want to be a Smallie in that lake . . . . .

The past couple of weeks I've been on two basic types of lakes: Ones that are less than 25 feet and ones that are deeper - usually much deeper (60 - 100 feet.) All the lakes are very clear. The shallower bodies of water have more vegetation and are my Deep Jerkbait lakes. Smallies are often coming off the tips & sides of sloping points at the deep weed edge. This bite is almost always a mid - late afternoon deal, unless there is some wind then I can be all day.

The deeper lakes have some vegetation but also have a good bit of clean / hard bottom areas as well - these are where the Blade bait does damage. The sun & some wind helps this bite as well and it also can last all day. These lakes are less affected by over night cold or rain where the shallower lakes can get a little dirty which often shuts off the jerkbait bite.

Past two days I was fishing a deeper lake but instead of a blade bait, I was throwing a rattle type bait. I was using the same small, hopping & bottom hugging retrieve that I use with a blade. Doesn't always work but it did today.

A-Jay

Further North reply :

On 11/16/2016 at 11:42 AM, A-Jay said:

Just Muskies ? I wouldn't want to be a Smallie in that lake . . . . .

The past couple of weeks I've been on two basic types of lakes: Ones that are less than 25 feet and ones that are deeper - usually much deeper (60 - 100 feet.) All the lakes are very clear. The shallower bodies of water have more vegetation and are my Deep Jerkbait lakes. Smallies are often coming off the tips & sides of sloping points at the deep weed edge. This bite is almost always a mid - late afternoon deal, unless there is some wind then I can be all day.

The deeper lakes have some vegetation but also have a good bit of clean / hard bottom areas as well - these are where the Blade bait does damage. The sun & some wind helps this bite as well and it also can last all day. These lakes are less affected by over night cold or rain where the shallower lakes can get a little dirty which often shuts off the jerkbait bite.

Past two days I was fishing a deeper lake but instead of a blade bait, I was throwing a rattle type bait. I was using the same small, hopping & bottom hugging retrieve that I use with a blade. Doesn't always work but it did today.

A-Jay

Thank you - the lake I fish most often is a deep, clear lake, I'll give your strategies a try. I'm not very good at fishing deep water...have to learn to adapt.

A-Jay reply :

Here in northern Michigan, we have largely enjoyed a warm and pleasant fall this year, though some dramatic changes are set to unfold this weekend. A cold front will be pushing through the state Saturday, with rain showers transitioning over to snow showers. Late in the day tomorrow, winds will start to ramp up as well gusting 40-50+ MPH at times. Lake temperatures remain very warm; therefore, we will be seeing some lake-effect snow too where places in typical snow belts could get 5+ inches.

So with all that ahead, I was especially fortunate & happy to be on the water for the third day in a row. Today was the coldest & windiest of the three. The bite was a little sporadic as well. About one an hour was the going rate. I made the best out of the half dozen I did get and this one was the trophy of the day. Came late and ended up being the last one as well.

Here's a brief video capturing the tail end of the fight as well as some post catch comments.

A-Jay

Further North reply :

We'll get the same weather...minus the winds, apparently*...starting Friday.

Good video, nice fish...

Great net, almost the same one I use.

*That's what you get for livin' on the wrong side of the lake...

kilroy9988 reply :

Fished Monday, Friday, and Sunday last week and the fishing got slower every day. Monday I fished 4 hours in the afternoon and got 11 smallies total and the first 9 were between 18 and 20 inches, 4 were over 19 great day, that was the end of the fun, Friday was 3.5 hours on the water and 5 fish, Sunday was 3 fish in the same time frame.

Changed the bottom end oil yesterday and cried.

A-Jay reply :

On 11/18/2016 at 11:50 AM, kilroy9988 said:

Fished Monday, Friday, and Sunday last week and the fishing got slower every day. Monday I fished 4 hours in the afternoon and got 11 smallies total and the first 9 were between 18 and 20 inches, 4 were over 19 great day, that was the end of the fun, Friday was 3.5 hours on the water and 5 fish, Sunday was 3 fish in the same time frame.

Changed the bottom end oil yesterday and cried.

Congrats on some great catches ~

And sorry about the sobbing . . . I certainly know the feeling.

A-Jay

kilroy9988 reply :

It's the same every year when you put away a Lund

A-Jay reply :

On 11/18/2016 at 12:55 PM, kilroy9988 said:

It's the same every year when you put away a Lund

I know - and you're right.

Still don't have to like it though.

A-Jay

9914

The Final Push ~ 2024

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