Imagination Bassin Company Information

The day dawned with winds almost non-existent. Meeting Karen and Joe at the ramp at 6:30 we immediately headed for the NW area of the Marsh. The Marsh is at the lowest level that I have seen since 2001 and it is prudent to idle anywhere on this side. Even at an idle we were hitting wood.

Starting at the east side we worked our way in towards the center of the wood just north of what we call Pandora's Box. It didn't take long and we located a group of fish willing to play. The wind stayed down until about 10:15, so with 20 fish in the boat we starting checking other areas in the corner. After a 1/2 hour of nothing we decided to head south to check out the SW area of the Marsh.

We worked this area for about an hour and then moved to the central south region of the Marsh. This area has a history but has not produced well in several years. First cast produced the first and last fish to come from this area which is shown below. The picture doesn't do the bass justice as it was a solid 7 pounds of fight.

The wind again subsided and we headed back to the NW corner to finish out the day. Three more fish and the day was done.

The water was very murky and as I stated previously the levels are getting down. The good thing about lower levels is that the grass should get the opportunity to get started again. As the season progresses we will have less and less days of wind which will allow the water to clear and sunlight to penetrate to the bottom. The top water bite should become outstanding with the lower levels as it was in 2001. Buzz baits and fork tailed shads should work well in and around the wood.

Remember! No running on the Marsh if you don't want serious trouble. See you out there

This is not a comment that you will hear from me usually, however, if you don't know your way around this lake it's not the best place to be without a guide.

The lake is getting low! Use extreme caution on the Stick Marsh side. Getting to the lake it is prudent to go out west of the cypress just outside of the entrance cut and proceed to the east ditch in a big arc. Keep you motor trimmed up and use a dead idle as you will be hitting wood. Do not use the diagonal route as there are a lot of multi-limbed tree tops in that path and if you get on top of them you will be looking for a tow.

Once in the east ditch you have a clear run to the SE corner of the Marsh but watch for possible floaters. Going around the grass to the divider ditch is touchy so I recommend getting off plane and idling into the deeper ditch. Westward is a clear run of deep water, but again watch for floaters.

I don't recommend fish in the Stick Marsh side unless you have some idea of where you are in relation to the dense wax myrtle and big stumps. As the water drops this side will have more visible wood and actually become easier to navigate.

Knowing this side has its definite advantage. My last three trips out have been quite successful on the Marsh side.

On the Farm side be aware that with low water the ditch edges can be quite shallow. There is still plenty of water except at the center ditch intersection. The pump house area humps are both too shallow to go over so be careful in that area.

If you are headed to the spillway area do not attempt to go straight in as you will be high and dry. Go into the channel behind the island and enter that way. Idle in on the north end of the island.

The south end of the Farm is difficult right now but as with the Marsh as the wood becomes more visible it will get easier.

The low conditions in theory should bode well for the re-growth of grasses as the water clears and sunlight hits the bottom. I have my fingers crossed for that one.

On the Farm side concentrating on the ditches should stand you well for some pretty good catches. This is the time when a good sonar unit on the bow is going to earn its keep.

If you go out use common sense and you will be okay. I would recommend that you don't go alone! I will be out there so give a wave or say hi if you see me.

Submitted 5/31/09

From low water conditions that almost equaled 2001, the Marsh has recovered with all the rain that we have had. Inflow areas have been flowing in three locations. Only the pump house produced a substantial bite. The front pipes had a good current flowing but the bite produced was primarily cat fish.

We have had eight trips since the last report and the catch has been varied with days of over forty to fighting to get ten. Over the last week and a half trips have been restricted to half days as the afternoon rains have been laden with lightning and pretty heavy winds. Yesterday's trip was executed with calm winds and lots of sunshine. Water conditions ranged from complete cloudiness to barely clean. The best water was found in the south end, center pin ball alley. Pin ball alley is located east of the center ditch. No big fish were caught, but then size is relative to where you are fishing.

Baits of choice continue to be lipless crank baits and Senkos in dark colors. Non-weighted was the best approach with the Senkos. Locations of fish have been varied and of course fishable water has been limited by low water. With levels up this situation has been alleviated and the south end of the Farm is again very fishable. Fish found yesterday were deep into the south end.

Moving water does not necessarily mean good fishing as debris coming with the inflow can make the current very difficult to fish. Also at this time of the year the inflow water can have a low dissolved oxygen content and not be a friendly environment for the bass. However, assuming the inflow continues the water generally cleans up and this can become the hottest place on the lake, and the bite can be only called phenomenal.

I think June may will turn into a super month as the rains continue and the water clears. I would suggest working the submerged ditches on the Farm side with emphasis on the main E/W feeder ditch. I am running a super summer sale this year so if you want to learn more about these ditches give me a shout.

Strong possibilities exist for a top water bite. The Senko will probably remain the best choice along the ditches but don't forget the lipless cranks and the ever producing spinner baits. Plastics should be dark, spinner baits white, and my favorite lipless crank bait, the rattle trap should be chrome/blue back w/orange belly.

See you out there: say hi if you get the chance.