Oh, Lake Norman! What a disappointment. The weather had gotten very nice just prior to this event and I was looking forward to getting to catch alot of bass. My practice was steadily getting better and the last day was excellent by Norman standards. A big difference this year for me was the size of the spots. Typically they are mostly post-spawn and don’t weigh very much. This year they were prespawn, weighing much better. The last day I had several nice spots over two pounds, one 3.5, and one 3.5 largemouth. Most of my spots were on points that dropped into slightly deeper water.
Day 1: This was the most frustrating day that I have had on tour. The number of fish I lost and missed was pretty silly and I don’t understand what happened. They bit and some I’d hook others I wouldn’t, but they all came off. Oh well lesson learned and I have been reminded of how humbling of a sport this is! I ended with 3 for 3-13.
Day 2: After that I just kind of fished for a bigger bag not worrying about a limit. I did catch 4 spots real early and went for largemouth the rest of the day. I only caught one more keeper the rest of the day. The spots I was catching were on a small swimbait and the LM I caught swimming a Tabu jig with a 3″ Crazy Leg Chigger Craw. I had 5 for 9-0.
Day 3: I started on what had been the most consistent point that I had found. After fishing all the way around it, my co-angler caught a 2 pounder on a shallow crankbait. That is something I love to do so I got one out and immediately hooked up, of course it came off. I changed colors and caught 2 decent keepers. That showed me how easy it could have been. I thought it had to be something special and not just a plug. Was I ever wrong! I went on to finish my limit on a Tabu jig around docks. I did cull once with a fish on a bed that bit a Powerbait Shaky Worm wacky rigged. I had 5 for 9-15 ending in 103rd.
Added edge: The Tabu jig with the 3″ Crazy Leg Chigger was the best bait for me this week. Looking back I should have kept that bait in my hand more!