In search of a double digit bass

[jaker_cc]

I’ve been a saltwater guy my whole life. I probably haven’t caught a fresh water fish in 12 years or so. But my dad is in search of a double digit bass like it’s his job. What are some hot lakes and times of year where this is a possibility.

Any guides that have been on fire, or that you have had good success with in the past. I realize what I’m asking is unlikely to produce what he’s looking for, but I’d appreciate a recommendation anyways.

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

I’ve been a saltwater guy my whole life. I probably haven’t caught a fresh water fish in 12 years or so. But my dad is in search of a double digit bass like it’s his job. What are some hot lakes and times of year where this is a possibility.

Any guides that have been on fire, or that you have had good success with in the past. I realize what I’m asking is unlikely to produce what he’s looking for, but I’d appreciate a recommendation anyways.

Is he trying to accomplish this in Texas (within a certain area) or anywhere any state?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[BrandonA]

Well if you are willing to spend some money I would look at going to Camelot Bell. Public I would look at Falcon, Ivie, Conroe, Fork, Henry. https://www.camelotbell.com/pricing.htm

We stocked our private lake with Bells 7 yrs ago and for the last 3-4 yrs we have averaged about 3 10+ a year, Largest being a 11-7oz. That being said I am looking forward to fishing the Camelot hopefully next spring for a couple of days.

[kruppa24]

Originally Posted by BrandonA

Well if you are willing to spend some money I would look at going to Camelot Bell. Public I would look at Falcon, Ivie, Conroe, Fork, Henry

Ivie will be crowed but there are some giants in there

[coach51]

Look at lake Ivie. There will be a few of those caught in the next few months. Get in touch with Wendell Ramsey .

[MassMan]

La Perla

[fishman]

too bad Dunlap lost the dam. I caught 2 out of that little lake a few years back...

[jaker_cc]

Originally Posted by rolylane6

Is he trying to accomplish this in Texas (within a certain area) or anywhere any state?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

He really wants a texas bass, but at this point I think he would take it just about anywhere

[Heath]

Trip to La Perla Ranch.

[BrandonA]

Originally Posted by Heath

Trip to La Perla Ranch.

This would be a great place as well

[HoustonHunter94]

I’ve got 3 dd bass from El Salto in Mexico. Several 8-9 as well. Not terribly pricey and was a fun trip the times I have been. It has been many years since I went down there however.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

He really wants a texas bass, but at this point I think he would take it just about anywhere

Personally if my only goal was a double digit bass, I would focus on fork. I know it's heyday has passed but I think it still produces 10+ fish on a more consistent basis than any other. I don't have any guide recommendations but find one who focuses on double digit fish and make sure he knows that's your only pursuit.
There's bound to be someone on TBH that knows a good one.


Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[Snowflake Killa]

There are so many options, don't overlook smaller lakes

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

[LWC]

Originally Posted by HoustonHunter94

I’ve got 3 dd bass from El Salto in Mexico. Several 8-9 as well. Not terribly pricey and was a fun trip the times I have been. It has been many years since I went down there however.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was at Picachos last year. It is more of a numbers lake but has some decent size. I caught 120+ on the first day. I haven't fished El Salto yet. Less numbers but a pretty decent chance at double digits is my understanding.

[Austin]

Ivie now through the next 45 days or so

[PeePaw on Fork]

Randy Oldfield on Fork

[Pedernal]

Read this if you are trying DIY

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...highlight=Fire

[Briar Friar]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

He really wants a texas bass, but at this point I think he would take it just about anywhere

St Johns River near East Palatka FLA. Brackish water but monster hybrids fattened from the shrimp runs. The females during spawning are easily 20+ lbs.

Good luck to PaJaker.

[Leon County Slayer]

Like others have said, if he has a budget I’d consider:
1) El Salto Mexico ($$$$)- a fishing partner caught several dd here (12.5)
2) Camelot Bell ($$$) - I’ve fished it 2 times. Hit it right you may catch a few dd’s in one day or on a bad day you may catch one 4lb. (I have a 9.5 there and partner caught a 9.?) I think they may have a 16 in one of the lakes but both are fished hard and you have to be patient. I also think they’ve kept too many large ones to sell.
3) OHIvie ($)has several doubles in recent weeks. They’re on fire.
4) Fork ($)- it’s Fork, anything can happen. Night fishing seems to produce more dd’s
5) secret honey hole (referal fee only if dd is caught, must have own boat) pm for details

[TreyRo]

Originally Posted by kruppa24

Ivie will be crowed but there are some giants in there

Not to derail the thread but is it really that crowded right now? I haven't been in years and thought about running out there one weekend in the next month or so since it''s day trip-able from the house.

[Brute Killer]

Ivy has a couple of Sharelunkers in recent history. I think it is a magnet for guys with boats, now.

[WBT]

I'd look at Camelot Bell as others have mentioned.

[Greenheadless]

I caught a handful that size out of Gibbons Creek. All from the same hump.

It’s been a while though. Is the lake even still open for fishing?

[Native Texan]

Originally Posted by Snowflake Killa

There are so many options, don't overlook smaller lakes

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

Absolutely.

When my son was 4 years old he caught a 10+ from a catch and release community lake in the local park...on a Snoopy pole. That same day he also caught two 7's and a 5.

I've seen quite a few 10-13 lb. bass come from small local ponds and lakes. I wouldn't be surprised if the total hours spent to catch a DD Bass are a lot less there than on a big reservoir.

State Park lakes can be very good.

[Grant2]

I would definitely not rule out Falcon Lake. Call James at Falcon Lake Tackle and ask him who the best guides are and he will give you their contact. You hit Falcon just right and you will have the best day of fishing than anywhere in TX.

[Quackerbox]

Originally Posted by Greenheadless

I caught a handful that size out of Gibbons Creek. All from the same hump.



It’s been a while though. Is the lake even still open for fishing?

Nope.

In fact someone on the other forum was offered to be a part of the buy in of the lake. I think he told me 75 mill was what they paid

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[bossbowman]

In reality if he wants to catch one in short order pay for a high fence fishing place like Camelot Bell, won't be cheap though. To catch on on public water would be tough especially with all the live scopers targeting them now, some of the best bass fishermen in the world haven't broke double digits.

[bossbowman]

Originally Posted by TreyRo

Not to derail the thread but is it really that crowded right now? I haven't been in years and thought about running out there one weekend in the next month or so since it''s day trip-able from the house.

Social media has brought the trophy hunters to Ivie

[Drop Tine]

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Choke Canyon. Close to you, OP. Look up Broken Braid Guide Service. Choke has been hot lately.

[steve morton]

Fairfield may be a player.

[teamron]

Originally Posted by Grant2

I would definitely not rule out Falcon Lake. Call James at Falcon Lake Tackle and ask him who the best guides are and he will give you their contact. You hit Falcon just right and you will have the best day of fishing than anywhere in TX.

Definitely would start here. Gotta few out of here myself.

[hopedale]

From now to the end of February this spot in Lake Austin has produced big time - 30.352281, -97.800693

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/big...cy-class-entry

[Lynn21]

Lake Picacho in Mexico. World class . 150-200 fish days 4-8 lbs and lots of 8-10 lb fish.

[ultralite09]

Originally Posted by TreyRo

Not to derail the thread but is it really that crowded right now? I haven't been in years and thought about running out there one weekend in the next month or so since it''s day trip-able from the house.

all the boat ramps are like airport parking lots right now and will be that way through April. Thats how it was last year and with over 5 or 6 DD caught already this year, itll be worse i assume

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by ultralite09

all the boat ramps are like airport parking lots right now and will be that way through April. Thats how it was last year and with over 5 or 6 DD caught already this year, itll be worse i assume

There's not a bass in the world worth that kinda hassle...lol

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[Fishndude]

I have 3 DD fish. All 3 were randomly caught at different times of year(summer, spring and spring) and only 1 (12.20) was really expected(buddy was catching some bruisers daily on Ray Roberts) My point is that in all my days of fishing, I had never really targeted a DD fish. It just happened by putting in the hours on the water. Doesn’t mean you can’t “target” a DD fish but I’d say he’s gonna spend some time.

Hottest lake? Ivey

[Fishndude]

Originally Posted by rolylane6

there's not a bass in the world worth that kinda hassle...lol

…in my opinion.

fify

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by Fishndude

I have 3 DD fish. All 3 were randomly caught at different times of year(summer, spring and spring) and only 1 (12.20) was really expected(buddy was catching some bruisers daily on Ray Roberts) My point is that in all my days of fishing, I had never really targeted a DD fish. It just happened by putting in the hours on the water. Doesn’t mean you can’t “target” a DD fish but I’d say he’s gonna spend some time.

Hottest lake? Ivey

I agree with this. I've only caught one DD. I've gotten close a few more times with fish in the 9's. I was never targeting a DD when I caught any of them.

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by Fishndude

fify

....you do you, lol
I get it though. There was a time, but not anymore.

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[muzzlebrake]

I have caught several DD's over the years but none since I gave up bar hopping and landed my personal best DDD 17 years ago right out of my own neighborhood.

[adam_p]

I've got a buddy who just got back from El Salto, 7lber was the biggest in their group. Not what I'd go to Mexico for.

I'd really research whats going on at each Mexican lake before I booked that.

OH Ivey or Alan Henry are the best options right now, especially if you can find a guide good with livescope. Ivey is getting pounded though.

Fork is 6ft low, that might position some of those big ones where they are easier to find. I plan to find out in the next few week.

I know Choke was doing pretty good for a while, but I never heard of many DD size fish in the last couple years. Lots of fish up to 8lbs. Maybe the locals were keeping the DD size fish under wraps. Good on them if they were.

Don't let anyone tell you Ray Roberts, I live here and love the lake but it has really struggled in the last 2 years. I mean really struggled. You could absolutely still catch a 10 but it is just not where I would spend my time if that is what I was looking for.

[rbsears]

https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/sp...22/9176345002/

[bossbowman]

Originally Posted by adam_p

Don't let anyone tell you Ray Roberts, I live here and love the lake but it has really struggled in the last 2 years. I mean really struggled. You could absolutely still catch a 10 but it is just not where I would spend my time if that is what I was looking for.

I don't know that lake but couldn't believe how bad the fishing was for the bassmaster Classic last tons of guys couldn't even put together a limit, it was embarrassing. And after all those years of TPWD trying to manage it as a trophy fishery, it didn't work!

[ClearcreekDC]

Like others have said, if he has a budget I’d consider:
1) El Salto Mexico ($$$$)- a fishing partner caught several dd here (12.5)
2) Camelot Bell ($$$) - I’ve fished it 2 times. Hit it right you may catch a few dd’s in one day or on a bad day you may catch one 4lb. (I have a 9.5 there and partner caught a 9.?) I think they may have a 16 in one of the lakes but both are fished hard and you have to be patient. I also think they’ve kept too many large ones to sell.
3) OHIvie ($)has several doubles in recent weeks. They’re on fire.
4) Fork ($)- it’s Fork, anything can happen. Night fishing seems to produce more dd’s
5) secret honey hole (referal fee only if dd is caught, must have own boat) pm for details


1. Had 4 friends just return this week from el salto- big fish of the entire lodge for the week was 7 pounds. The lake is fishing like garbage.
2. Camelot bell- Of the 4 mentioned this is your best bet. I had a friend purchase a trip for me and caught several DDs including an 11 pounder. Prob had 9 fish 8 pounds are better. As mentioned you have to hit it right. They either chew or they don't.
3. Oh Ivie- I saw it took 5 pounds to win a tournament there last weekend. It is a very small lake extremely low and crowded with fishermen. If you are not a professional with live scope don't expect to even have a chance.
4. Fork is being drawn down for dam repair right now and its 6 feet low. I have heard fishing is tough which is understood with how fast they drew it down.

Of all your options I would pick Camelot bell in April. Should be able to have the best shot.

[ttaxidermy]

A private lake will be your best bet.. There are a few in this state that sell packages and they have some monster bass.

[GarGuy]

Noone mentioned Rayburn?

[BarW]

Originally Posted by GarGuy

Noone mentioned Rayburn?

No fish in rayburn. No deer in east Texas.
Move along.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[adam_p]

Originally Posted by bossbowman

I don't know that lake but couldn't believe how bad the fishing was for the bassmaster Classic last tons of guys couldn't even put together a limit, it was embarrassing. And after all those years of TPWD trying to manage it as a trophy fishery, it didn't work!

TPWD gave up on the lake about 2001 and didn't put any fish in it for 10 years, that and unstable water levels didn't help. New biologist is putting fish in the lake every few years again. The pressure that covid brought really took its toll the last 2 years. I'm hoping this year will be better.

[TCB]

Call Jay with High Stakes Bassin on Falcon and Sugar Lake. He’s been crushing big fish lately. I personally had 5 bass for +40# with Jay.

Tell him Chad sent you.

[Mayhem]

I have fished Camelot Bell and Wolf pack on consecutive days.

We had less than stellar conditions on both days. We managed 2 7’s 1 8 and a 4 as our biggest fish. We caught a pile of fish up to 3.5’s.

There is not certainty, even there.

Mike who owns it now has a 3rd lake.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk