Submitted by Jeff Buchanan, Insider's Maps

Date Fished: 7/20/2007
Water Temperature: 80s
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet

Rayburn has been fishing great this summer, and everyone is getting excited about the Big Bass Tournament that is coming up. If you don’t know about it yet it is called the Dodge Mega Bass Tournament, you can go to http://www.basschamps.com/basschamps/megaBass.cfm to find out the details. They are giving away a Dodge truck every hour for the biggest bass and paying ten places per hour. This will be an interesting tournament because it is happening in the summer when the bass are deeper. Another interesting twist to this tournament is that the lake is over 1 ½ feet above pool and moving some big fish up shallow, which is very strange for this time of the year.

It is no secret that the grass bite is usually the strongest pattern in the summer, but with the water rising, there are some big fish being caught shallow. With the lake level over pool, there are thousands of bushes that are now in several feet of water. This situation makes a great place for a big bass to hold up for a meal. Also there are lots of big fish that spend their summer feasting on deep brush piles where they feed on crappie and bream throughout the warmer months. Pepper grass and lily pad fields are also growing in 2-8 feet of water up and down the lake, where worm and frog fishing are always good. If I were to put my money on one particular pattern to win this tournament, it would be keying on the outside grass edge in 7-12 feet of water. Casting a Texas-rigged worm is always a productive technique in the summer, with some of the most productive colors being red bug, plum, plum apple, tequila sunrise, and black/blue. Some people like to use a small ribbon tail worm but if I were looking for a big summer bass, I would throw a bigger 10 inch worm. Flipping the outside grass is usually the strongest summer technique, but it’s not made for all fishermen. Flipping the grass can be a tedious way to fish, but is usually produces quality fish if you hang with it. I like flipping a 10 inch worm, 6 inch craw worm, or a 1 ounce jig on braided line, keying on points and drains that have deep hydrilla in the 8-14 foot range (depending on which part of the lake you are fishing.)

If you are not familiar with the lake or need some tips on where to start, my Insider’s Maps may be just the thing you need for successful summer fishing or to help you learn more about the lake. I have two products that will put you right on the fish this week. One map is my Summer Edition Lake Sam Rayburn Insider’s Map. This map has many GPS coordinates that will put you in the right spots to catch big summer bass. It has a short description of the spot, and a master map that will show you where each spot is located. But if you are looking to master this great lake, my Favorites Map for Lake Sam Rayburn is the one for you. This map was created after a decade of running the biggest guide service on Lake Sam Rayburn. I reveal all of my favorite spots in this bound book, as well as detailed instructions on exactly how to fish each spot. This great tool puts you right on the fish year round, and allows a weekend angler to fish the lake like a pro. There have been several novice anglers who have cashed in big time using our maps, and we hope that you’re the next. You can order these maps on-line by going to www.insidersmaps.com or you can purchase one in person at Knupps Kountry Store located at the Highway 147 Bridge at Lake Sam Rayburn (936)897-3200.

If you already have our Summer Insider’s Map for Lake Sam Rayburn, some of the hot areas with good hydrilla growth right now are spots 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, and 21. For those of you that have my Rayburn FAVORITES map, check out spots 3, 10, 12, 14, 18, 23, 26, 27, 30, 35, and 41. The pepper grass is really growing good in areas 10, 17, 27, 32, and 41. Some good lily pad fishing can be found in areas 8, 9, 33, 36, 38, and 39.

If you are looking for lodging for the event, we’ve just had a cancellation and the weekend is now open at the Backlash Lodge. The lodge can house up to 10 fishermen, and we have plenty of boat parking. It is a great place for your group or family to come and stay for the big bass event, and is very reasonable priced. You can view this rental at www.jeffbuchananrealty.com by clicking on “JBR Rental Properties.” We don’t expect it to remain open long, so please call ASAP if you’re interested (keep in mind that we do have a two night minimum for weekends.) See you at the lake!

God bless and good fishing,

Jeff Buchanan

Insider’s Maps

www.insidersmaps.com

(936)240-1700

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