Sunday, June 12, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: June 2011

Hello Everyone -

Sorry for the long delay in posting a fishing report. I have posted a few reports on the Bass Fishing Home Page, but have not been as active as usual with my posting. I took some time off in late May to attend the Indy 500, which was followed by my mother's passing. Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers - they are greatly appreciated. The good news is I see no more distractions in the near future, so onto fishing!

The topwater action and swimbait action remains good, in the early mornings particularly, especially after the rains have came through that have cooled the water temps slightly and increased the oxygen levels near the surface. For topwater, I have been using either a small popper or the smaller sized gunfish in bone color. When the sun is out, I prefer the chrome offerings. As far as swimbaits, take note of the bait fish being chased. If you see them coming out of the water, the chances are the bass are chasing the bluebacks. I have found at times, however, that the fish are focused on smaller baitfish. My advice is to match the hatch - pay attention and vary your baits and presentations. Some of the things I have been using include: Farley Swimbaits, flukes, Spro Swimbaits (to include the BBZ1 Shad), and the S-Waver. A fish-head spin will also work well. Work the upper region of the water column, or count down the bait to the depth the fish are holding if you find they are not coming up. If you graph bait up in the water column, the fish will likely be looking up. On cloudy days, I have also found a jig/twin tail combo to work, and of course, the standard Slongs Shaky Head tipped with your favorite Wackem Crazy Bait offering, dipped in clear or chartreuse JJ's Magic.

As far as locations, I have been focusing on off-shore structure such as long-running points and humps, along with ledges. Focus on the structures that also have good cover on them, such as brush. In low-light or cloudy conditions, the fish are generally roaming in these areas and not locked on the brush. When the sun is out, the fish tend to relate more directly to the brush piles. Focus on those and present your baits directly over the top of them or in them to get bit.

SPOT TAIL MINNOWS - I am now also doing spot tail minnow trips. This is simply a blast in terms of numbers of fish, and certainly you are apt to catch some big ones too. This is a PERFECT option for less-experienced anglers and particularly children - it is a quick and easy technique to master. If you have not done this before, I encourage you to book a spot-tail trip with me - you will not be disappointed!!

Make sure to check out my fishing reports on the Bass Fishing Home Page (WMI.org). I post there at least twice weekly, so check it out! Also, I have a video out - if you have not seen it, click here to view. Enjoy!

I still have dates open in June -call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!! I have Wednesday and Thursday open this week!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines and God Bless -

Jimbo

Monday, May 9, 2011

Jimbo's Lake Lanier Fishing Report: April 29 - May 8, 2011

Hey Everyone -

I have been out on trips almost every day for the last 10 days, plus I fished the Gut Check tournament with Nick Hensley from Hammonds this past Saturday, and then back out on a half-day morning trip on Sunday (yesterday).

We have had some outstanding days for numbers as many trips had over 30 total spots for the day. I have been focusing on sandy pockets with a worm for the numbers fish. These pockets can be main lake, or in the mouths of creeks, but a sandy beach is the key. This pattern will provide lots of keepers up to 2.5 lbs, and a few good ones mixed in. I have been using a 4 inch worm on a 1/8 oz jighead for the most bites.

In addition to the sand bite, I have been playing with the early post-spawners willing to eat topwater and flukes. Some are relating to brush, most are roaming and just relating to the bait in key areas that have deeper water very close, and are not far from spawning flats. Some of these fish are roaming in very deep water, but are not too far from the bank.

For the tournament on Saturday, we focused on the post spawn bite as opposed to the sand bite - not as many bites, but big fish potential. Nick and I only weighed 13 pounds, but lost some donkeys early on top. Nick lost one of the biggest spots I have ever seen hammer a topwater plug - this spot was way over six - and after a long battle, she just simply pulled off. A little later in the AM,I had two well over 5 rolling and nipping at my fluke, but they just would not commit. I am seeing some wolf packs as well with the fish that are relating to the brush - I was about to cast at one around 4 following a 3 pounder Nick had hooked on top, but as I went to cast I heard "he's barely hooked" so I dropped the rod and went for the net - a bird in hand better than 2 in the bush I guess.

All in all, a very fun day and we had our chances to win it, just wasn't to be. We caught the fish we weighed on topwater poppers, flukes, crankbaits, and fish head spins.

Back out Sunday morning with a regular customer and his wife, and I and had one over 5 plaster my rico, and got it caught in the rocks (and broke off) trying to hand it off to my client's wife so she could battle a big spot. Always looking for a way to let them have fun! They both still caught em Sunday AM as it seemed they were eating as well as they were on tournament day.

Make sure to check out my fishing reports on the Bass Fishing Home Page (WMI.org). I post there at least twice weekly, so check it out! Also, I have a new video out - if you have not seen it, click here to view. Enjoy!

I am filling up for May, but I have some dates open the next few weeks-call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!! I have Wednesday and Friday open this week, and maybe Saturday, so let me know if you would like to get out.

Until next time everybody - tight lines and God Bless -

Jimbo

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: April 10 - 28, 2011

Hello Again Everyone -

I have had trips almost every day over the past 20 days or so, save Easter and Good Friday. I have had the pleasure of taking out some really fun people during that time, and the fish have been cooperating as well. Thank you to everyone for your support of my guide business. I truly love what I do and I feel very Blessed and honored to have your business - THANK YOU!!

Now, onto fishing. We have been averaging about 25 fish a day on each trip, and two days we landed over 40 - no joke. The first day was last week - we were up north, and the fish size was modest at best - our biggest was about 3.5 lbs, and about 25 of the 42 were keepers. Tuesday of this week was also a 40+ day as we boated 44 spots. The size recently has been much better down south as most of the 40 were keepers, and our best 5 were just shy of 19 lbs.

As far as baits, you name it, and we have caught fish on it. A brief summary would include: swimbaits, flukes, Fish Head Spins, Lil Dudes, worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, topwaters, carolina rigs, jerkbaits, and I am sure I am forgetting something. Mix it up and see what is working - the fish change their preferences every day!

The water on the north end is now above 70 at daylight. The south end is about 67 or so depending on where you put in. Numbers have been better up North until recently, but the South end is catching up quickly. It seems the North end is about 10 days to 2 weeks ahead of the South end.

As far as location, we have been hitting steeper banks coming out of creeks, islands, rock points, and main lake pockets for our fish. The depth the fish are holding changes everyday, but the range has been from 3 - 15 feet.

Make sure to check out my fishing reports on the Bass Fishing Home Page (WMI.org). I post there at least twice weekly, so check it out! Also, I have a new video out - if you have not seen it, click here to view. Enjoy!

I am filling up for May, but I have some dates open the next few weeks-call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines and God Bless -

Jimbo

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: March 15-27, 2011

Hello Everyone -

Well, I just finished a 13 day stretch on the water with trips each day. It has been great to be on the water non-stop. I love what I do! Contrary to the nay-sayers on BFHP, I have found the bite to be pretty good each day. There are always exceptions, but overall the fishing has been solid. On sunny days, I am getting bit on flats and key secondary points at the mouths of creeks. The dock bite is also good on the sunny days as many of the fish use the docks to stage prior to the spawn. On cloudy days, the fish roam more, but still can be caught on spawning flats and secondary points. I have also just found a jerkbait bite on the main lake - I believe these fish are just coming up and and are clearly in the pre-spawn stage.

That being said, I also believe that many fish are spawning right now, and some have spawned already. I have seen several pods of bass fry in certain areas, both south and north. I think many of the fish are farther along than most people believe, and can explain the tough bite for many folks. I have just putting the trolling motor down and going fishing. I have found active fish in areas that you may not expect and caught fish in many different locations. So, my advice is to stay on the move until you get bit, and then work that area thoroughly, as you will likely catch more fish in that same area.

Baits of choice:

1. Jerkbait - work these baits around secondary points in pockets along the creek channels and adjacent to main lake. The water has warmed nicely over the past 2 weeks, and the jerkbait bite has gotten steadily better. Fish these baits around docks adjacent to spawning flats as well, especially when the sun is out.

2. Fish Head Spin - I have been working these around shallow secondary points. Slow has still been the ticket - keep the lure in contact with the bottom and wait for the fish to load up - they haven't been eating it agressively on most days.

3. Slong's Shaky Head - I have been working the 3/16 oz Slong's Shaky Heads around the same areas as noted above when the bite is less aggressive. I have been using a Wackem Pointy Tail and Trick Worm in pumpkin green for my bites. I have found fish up on flats too on certain days - look for the "highways" or ditches that feed the flats - the fish will position around docks that are closest to the ditches first.

4. Crankbait - When the morning bite is on, you can pick off some studs with this bait, as you have seen on my blog posts and website. Use something with a tight wobble - work grass/brush flats and secondary points for the best bites.

I expect the fluke bite and swimbait bite to really work well soon too. Keep trying these baits as you are fishing - you just never know when you might collect a good one on these lures.

I recommend everyone check out the LanierMAPPED.com site ASAP - there are lots of recent changes that I am sure you will be interested in!! And remember gang, use the JIMBO Code at LanierMAPPED.com for a 20% discount on all clips you purchase.

I am filling up for the Spring, but I have some dates open the next couple fo weeks -call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines!!

Jimbo

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: March 1-14, 2011

Hello Everyone -

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the great spring weather! The fishing has really picked up over the last week or so. I have had several trips over the past few days, and the catch has gotten steadily better each day. I expect the bite to be "off the charts" any day now, but each day should be at least good!

I still have been using 3 main baits to get bit - locations are still the same as well:

1. Jerkbait - work these baits around secondary points in pockets along the creek channels and along main lake. The water has warmed nicely over the past 2 weeks, and the jerkbait bite has gotten steadily better. Fish these baits around docks adjacent to spawning flats as well.

2. Fish Head Spin - I have been working these around shallow secondary points. Slow has still been the ticket - keep the lure in contact with the bottom and wait for the fish to load up - they haven't been eating it agressively on most days.

3. Slong's Shaky Head - I have been working the 3/16 oz Slong's Shaky Heads around the same areas as noted above when the bite is less aggressive. I have been using a Wackem Pointy Tail and Trick Worm in pumpkin green for my bites. I have found fish up on flats too on certain days - look for the "highways" or ditches that feed the flats - the fish will position around docks that are closest to the ditches first.

I recommend everyone check out the LanierMAPPED.com site ASAP - there are lots of recent changes that I am sure you will be interested in!! And remember gang, use the JIMBO Code at LanierMAPPED.com for a 20% discount on all clips you purchase.

I am filling up for the Spring - call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines!!

Jimbo

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: Feb 21 - Feb 28, 2010

FISHING REPORT:

Hello Everyone -

My apologies for not posting a fishing report lately. The end of January and the first 2 weeks of February were tough on the lake, and I did not have anything spectacular to report.

Thank goodness that spring is here and the weather is cooperating! I have experienced improving success over the past 2 weeks - each day better than the next with the warming temperatures.

I have been doing 3 main things to get bit recently:

1. Jerkbait - work these baits around secondary points in pockets along the creek channels and along main lake. Focus on the pockets that get all day sun as they will warm the fastest. Look to your Northern banks for the best locations. Work the bait slowly with long pauses between snaps of the rod. The jerk around docks is working too - same locations and technique as noted above. Focus on areas with clay and pebble rock.

2. Fish Head Spin - I have been working these around shallow secondary points. Slow has been the ticket lately - keep the lure in contact with the bottom. As the water continues to warm, speed up your retrieve. Experiment - the fish will tell you what they want!

3. Slong's Shaky Head - I have been working the 1/4 oz Slong's Shaky Heads around the same areas as noted above when the bite is less aggressive. I have been using a Wackem Pointy Tail and Trick Worm in pumpkin green for my bites. I have found fish up on flats too - look for the "highways" or ditches that feed the flats - the fish will position around docks that are closest to the ditches first.

I recommend everyone check out the LanierMAPPED.com site ASAP - there are lots of recent changes that I am sure you will be interested in!! And remember gang, use the JIMBO Code at LanierMAPPED.com for a 20% discount on all clips you purchase.

I am filling up for the Spring - call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines!!

Jimbo

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Lake Lanier Fishing Report: Dec 28 - Jan 7, 2011

FISHING REPORT:

Hello Everyone -

I hope everyone enjoyed a great holiday season. We here in Georgia are in the midst of one of the worst snow storms that I can remember. It snowed about 6 inches Sunday night, followed by freezing rain and sleet - a mess to say the least - particularly here in GA, where we have almost no snow removal equipment!!

The good news is, the cold weather has brought on a great spoon bite, and it should only get better as the weather stays cold. The cold weather will cause a shad kill, particularly back in the creeks where the threadfins are concentrated, and these conditions help make for a rockin' spoon bite.

I have been working outside creek channel bends that also offer other significant structure nearby - standing timber, roadbeds, brush, etc. The fish have been in 40 - 55 feet of water, and I have been vertically jigging a flex-it spoon on top of them. I have been alternating between a silver and a white spoon based on the sun. Sunny days I favor the silver spoon, cloudy the white. Mainly, I have been using spoons in the 3/4 oz range to get them down a bit quicker. Alter your presentation over these fish in terms of your retrieves to find out how the fish want it on that particular day. Sometimes quick snaps work, sometimes a slow methodical yo-yo seems to work best - just depends.

There are also fish stacked in certain areas of the main lake and at the mouths of creeks - these tend to be the bigger fish from my experience. Work back from main lake humps and points until you hit the 40-50 foot zone and look for the timber or other significant structure on your graph that could offer the fish and bait a haven.

The weather is supposed to clear and warm up by this weekend - once the roads are safely passable, you should get out there with the spoon and go to work! Let me know if I can help - I would love to share this technique with you if you are interested - just call me to book a trip. 770-542-7764

I recommend everyone check out the LanierMAPPED.com site ASAP - there are lots of recent changes that I am sure you will be interested in!! And remember gang, use the JIMBO Code at LanierMAPPED.com for a 20% discount on all clips you purchase.

I am still booking Jan/Feb and the Spring - call me TODAY at 770-542-7764 to book your trip!!

Until next time everybody - tight lines!!

Jimbo