Boys and I spent the day on Melvern. We’re able to catch about 25 fish. Most on finesse baits with a couple on jigs.
Author: Tate
HANGING OUT WITH THOMAS
Spent the day with Thomas Heinen on one of his favorite lakes. Thomas would end up having a great year. Winning Angler of the Year and Non-boater of the year.
FISH OVER SIX POUNDS
This year we were able to catch 10 fish over 6 pounds. Most were in Kansas, even a six pound smallmouth. A lot of them on Powertackle rods.
2020 BASS NATION JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Nick and Kyle had a great showing this year at the 2020 BASS Nation Junior National Championship on Carroll County. We had been to the championship 3 out of the last 4 years, and we really wanted to have a good finish.
During pre-fishing, we had found one really productive area, and had difficulty finding any other areas. We had a lot of luck throwing a small swimbait with different types of jig heads with spinners and without. During different conditions, one would work better then the other. With all the pressure, a 1/4oz. ballhead would be the most productive. Never have we fished a tournament without a baitcaster on the deck; we had 8 spinning rods on the deck during this tournament.
Day 1, we were able to get on our best spot. Kyle was able to catch a keeper on his second cast. But the next 30 minutes, we would only catch a couple of non-keepers. I was looking at the Humminbird 360, and noticed a ditch running along the bank out in 15 feet of water that had some really good brush and stickup along it. It was straight out from the spot Kyle had caught the 7 pounder during practices. So, I figured it may hold another big fish. Kyle threw out to the spot. Just as he started reeling, he got a bite. I knew right away it was going to be a big fish. As Kyle fought it to the boat, Nick was able to net the big fish. It would end up weighing 5 pounds 4 oz. Also, it would end up being big fish of the event. We would only be able to catch 4 keepers that day. With the one big fish, we were sitting in 2nd place with 7lbs 15oz. after day 1. Great start to the event.
Day 2 was very rough. We never could find a bite. Twins would catch about 7 non-keepers. Kyle did lose one big fish next to the boat, about 3 pounds, that would be costly. We zeroed for day 2, and ended the tournament in 14th place. Twins fished really hard that day, just wasn’t meant to be. It would be the twins’ last BASS youth tournament. I’m so proud of the boys. They had fished really hard all year trying to get back to the Championship. Then they were able to get to the championship, be in 2nd place after Day 1, and getting big bass of a BASS event. It is something they will always remember for the rest of their lives.
KYLE BIG CARROLL COUNTY BASS
Pre-fishing for BASS Nation Youth Championship on Carroll County. Kyle was able to catch a big bass over 7 lbs 9 oz. It would be his personal best largemouth.
WATCH OUT IDAHO, THE HAMMER IS COMING
Hype video for Kyle’s BBZ Junior Championship. The Powertackle rods are already packed to go.
BOYS + MILFORD = SMALLMOUTH
Boys and I having some fun on Milford. Most of the fish were caught on Topwater and Soft Plastics.
CRAPPIE AND BASS FISHING
GONE FISHING
FISHING TIP OF THE WEEK
Another tip is when you catch a good bass or fish, mark a waypoint. You will be surprised how many fish over a season that you will catch in the same 50 to 100 yard stretch. So why spend your time fishing down the whole bank when you can just pull up to the spot you have the best luck on. Now, this will change every year and through the season. There spots on the local lake that I only hit during spring, or the summer, or the fall. I will always check it every year, and some times you get lucky and a spot will be good every year.