I had gotten some really nice versa trac bases for the downriggers, but the top sides of the boat flexed so much it was freaking me out, especially with 12lb balls I was using for 3.5/4.0 trolling. I had seen where Keith New down in Manteca made custom ones that bridge from one side to the other, and he was saying they were solid enough to lean against. They look a little high but they aren't, they are a good height from the casting deck, or from the seats in the back of the boat...they are as solid as a rock, can't wait to get out and try them.

So I caught a 10lb drum fishing for bass. Great day on Bois D'Arc!

Bois D’Arc Fishing Report May 7th, 2024.

Fishing was tougher than normal. 3 of us fished the banks all morning and came up almost empty (2-6' of water). We did however catch everything but a bass. See pics. After lunch we changed things up and found some bass in brush piles in deeper water thanks to an amazing guy (@Earnest Vance) that motioned us over. He had caught 20 in this one spot. He told us he was leaving and we should fish it. Our first 2 casts we landed doubles and proceeded to catch another 20 bass from that spot. We tried fishing 100 yards before it and after it and nothing. It was just in that spot that was maybe 25’ wide. After that we left and fished the same depth north/west of the bridge and found more bass. We ended up catching almost 40 bass after lunch. They moved to 8-15’ of water. Soft plastic creature baits did the trick. (blue craw) Crazy day of fishing. See the 10lber I caught in the pictures 😆
Bois D'Arc Overview Video

Got to Red Cross launch this morning about 9 am , tried the patches of pads first and nothing so I started to fish the shore line and Bingo that's where they were today . NNW wind had it's moments but fairly light compared to what we've been getting. First one 2&1/2 pounder second one a little over 3# and I quit weighing after that. Surprise !!!! 🎉 I caught my first Rock bass on a frog, this fish was really pretty sorry my camera didn't do it justice. Finished off with the " Little Black Frog" tied on at 3 and headed for home. Grass to mow🥴🥴🥴 more like a hay field!!! Won't get out for next 3 days ( work)
Probably have to get retrained to learn how to fish missing that much time. My 3# er trashed my Lews KVD 8:1 to 1 reel it had been making noise when I went to Rip Lips this year , drag is a tight as it goes. This time it dack clicked 3 times in a row so I beached and switched it out with a cheapie 8:3 to 1 from Temu not as smooth but when I Ripped the next sets of lips she held fast. Always something to make things interesting around my days fishing. 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🇺🇲🇺🇲🙏

First time out this year. We went out to Honeoye last thursday, the 2nd, and had a blast. I was hoping for bluegill/sunnies as they're a blast to catch. Caught some big ones and managed quite a few bass mostly 12 - 14".
One big fat 11" perch (my buddy enjoyed that sandwich on friday) and some 8 -9" panfish (also enjoyed by my buddy). Crankbaits (Rapala ultra light in black/chrome) in shallow to 10' deep. Talking to the other boaters...catching walleyes, at night, on swimbaits.
Bass are hitting anything in all depths but they haven't seen the ladies yet. Water temp 58 - 60. Great day and can't wait to go again.
Here's a nice smallie and I think they're starting to make their beds...
And here's a nice sunny too.

I truly try to fish where others aren't. I won't fish near others if I'm in a boat. When I see others fishin where I wanted to fish I usually just go to another one of my spots I like to fish just so I don't have to fish around someone else.
I know LOTS of different spots that usually hold fish and I don't HAVE to share a fishin hole with someone else.
Besides, I really don't like catchin fish in view of someone else. They have a tendency to come over and fish right on top of you. I've had it happen several times. Someone SEES you catch a fish and they come right over and want to fish YOUR spot. I truly dislike that. So I try my best to fish where others AREN'T.

Son Gregg and I headed to one of the local waters for a bit this morning. We each caught 3 smallish bass and quite a few pickerel swimming 4” Keitech’s. We both lost a decent bass right at the bank, both looked to be a bit better than those we landed, maybe 2 and 1/4# or so. Tradition that we get out and fish on my birthday and make sure not to catch the skunk 🦨. The mallard pictured had 12 ducklings about a week ago but must have lost 2 to attrition of some sort. Got this card from my BIL, thought it was quite appropriate.