This week was spent with 32 of the best young anglers in the United States at Camp Bass here at Lake Fork. This is a highly completive group of young men and women that fished 3 days with guides and professional anglers to not only catch fish but to learn about all the facets of the fishing industry. This included rods, reels, tackle, boats, motors, how to get sponsors, how to conduct themselves while fishing tournaments and about every Bass fishing technique that could be thought of. These young anglers were graded on their performance in the boat and away from the boat in such thing as casting, boat control, attitude, leadership etc. I have worked Camp Bass many of times and these young anglers this year were the best yet! By the way this year, the “Angler of the Year” for Camp Bass 2015 was a young lady by the name of Tara Reid. Watch out guys, she can fish with the best of you. My hat is off to the main sponsors of Camp Bass such as Lake Fork Marina, Lake Fork Trophy Lures, Santone Lures, Kenny Moser, Tiffney’s Restaurant, Kissel Rods and Diamond Sports Marine.

Now down to the fishing. The Bass fishing was fair to good all week. The water temperatures ranged from 87 to 92 degrees and the water clarity continues to clear up. However, in the creeks the water is still stained. The top water bite was off and on but the Zara Spook was the top producer. One of my young men from Camp Bass had a 9.1 on Tuesday morning on a Zara Spook. The Carolina Rig was my go to way of fishing this week. We used a Lake Fork Trophy Lures chartreuse/pepper Hyper Stick and a Zoom watermelon/red Baby Brush Hog. “Don’t forget to dye the tails of the Baby Brush Hog chartreuse!” Our equipment list this week included Duckett rods, ABU Garcia Premier Reels and Stren line.

The White Bass fishing was good in the evenings. Joes Spaits Flutter Spoon worked great also small in-line spinner baits worked good. Look for them on main lake points between 7 and 9 PM.

The Crappie fishing remained slow this week. The minnow rig was still the best in 22 to 24 foot of water over brush piles.

Catfishing also slowed down this week. Most of the Catfish were on the small side. Punch bait was still the bait of choice.

Congratulations to Lake Fork Marina for being more than supportive to Camp Bass! I know the young anglers enjoyed the facilities and the hospitality. Stop in to see the Lake Fork Marina tackle store, they have a good selection of Duckett Rods and ABU Garcia reels. While you are there, make sure you pick up plenty of water to stay hydrated with.

Fall tournaments are just a few weeks away. I have a few openings for guided fishing trips to help you get ready for them. Give me a call at: (903) 413-6919 or E-mail me at: [email protected] . Have a safe fishing week and stay hydrated.