Charleston Lake bass

Post by **ganman** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:59 pm

I've been out on Charleston twice in the past couple days.

First outing I fished near the Outlet mainly for LMB. I never kept track but likely caught a half dozen keepers and a few smaller ones and lost a nice SMB. None of the bass were overly big maybe 3 lbs was tops. I've become a topwater junkie the past couple years and I'm getting worse. I fished a Dying Flutter (bullfrog) all afternoon. Would have done better with something else but I like catching them on top when I can.

Tonite I went out to the big water to a favourite rock/rubble/weed flat for SMB mostly. Charleston SMB get big and they love a big Zara Spook (thanks CCB). First cast of the night and three twitches and turns of the handle and KA-WUMP a big SMB nails it. After a great fight I lipped it and using a finger spread (my span is 9") I estimated it's length at 22".

Five minutes later another huge smallie blows up on the spook and after 2 big jumps it throws the hook. That bass was every bit as big as the first.

The rest of the evening I continued to get more hits, some I landed some I missed. Another SMB was perhaps 3 lbs and there were a few smaller LMB too. A good evening considering I didn't get on the water until 7:30.

Post by **Badger Shark** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:26 am

Sounds like alot of fun. I am going to have to try more top water. I dont have alot in the way of topwater tackle but I do have a zara spook and some frogs.

Post by **Fishboy** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:04 am

Nice catches.....I've caught some fair-sized smallies at Charleston using topwater flies. Have you tried your flyrods on the bass?

Post by **FireFox** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:34 pm

Hey Ganman,

Thats sounds like a gorgeous smallie. I know what you mean about the topwater. It is so addictive that it can be very hard to put it away even when you know its not the right technique at the time. Largemouth are fun on the open water topwater, but smallmouth are the best .

Fox

Post by **Northern King** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:53 pm

Ganman,
Nice work on the smallies and largies. I love that dying flutter too. But I have to get a zara spook and try to get better at using it. I have had luck with the excaliber popper in evening. I haven't been able to get into any decent smallies lately though. I am going to be up a Charleston in a week and half for a few days so I hope to find some smallies then.

Post by **BigSim** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:41 pm

Beauty, I've been thinking about going up there for a while now, Charelston is a beautiful plae for a lot of things.

I just bought a swayback spook this year that I'm dyin to try on some lunkers.

Post by **wolfe** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:59 pm

Must have been a fantastic thrill, ganman -- hooking, fighting & boating that monster bronzie.

Have to say, I like Spooks, too. But for some reason, the Torpedo outfished them on Wolfe this past month. I'd go to the Spook first, with little, some time no result...then switch to a Torpedo and get some better action. Not the usual hot bed of smashes, though, as in the past. And not the great sizes, either. Biggest was 17" or so. Fat as a pig, but not so impressive in length.

Glad ya had some fun! (Passed thru Gan on the way home for a quick bite...always wonder if I'll bump into you. I bumped into Yungflyfisher in Westport.

)

W.

Post by **Cancatchbass** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:17 pm

BigSim:

Shhhhhh! Please delete your reference to the s*a*y*a*k spook- especially as relating to Charleston. It's the only advantage I have going for me there...

Wolfe- are you using the full-sized spook? Smaller versions can't compete.

Ah... Charleston smallies.

Post by **ganman** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:10 pm

It's kinda strange but those smallies on Charleston hit a bigger plug than the LMB, not suprising since the SM average much bigger than the LM.

I do better with a small Pop R for LM and the big version for SM. I have a wooden spook that looks like I've been muskie fishing with it for 10 years.

You should replace the stainless hooks and put split rings on all those old style Heddon plugs. An old style pistol grip or short handed 5'6" -6 ft casting rod/reel with 14 lb line works best. I use a 6 ft rod and Abu 4600 CB.....I was listening Tom

NK: Did you get a new boat? I think I drive by your place all the time.

Wolfe: look for a grey Honda CRV.

Post by **wolfe** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:04 am

CCB,

Yes, I have the big boy of Spooks, a few different colors. And they're usually very effective. Just not this past trip, that's all.

Ganman, thought I recalled the auto make, but wasn't sure.........

Didn't have spaghetti with orange soda, in any case.

W.

Post by **Northern King** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:24 pm

Ganman,

Nope we still have a lund with yamaha. My cottage is near the end of the reach coming from the outlet up towards the eastern waters. I'll have to try out a smaller rod when using the zara spook. I use to try working them with a 7' or 6'6" but I couldn't get the right action.

Post by **ganman** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:59 pm

NK..ever see a guy in Lund same colour as yours with a Yamaha go by? It's likely me.....I know your place next time I see you out I'll stop by and say hi.

Post by **Cancatchbass** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:54 pm

NK:

The cottage with the old dock crib on the right side just before entering Eastern Waters?

or

further back towards the Outlet?

Post by **Northern King** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:34 am

Yes it is the cottage with the old dock crib but that would be on your left side coming from the outlet direction heading towards the eastern waters at the end of the reach. If you see me out there stop by and say hello or if I see you I'll stop and hi.

Fish-Hawk.Net

Charleston Lake bass

Charleston Lake bass

topwater bass

Hmmmm...

Hmmmm...