Delta Report 10/05

[mikenewman]

Just got back from an afternoon bugging the bass around Frank's tract. My new tactic is to quit hairing around looking for hotspots and to start methodically working along levy walls - taking each piece of structure as it comes but paying particular attention to tulles. This has allowed me to start developing a more relaxed rhythm to my fishing and allows me to focus on improving my delivery.
Anyway, had a great time! Brought 5 fish to hand - all on a "blooped" diver (seems to describe the noise/action better than "popped") Nothing huge except the fun! (Best fish pictured)
Had a couple of heart stoppers when one good fish absolutely exploded on the fly and I felt his solid weight for a brief moment before he departed and another when a large bulge of water appeared behind the fly. Immediately presented to him again but he had obviously sussed my deer hair concoction as a fraud. I swear if I had been wearing a pacemaker the circuits would have blown! I now refer to these as "Hairstacker moments" 'cos Mike's posts capture the excitement of this game so well.
Wind dropped to nothing late afternoon and the air thickened with anticipation as bait fish and insects came alive on the water. Packed in around 6.15 'cos I had a couple of miles back to Beacon Harbour and I haven't yet the confidence to navigate in the dark.
Bass Buggin' - bad for the heart, good for the soul.

[mikenewman]

Oops, I guess I'd better reduce the photo size next time.

[David Lee]

Good deal there , Mike !!

A group Bass Bugging get together sure would be fun ....

How about a shot of your flies ?????

David

[Hairstacker]

All right Mike!! Sounds like you had a helluva good time out there, good for you! GREAT report, I could just picture those hits. By the way, I really like the last sentence in your report, it would make a great signature. I wonder if there's a way to get that on my coffee mug somehow. . . .

David, a group Bass Bugging get together would be a blast, count me in!

[Gregg Machel]

Here is a touched up version, rotated slightly:

[mikenewman]

OK David, you asked for it! Here are 3 of my deer hair bugs. The first 2 diver style are fished in fairly aggressive 6 to 12 inch strips across the surface: make 'em "bloop". They are all tied with weed guards as I am constantly attempting to pitch close to tulles, weeds and riprap, also the guard allows me to occasionally cast deliberately onto docks and weed mats. All are tied on 1/0 hooks.
The third is my only attempt at a popper: it floats like a cork and pops like champagne and the bass absolutely hate it I've yet to take a fish on it.
Pretty they aint but it's early days for me and deer hair and the divers are taking fish. They also seem to be holding together pretty well considering the abuse I subject them to.
As for a bass maniacs convention - count me in

[Hairstacker]

Hey Mike, I think they look great! Kind of wonderin' why that last one isn't catching anything. It looks like it should. . . . Have you given it a fair shake? Maybe tie one up in a different color combination?

[mikenewman]

Thanks Mike - too kind! Though here's one tied today that I could possibly take home to meet Granny It's the first one I've trimmed with a razor blade and it does seem to produce a neater job.
As for that popper, I tried it for 3 hours on a day when divers had previously been rousing fish. I think you're right - I'll try ringing the changes on colour. I might also "defuss" it a bit (We Brits love marabou - it comes from chucking lures at big rainbow stockies on our reservoirs in the Nineties)
By the way, where's Richard? I'm sure he'd be game for a Bass Buggin' get together.

Mike

[Richard]

Yep, love to do a bass bugging outing. Problem at the moment is time. Got none. I fully retire in early December and with any luck the major remodeling of the house where we are adding an elevator for my wife who is now in a wheelchair will be finished by January. Once all of that is done life should be a little easier.

I was hoping to get on the water Friday, but a major sciatica attack sent me to the doctor. I'm better now, but hated missing what looked like a promising day on the water.

It's good to know the largemouth are still active. Most of what I hear today is about stripers. I am trying my hand at tying some gurglers (I picked up some nice foam at a really good price) and when I get the chance to get out again I will let you know how those do. In the meantime if anyone sets up an outing let me know and I will try and be there.