Ivie Reservior 2-6

Hi guys!

I got an invitation from Bob Whitt to go flog the water over at OH Ivie Reservoir Saturday, 2-6-10. You have all heard the stories and seen the pictures of the quality bass coming out of the lake and seeing as I have been out there only a handful of times I lept at the opportunity! I really want to learn more about this lake and possibly catch a biggun!

We launched at Kennedy Park on the east side of the lake. We got there by about 10ish and the parking lot was packed. This attested to the popularity of the lake.

You heard him and why he thought the day would be productive. The water was reading about 43 degrees in the NE areas of the lakes. Wind was pretty light, but so cold that driving the boat was a challenge and the stinging cold air caused our eyes to tear up something awful.

We started up fishing a shoreline with a combination rock and mud. This was a rough start as my casting was uncharacteristically off and I promptly lost 2 crank baits. Bob was casting away when he landed this beauty!

We hadn't been fishing long. Bob was showing me a technique he and a buddy were using the prior Thursday where they were casting spinner baits. Now, conventional fishing was to throw slow baits like worms and jigs in the cold winter. Supposedly, the fish are lethargic and do not want to hit something that struggles too much. I had this notion challenged Jan 1 and it seemed to be continuing. Bob is running those spinners just under the surface through the submerged trees. Last Thursday this was successful and his friend caught an 8-pounder with this technique. The spinner we were using were chartreuse and white with a gold willow leaf and gold turtle shell spinners. It produced a different sensation on the line and was flashing brightly. As he would bring it through the trees, he would stop and let it flutter down right in the middle of the mess. Late in the afternoon, the fish were coming out of their negative mode and started chasing his spinner out of the trees, but wouldn't snag it.

On this day it wasn't producing, but I stuck with it as I was learning something new. Bob was doing the same and he was chased out of the trees by some small bass.

Then it happened.

I watched this little booger come up and hit it. Bob said I announced the catch before I even set the hook. Interesting info on the teeth of a bass as an indicator on what they are hitting. Another knowledgeable guy, JR over at Field and Stream, said the bass will be feeding on crayfish soon for the minerals in the shells. This is when we start to see regurgitated crayfish in the live wells ... if your boat has a live well! Does anyone know if there is a live well for a little plastic boat??? Good info to have. I am also reminded of when Scott Miner showed me how feeling a bass stomach for the tell-tale sign of shells in the belly. This may change your tactics a bit.

We ended a great day of fishing with one catch apiece. We headed back to Kennedy Park and observed a tournament concluding. I walked over and talked with some guys to see what was going on. To my luck, this was what was happening.

What a great bunch! If you want more info on Still Waters out of Abilene, their website is

http://www.stillwatersbassclub.org/

Eric was very kind to take a minute to talk to me.

Funny story, I have fished the plastic yacht for a few years now and dream of the day I migrate to a real boat. I have been begging a few friends to teach me how to drive a boat and Bob has been gracious enough to agree to teach me. We were in a cove and he put me behind the wheel. We were in 12-feet of water and in the channel. After getting started going, we were puttering out and Bob told me to give it some gas. I stared to, but was doing it slowly. Just as I was about to open her up a little, the front of the boat shot up and I felt a HUGE thump on the front. A second later, I felt a thump under me and the back shot up. I about keeled over! Apparently, I found the only tree in the "safe" channel. Neither of us saw it! I had visions of a hole in the hull or even a Titanic-like tear and we would sink immediately. I was freaking out! Thank God that Bob was A LOT calmer than I and he was telling me that this happens. He was great!

There was not damage done to the boat, but I was rattled. I did manage to safely pilot the boat the rest of the day, but MAN! If this is an omen, maybe I just need to stick with the putt-putt.

Big shout out to Bob Whitt for taking me fishing and teaching me a few things! It was a lot of fun and he is a blast to pass the time with!

Thanks for taking a minute to read the article and check out the videos. Please feel free to comment as I and many like me are always looking to learn!

Remember, "Cast straight, cast often, and keep your wake small for the guys in the plastic boats!"