Submitted by Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce (ip 209.101.27.143)

Date Fished: 2/26/2002
Water Clarity: 0

Big Bass Action Heats up at Fork…

Lake Fork, Texas: As the full moon approaches, Marina operators on Lake Fork are reporting that a number of large females have been caught and weighed in - the past few days. Most feel that this is a good indication that the “Best is yet to come”, as the double digit Largemouth “Fat Ladies” prepare for their annual spawn at this popular East Texas reservoir. Lake Fork, which has produced 36 of the top 50 Largemouth in the state - plus the 18.18 lb. State record, experienced a slow year in 2001, only placing one fish in the Budweiser ShareLunker program. It should be noted, however, that fewer fish were entered into the program statewide last year than in any year since the program started back in 1986. While Fork has not contributed a Sharelunker entry thus far in 2002, it appears that it could happen at any time. In a telephone survey earlier today, the following reports were turned in on Trophy Bass caught within the last several days.

Minnow Bucket Marina reports that a number of double digit fish have been caught, including a 11.6 lb. beauty brought in by guide Brian Loggins on 2/20/02, plus a 11.42 pounder that fell for a jig thrown by Randy Clayborne of Plano, Texas on 2/23/02, and a 10.6 pounder that was fooled by a Rattletrap by Oklahoman, Tom Hallum. (Hallum, it should be noted, has a 16.06 lb. Sharelunker entry from Fork to his credit, catching the # 17 all time largest fish back in March of 1988). It was also reported that several other fish over 9 lbs had been caught by lucky anglers, most coming on Rattletraps, which is a well known “Big Bass Bait” for this time of year.

Lake Fork Marina also indicated that the larger fish have been showing up recently, led by Columbus, Indiana angler Stacy Poynter who brought in a 11.05 pound female on 2/21/02, and Jerris Duncan from Bossier City, LA with a 11.06 pound lunker caught on 2/17/02. It was also reported by the Marina owner that Guides Johnny Glass and Rick Collis had weighed in several large fish that were caught by their customers. A customer of Glass weighed a 11.2 fish this weekend, and Jerry Benton (also fishing with Glass) caught a 9.5 pounder on 2/22/02. Another guided angler (Blair Butler), fishing with Rick Collis had managed to catch a 10.6 pounder on 2/21/02.

Sportsman’s Lodge echoed the heated action, reporting that a guest at their motel, Arthur Lee, Jr. had a memorable trip to Lake Fork, as he caught 2 bass over 9 pounds -a 9-14, and a 9-12 – just this morning (2/25/02). With that kind of luck, he may never go back to Beirnie, Missouri.

The heated action in the last few days has many Lake Fork regulars and Marina operators confident that the Fork is back…as Texas (and the nation’s) premier Trophy Bass destination.

Submitted by: Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce

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