Bass Fishing Forum

Starting tomorrow highlights and tournament results will be posted on this thread. Let's have an awesome Classic fellas!!  ~bb

The winds are down considerably this morning and the cloud cover is thinning. Nate is tracking more westward through the Gulf. We may actually have fishable weather this weekend!


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

And Lou, "you all", really?  We say y'all around here.  When you're traveling to a different country, you should at least try to learn some of the language....


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 06, 2017, 04:33:02 AM
And Lou, "you all", really?  We say y'all around here.  When you're traveling to a different country, you should at least try to learn some of the language....


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Someone woke up in good spirits today. Lmao.. I will keep it in mind Lee, thanks

Quote from: Bassinlou on October 06, 2017, 04:38:13 AM
Someone woke up in good spirits today. Lmao.. I will keep it in mind Lee, thanks

Safe travels my Cubano friends. I'll see y'all soon.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 06, 2017, 04:43:29 AM

Safe travels my Cubano friends. I'll see y'all soon.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Yep

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 06, 2017, 04:29:48 AM
The winds are down considerably this morning and the cloud cover is thinning. Nate is tracking more westward through the Gulf. We may actually have fishable weather this weekend!


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Yeah the winds are down considerably it was White capping yesterday. Still going to get wet and some point but I'm okay with that. 

Everyone traveling today be safe.

-Barry-

Yep a good morning to sleep in and I'm awake and up by 6:30. Can you say looking forward to the weekend?

I plan to get things ready to go including hooking the boat up so as soon as we get back I can be on the road. I'll take Dad's car to his apt.

Okay let's get this party started
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/7eb81b2f39decea01aaef5730bae4bca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/ca04ca7f91cbb6ea699c2ea1c3199445.jpg)

-Barry-

Good Morning y'all! I am all prepped. Got everything in the car. I feel like I've packed my entire life but its what I pack every year lol.

I'll be starting the first portion of my travels in just a couple minutes here as I trek through the dangerous roads of Miami/Hialeah, over to Lou's house.
Which is like a 15 mile drive that will take me a good 40min to an hour depending on traffic lol.

Quote from: TR21PDCTampa on October 06, 2017, 06:32:00 AM
Okay let's get this party started
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/7eb81b2f39decea01aaef5730bae4bca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/ca04ca7f91cbb6ea699c2ea1c3199445.jpg)

-Barry-

Nice! That was quiick!

I'm sure you've made lip very happy with some early morning fish pron.

Number two and three(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/133bacb9b1b64b29b7caeb4be18f6d25.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/e6f04bc1f779d37a4d01f692e7248a82.jpg)

-Barry-

730am about killed me. Went to bed near 2am. Last night was my last night shift. Swapping to days Monday.

Truck is packed and I'm heading over now. Probably an hour out... stupid school buses!

Local report out of the paper says running water is still the ticket. But most are schoolies. Finding big fish is not easy right now.

I really hope everyone catch a limit and it's a battle of kickers!

Finally headed out. Be there in an hour. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/358317c47386d4b8dfaad25c2ccb8a9d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/36cbe882809f268fe48fc1077f437758.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Safe travels a good times to all the participants.  Now go catch some of those Florida lunkers.

We are on the road in 5 min. We will be there in 3 hours

Woohoo!!

Stuck at work til 12.  ~xyz

Wow that water looks high. Good luck to all catching some fish. Hope the flipping bite is good./

The last time I was down the bottom half didn't look at all like it did the year before. They really did a lot of dredging and removal of pads n such.

You could see the cabins along the canal straight from the lake. Could probably run right from to dock to the lake.

From the end of the ramp canal to the end of the lower canal was all open. You could see the last houses with no problem.

Kind of shocking as it looked like a different place.

It will be cool to see what this weekend brings.


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Quote from: Deadeye on October 06, 2017, 08:59:38 AM
The last time I was down the bottom half didn't look at all like it did the year before. They really did a lot of dredging and removal of pads n such.

You could see the cabins along the canal straight from the lake. Could probably run right from to dock to the lake.

From the end of the ramp canal to the end of the lower canal was all open. You could see the last houses with no problem.

Kind of shocking as it looked like a different place.

It will be cool to see what this weekend brings.


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Yeah, I noticed that too when I went last year. The south end was sparse, not a solid field of grass and pads like it used to be.

I'm bringing tomorrow's lunch, crock pot chicken burritos.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

We usually fish through lunch. Eat on the water.

Not sure what the game plan will be for this year.

Maybe something to eat before we leave Sunday? It will cook while we are on the lake. There are fridges in the cabins, right?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Quote from: cport on October 06, 2017, 11:29:30 AM
Maybe something to eat before we leave Sunday? It will cook while we are on the lake. There are fridges in the cabins, right?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Yes there are fridges.

Weather is beautiful.

Quote from: West6550 on October 06, 2017, 11:35:51 AM
Yes there are fridges.

Weather is beautiful.

Awesome!

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Quote from: TR21PDCTampa on October 06, 2017, 06:32:00 AM
Okay let's get this party started
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/7eb81b2f39decea01aaef5730bae4bca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/ca04ca7f91cbb6ea699c2ea1c3199445.jpg)

-Barry-

That's the way to start a party.  ~c~ ~c~ Hope everyone gets there safe and catch lot of fish. I know y'all will have a great time.  ~c~ ~c~

Fish are active!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/ed101262b633d3c1c3c01d5bf7d2c8e2.jpg)

Nice one Lou now don't catch them all now before the contest starts.  lo lo

Dang I'm just now leaving

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Spoiler alert. First bite 8lbs. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/11d92f3b48a70869f2de5caa3e459242.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/55e983176347bc25e7eb64ddd257ddb2.jpg)

Everyone getting off to a good start. Nice one FD to bad it don't count in the TX  :'(

Best of mine for today.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/5143cf989eb44af0821a91251343efde.heic)

Dinner time!! Compliments of TR21. Thanks again Barry!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/932a4a99e891d45ff2b34c20c5a04917.jpg)

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 06, 2017, 03:59:41 PM
Spoiler alert. First bite 8lbs. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/11d92f3b48a70869f2de5caa3e459242.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Wow, now that's the way to start the weekend!!!!!!!!!

What is the water temps up there after all this rain?

Wow!! Some real nice fish there. All you boys have fun and play safe. This is gonna be fun to watch!!


Message sent via the FC Network.

Quote from: big g on October 06, 2017, 06:30:19 PM
What is the water temps up there after all this rain?

High 70's everywhere I was today.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Here are few of mine today. A thunderstorm scared us off, and I had leave fish behind... :(
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/303595ba5d76ea899955855b8c155ade.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/1297b0ec7c847f7d92481e165ee0e1e5.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/52f5d2b94755ce58ddfc995ac224b26c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/f0f5a33473451540fb7f226e6dcfd1c3.jpg)

Nice fish Lou! ~c~

Quote from: big g on October 06, 2017, 08:38:10 PM
Nice fish Lou! ~c~

Thanks George!! They weren't 8lbrs like Lee caught, but tomorrow is a new day. ;)

Good morning ladies!  Biscuits are in the oven. Breakfast will be ready at 6.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 07, 2017, 04:04:38 AM
Good morning ladies!  Biscuits are in the oven. Breakfast will be ready at 6.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Yum..yum..

Day 1 of our 2017 Classic will be kicking off soon!!
Best 5 fish per day over the next 2 days will determine the winner. We will have 2 categories. Overall winner and Big Fish winner.

Kicking off soon!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/1b3c25293cf508426932897d0dbd7f28.jpg)

Have a great day and be safe boys.

Skunk is out of the boat!!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/0be3a67c6fba2f745b7ea4f913365f8e.jpg)

I think the Big Fish category is taken.!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/11644be4199c75162fe8791dc4153e9a.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/bbafe99d3413260874e157049510b3ab.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The day is over before it even got started!! Rick is on fire and I have a front seat seeing this!! Lol!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/500749424679ba366048defea2218bbe.jpg)

Enjoying the updates Lou.  Keep em coming.  Wondering how the rest of the group is doing or is Rick catching them all.

Nice job Rick!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/9c346150893b4cbc8860a610c5d2f0b2.jpg)


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Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 07, 2017, 08:34:32 AM
Nice job Rick!

Thanks LmG


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Taking a lunch break. Both Rick and I got our 5. But we have to eat something... lol!!
Stay tuned!!

Rock on boys. Take a nap, helps me sometimes.  lo

Looks like you are all having fun.
Nice job so far Gents!

Way to go Rick now keep pouring it on  ~bb Y'all are catching some nice fish  ~c~ ~c~

Have fun guys, can't wait to see the pics


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Go get em fellas. Any word yet from the rest of the crew?

Quote from: FlatsNBay on October 07, 2017, 11:24:00 AM
Go get em fellas. Any word yet from the rest of the crew?

I saw a picture of West on FaceBook holding a nice looking fish but since it was face book it might have been fake news.  lo lo

WTG Rick, are they killing um with that U-Vibe!!!! ~bb  Keep pulling them in buddy, with an injured wrist.  Overcoming adversity!!!!! ~c~

Great job on two good fish today Rick!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My Day one fish

Caught 11, but they just had no real size to them.

The 5 best:

13.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/99753d8c6e05377a35f04f5c1de1b405.heic)

13.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/80b24c808dfbf0c9076bb41c4203c3ea.heic)

13.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/14efb6cc8d7340fac6747e3de30f2951.heic)

14.25

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/14a5fc0d8f6df67feeb17c92a3f5e81b.heic)

15.25

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/1c10b33f4a988ae97658b3bab1c627f0.heic)

13.25 + 13.5 + 13.5 + 14.25 + 15.25 = 69.75


Most caught on U-Vibe.

Water shots.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/afd2315a0bbf44c58c36318759e7b699.heic)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/3fc4c002f9461fb4c039d06b9ca23ff1.heic)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/37fc91967853741c472612d4be4d8cf3.heic)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/5c7cb652b0f777a904289cd0233731cc.heic)

16.75+16+17+19.5+16.5=85.75(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/87f046a6c6e6d37e7b854e0e4b617ab4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/856a3b5e0603d160154540a55edcb943.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/6b540a121a3ded5f7976fa993ebdbd04.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/7db82bf7bb459c9b9522b3ff789df583.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/41919cd9eade34a54b760dbc0734a7e6.jpg)

-Barry-

Some real nice lookin fish there boys.  Rick you nailed A beauty!!! Way to go fellas. 


Message sent via the FC Network.

Had zero at 12:30 then found them ended the day with about 20 lost one Giant.

-Barry-

Here are my 5
For a total of 77.75"
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/1ad04a3ababa9954668dc75996a9d257.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/3b0135beacf9610376b2e301a0d5ef68.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/31706e89634067c5b316bc3d1421ddc9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/9942f4ffd25bb9304151b40f14501bab.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/12404d48b7ea61f243d0bceed63f5620.jpg)

Them some nice looking fish and looks like the weather isn't to bad either. ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: big g on October 07, 2017, 01:34:37 PM
WTG Rick, are they killing um with that U-Vibe!!!! ~bb  Keep pulling them in buddy, with an injured wrist.  Overcoming adversity!!!!! ~c~

Thanks George! Yeah the vibe was getting it done for me. Got a limit and then some but they were all the same damn size except the two 23" fish.



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Quote from: rickdelprado on October 07, 2017, 03:14:51 PM
Thanks George! Yeah the vibe was getting it done for me. Got a limit and then some but they were all the same damn size except the two 23" fish.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Two 23" fish isn't nothing to cry about.  ~c~ ~c~

Way to whoopem Rick!

<")))>{

Day 1

14.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/52f9e7b8e24e886fd6b8a14d02f990ae.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/f677cf548656cc0d7da1a8730cadf256.jpg)

23
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/784718a65dcf8c9ee027fe1b0b177049.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/6ddcedf42452b64abdff03306163670c.jpg)

23
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/d837ebe8f6bd82ac2ffd3f443f4ffa94.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/4df8b2d7f5783fb29163943c276c7762.jpg)

14
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/d5c24a1763a6b76f680638c2515794e0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/3493f8bd71250980daf5aafd9c4100d0.jpg)

14.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/a05475d143dbcf18a671609bfb8ecbdf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/97d0500c7cc8fa32cc54d56d2952df24.jpg)

Corrected total. Even with a damn calculator I suck at math...
14.25, 23, 23, 14, 14.5= 88.75

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Not bad Rick and now tomorrow you just need to fimd some of them 18" ones to replace them 14" ones and you will be good to go.  ;D

Quote from: Lipripper on October 07, 2017, 03:41:14 PM
Not bad Rick and now tomorrow you just need to fimd some of them 18" ones to replace them 14" ones and you will be good to go.  ;D

Yeah Lip that's the plan! But we will see what happens. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 06, 2017, 03:59:41 PM
Spoiler alert. First bite 8lbs. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/11d92f3b48a70869f2de5caa3e459242.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 07, 2017, 03:31:28 PM

14.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/52f9e7b8e24e886fd6b8a14d02f990ae.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/f677cf548656cc0d7da1a8730cadf256.jpg)

23
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/784718a65dcf8c9ee027fe1b0b177049.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/6ddcedf42452b64abdff03306163670c.jpg)

23
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/d837ebe8f6bd82ac2ffd3f443f4ffa94.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/4df8b2d7f5783fb29163943c276c7762.jpg)


14.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/a05475d143dbcf18a671609bfb8ecbdf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/97d0500c7cc8fa32cc54d56d2952df24.jpg)

14.50 , 14.25, 23, 23, 14.5= 89.25

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice ones Rick!


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Quote from: Lipripper on October 07, 2017, 03:16:52 PM
Two 23" fish isn't nothing to cry about.  ~c~ ~c~

Definitely not! I'm very happy with today's outcome. If I can replicate that tomorrow I'll be in excellent shape.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice job Rick!

Barry had a nice limit as well. What were the productive patterns for the day for everyone?

Dinner time!!
Thanks again Lee!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/bdd271a5f672f8a48c9db612d469501d.jpg)

Dessert time!! Thank You Stacy!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/203198104f30f7e8fe4b84dcd4273d83.jpg)

Day 1 Standings Top 5

1. Rick: 88.75" BF 23"
2. TR21: 85.75"
3. BassinLou: 77.75"
4. Deadeye: 69.75"
5. West: 56"

Day 2 will begin at safe light tomorrow!!

Good luck everyone, this can be a close one. :)

Tough day for me. 2 bass only
Between the wind and and the back issues it made for a long day.

13.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/b53c4de61591f8bfda05863636077823.jpg)


13.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/e7426b4b28e86fee593f953ee3e19698.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/732e271193440eb695e5334d48691237.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/2f1c46c06f235209a5b8f7e214049f99.jpg)




Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Quote from: FlatsNBay on October 07, 2017, 05:09:28 PM
Barry had a nice limit as well. What were the productive patterns for the day for everyone?

Running water for me.

-Barry-

Lee and Stacy thanks for a great meal.

-Barry-

Great food Lee, thanks.

Stacy, without your Banana Pudding the Classic would not be the same. Simply the Best Ever, period. Thanks.

Quote from: FlatsNBay on October 07, 2017, 05:09:28 PM
Barry had a nice limit as well. What were the productive patterns for the day for everyone?

There was really no set pattern that I could get on. It was a Grind with a fish here and there. Lots of water was moving, with the main current running south and the wind current running north.

Finding a mixture of vegetation seem to offer the best chance of a bite.

Finding that away from other boats was even better.

Good stuff guys. Looks like hopefully there should be some better fish. Pulling fo ya Rick.

<")))>{

Day 2 will be kicking off in a little bit.
Tight race. Good luck to everyone today!!
:)

Good luck out there ! Now let's see some fish!!! Play safe all.


Message sent via the FC Network.

30 inches separate 1st from Last. That's only a couple of fish.

It is anyone's Classic to win.





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Lee... Thank you for providing bfast and last night's steak dinner for the Classic crew. You da man!! :)

Good Morning y'all!

Day 2 blast off!!!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/77fb591824de7c83681c31a57a6a61bd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/e74dc0a2a5d5d4e9fc06b786f2672a95.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've got a little limit. Now the pig hunting begins.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Have fun! Hope some breaks 100


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Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 08, 2017, 07:36:24 AM
I've got a little limit. Now the pig hunting begins.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Go get em and hope you find some of them pigs.  ~bb
Speaking of pigs looks like Stacy and Lee put out some good vittles for y'all to pig out on. (https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg923%2F4313%2FdplfzR.gif&hash=036bd19b032cd75b22bbf41d0bad666d51a0de6a) (https://imageshack.com/i/pndplfzRg) Good luck to everyone out there  today and may the one with the longest stringer of Bass win.  ;D

Ended up with 12 small bass and one giant mud fish. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/c426fdbdd0d6ca32d20136901eeaa39e.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Quote from: Fishindaddy on October 08, 2017, 12:59:05 PM
Ended up with 12 small bass and one giant mud fish. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/c426fdbdd0d6ca32d20136901eeaa39e.jpg)


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Too bad that wasn't a Bass also.  :'(

Ended up? Are you guys done?

Quote from: Tressbasser on October 08, 2017, 01:03:25 PM
Ended up? Are you guys done?

I didn't see any play by play reports from Lou or Rick today.

15+15+14.75+14.75+15.25=74.75(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/7f1b56cca1ef97ae041e8a7c462013cb.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/49d4e2ab267da38a1b74f7eb477b053f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/0cf7421ac42d64f6fc46889c01b75737.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/777f244c649ae0fa9e3c9797503b118e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/865c321179ebba52312a50f3328deecc.jpg)

-Barry-

Here are this year's Classic winners.
Congrats to Rick for Big Fish: 23"
and Classic winner TR21.
You guys did awesome well done!!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/216d4984a4cfb3718d2bfdc4c7a1ee48.jpg)

Thanks for all the updates guys. That was like following a Bassmaster event with the live blog.
Hey Lou, do you guys count 5 fish over two days, or is it best 5 each day for a total of 10 fish?

Only managed 3 today. One was a good one though.

14
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/33dce644818bd78fb1a02f68cb66a9c9.heic)

11.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/24931e583fb7d30adcf6a3d03dd36c07.heic)

21.25

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/75bc5515feebda9572a2329f47ab0217.heic)

46.5 total for today.
Plus 69.75 from yesterday

116.25 2-day total.

Water shots.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/ed8a98ad391a11bec4f5d681bbc871da.heic)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d769b71bd5b6381e2bf01d70e64d8224.heic)

(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg922%2F2070%2FjAiF7A.gif&hash=a84fc74190d1ddb74d9a173bfc7fe4f2dddbe96e) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmjAiF7Ag) Rick and TR21  ~c~ ~c~

Nice fish Fred and looks like y'all had a great time. ~c~ ~c~

Nice work Rick and Barry. Looking forward to all of the reports.

Day 2

15.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/22f84c4c610090c80b64f248f61dfa19.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/35f18a0ae529dc5f1c093582c1cd2108.jpg)

14
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/eb738049fc5d184bff2e4ac2808df8c5.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/e90fd0db994f94d1ed7c158368c625dc.jpg)

14.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/8661d6c12ba76f48e1716c87e3339e68.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/2d4aab60083b262c07f35b0276bc913a.jpg)

14
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/a686d548ac954b35308fae5f3d89e5cc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d89e294db92942eb14a9ce0aa9a9e427.jpg)

Sorry I didn't post, I had no cell service. I will put mine up when I get home.

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Quote from: cport on October 08, 2017, 02:40:07 PM
Sorry I didn't post, I had no cell service. I will put mine up when I get home.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

I was wondering what happened to you since we haven't seen any post from you. ;D

WTG guys, and a special congrats to Rick fighting through the pain and having a great tournament from the back seat, and Lou for putting you on some nice fish.  You've come a long way, baby!!!!!!!! ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: Lipripper on October 08, 2017, 02:41:47 PM
I was wondering what happened to you since we haven't seen any post from you. ;D

No worries, Barry definitely put me on some fish

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First off congrats to Barry for finding and catching fish on both days and winning the tourney!

It was great seeing everyone as usual and it was great meeting Barry and Chris.

Flats here is my report. I know you asked yesterday for some patterns and details. I had horrible reception at camp site.

Had a tough day today. I wasn't really able to establish a pattern. First 2 fish were caught on a uvibe on the bottom in a mix of grass pads.
Third fish was on the uvibe swimming it.
The biggest of today was lost near the boat that one also hit the vibe swimming it.
The fourth fish was caught on a swimbait as I reeled it just past a hydrilla field and let it drop then started reeling again.

Yesterday was a much better day. Most of the fish that were cookie cutter were caught swimming the vine. I believe I had caught a total of 8 fish.
The two biggest that measured 23" each were caught with the same bait but not swimming it.
As we came up on a big patch with sparse sawgrass clumps and hydrilla mixed I noticed one of the sawgrass bunches tick and shift. But not from wind.
I was using my new Shimani Stradic Ci + on an avid x my 20lb  braid, 3/0 hook and 1/16oz bullet weight.
I cast to the clump let the worm drop. Moments later I felt the line get heavy. Hauled in my new pb 6lbs 5oz .
Looking for the same deal I made several casts to different clumps on the outside edge.
Same technique and not 5 min i hauled in the other 23" this one weighed in just under 6lbs

Caught a few smaller fish in that same area but was unable to find more of those 6lbers.




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Thanks for the report Rick and congratulation on your two fer. A new PB and biggest fish of the classic  ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: Lipripper on October 08, 2017, 01:09:11 PM
I didn't see any play by play reports from Lou or Rick today.

Yeah lip problem with play by play is when you have 1 hour less to fish and you have no pattern, and no fish of the size you need to contend you forget about posting lol

Catching fish in the 15" and 14" range and no limit the thing is get that bait back in the water and try and maximize your chances.
Sorry for the lack of play by play we wanted to lol


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Quote from: Tressbasser on October 08, 2017, 01:33:11 PM
Thanks for all the updates guys. That was like following a Bassmaster event with the live blog.
Hey Lou, do you guys count 5 fish over two days, or is it best 5 each day for a total of 10 fish?

Best 5 of each day. Total best 10


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Quote from: Deadeye on October 08, 2017, 01:35:08 PM
Water shots.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/ed8a98ad391a11bec4f5d681bbc871da.heic)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d769b71bd5b6381e2bf01d70e64d8224.heic)

Nice fish Fred!


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Quote from: big g on October 08, 2017, 02:43:44 PM
WTG guys, and a special congrats to Rick fighting through the pain and having a great tournament from the back seat, and Lou for putting you on some nice fish.  You've come a long way, baby!!!!!!!! ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Thanks George!
Yeah luckily I didn't have too much pain. Though I didn't do any very strenuous work. I   Kept it simple and worked a worm most of the time.


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Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 07, 2017, 08:31:04 PM
Good stuff guys. Looks like hopefully there should be some better fish. Pulling fo ya Rick.

<")))>{

Thanks LMG!


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Way to go there everyone.  Looks like you all had a great time!!!!


Message sent via the FC Network.

Everyone do me a favor and email any good pictures so I can toss them in the video I am going to make. Big fish, sunrises, Lou crying watching that 20" fall in. Whatever you got. Or text them to me.

^-^

Pulling drone footage now for the UB group picture.

Day 1
15
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/ac2c6255e594f2eaf4848342788b1a4c.jpg)
12.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/2f27e38d2e3e57663e448596077284cb.jpg)
16.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/f154861ca35456d6f21510f0eb071582.jpg)
12.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/1c5134f176ff3cac052c588d5faa2c82.jpg)

Day 2
16
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/f85b611374a5ae247714551c5019e9d1.jpg)
16.75
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/7a001b72f4ca5b63f1719f5f050e669e.jpg)
17.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/924edeb0e4785e72828510901ef8a00c.jpg)
13.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/820dd73fce85896b2593828b013a7992.jpg)

Day 1: 56.25
Day 2: 63.5
Total: 119.75

Quote from: West6550 on October 08, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Everyone do me a favor and email any good pictures so I can toss them in the video I am going to make. Big fish, sunrises, Lou crying watching that 20" fall in. Whatever you got. Or text them to me.



Pulling drone footage now for the UB group picture.

Say it isn't so  lo lo Can't wait to see the video  ~c~ ~c~

Sorry no pic or video of Lou's jumping fish. :-/ but I will send you any pics I have.


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2017 FL BR Classic group picture
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d5856a51a8f08392e2c10334cd6181a2.jpg)

Left to right:
Thomas (West6550)
Rick (rickdelprado)
Lou (Bassinlou)
Chris (cport)
Barry (TR21)
Lee (Fishindaddy)
Fred (Deadeye)

Thanks for the picture of all of y'all West  ~c~ Lou you didn't bring any shorts.  lo lo

Day one
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/c8279f97ac00e8f62de7f10b050432a7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/374633199e6d00226c4f1b19343568de.jpg)12.25 (fought like he was 15, them Kissimmee bass are mean and strong!)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/580019208b1af7c1a20795e2fc5b0a84.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/a462ca835b770a3a6739ee5899255afb.jpg)13
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/8cd2e3e10cf0affd4a4fa9644ea6483c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/fb0582f17b62a892866a587c05e97975.jpg)15.25

12.25+13+15.25=40.50

Day two
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/3b3f1bf5e4811b9af3bd1d408e29202f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/da0df93a9ea927001c3f685f8b2eabe4.jpg)15
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d727dabde07a649c3bcf0724cc4fbfbf.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/1f01e9ee6a202c53502b61eeb00a3808.jpg)15.25
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/b2d5ea76dbf59129bd81686dfbb9a3fe.jpg)16
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/76f1f1f36113c3875e5fbaad4f95999c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/fec0ecdd424a7da2f3d456e72535ef3e.jpg)15.25(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/293ceda5cd58eda9aa9ff77e8e63628e.jpg)14.5 (not sure what happened to the complete fish pic, just gotta trust me)

14.5+15+15.25+15.25+16=76

Two day total 116.5

Thanks to all who came, you made me feel so welcome and like you already knew me. Barry, it was great meeting you and fishing with you, it was like we had been fishing for years. And congrats winning, you deserved it. You would have won MLF style too.
Rick, congrats on your PB, the big bass winner!
I had a blast!

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Quote from: West6550 on October 08, 2017, 03:32:08 PM
2017 FL BR Classic group picture
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/d5856a51a8f08392e2c10334cd6181a2.jpg)

Left to right:
Thomas (West6550)
Rick (rickdelprado)
Lou (Bassinlou)
Chris (cport)
Barry (TR21)
Lee (Fishindaddy)
Fred (Deadeye)

Nice truck in the background roll tide!

-Barry-

All my fish the first day except for one came on slowly swimming a black/blue flake Uvibe. The other was on a watermelon EZ Swimmer.

Day two nothing would touch the vibe or most anything else for me. Worked a Fluke in White or Watermelon for the three I got.

Good time. Good fishing. Good weather. Good food. Great friends.


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Quote from: Deadeye on October 08, 2017, 05:14:50 PM
All my fish the first day except for one came on slowly swimming a black/blue flake Uvibe. The other was on a watermelon EZ Swimmer.

Day two nothing would touch the vibe or most anything else for me. Worked a Fluke in White or Watermelon for the three I got.

Good time. Good fishing. Good weather. Good food. Great friends.


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Sorry I didn't see you to say goodbye. Great meeting you Fred.

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 Nice job gents!
Congrats to the winners!

Good job guys. Lots of good looking fish.

My top 5 from today


14.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/3faee7c230371f49132b959a93c3d29e.jpg)

14.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/a39051fad28c206c8085f73c21dea272.jpg)

15.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/5c1a6d29f1eb85c38be52ebf84a0c32b.jpg)

17.5
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/b4ad56a94e667b2cc530e54cef266f2d.jpg)

15
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/a515f14f926bba0b74f3f60db14a1fee.jpg)

77.0 from today plus 26.75 from yesterday gives me a total of 103.75


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

I know I have pics to post today, but I'm pretty beat, I will post my results and highlights of the trip tomorrow.

While I was adding up the numbers I found something kinda of interesting.  ~read

I thought it was awesome that most everyone caught similar size fish and the key was getting all 10 bites like Barry did!  ~c~ But if you go by average size since everyone caught different #'s it was really, really close!

Barry | Day 1: 85.75 Day 2: 74.75 Total: 160.50" @ 10 bass = 16.05" average
Rick   | Day 1: 88.75 Day 2: 57.50 Total: 146.25" @ 9  bass =  16.25" average (Big Fish 23" x2!  ~c~ )
Lou    | Day 1: 77.75 Day 2: 55.25 Total: 133.00" @ 9 bass =  14.77" average
West  | Day 1: 56.25 Day 2: 63.50 Total: 119.75" @ 8 bass = 14.96 average
Chris  | Day 1: 40.50 Day 2: 76.00 Total: 116.50" @ 8 bass = 14.56 average
Fred   | Day 1: 69.75 Day 2: 46.50 Total: 116.25" @ 8 bass = 14.53 average
Lee    | Day 1: 26.75 Day 2: 77.00 Total: 103.75" @ 7 bass = 14.82 average

If you look at the averages you can see some rankings would of shifted around some. But what is really cool is how close it was. From 1st to 7th was 1.72".. the bottom 5 are less than 1/2 an inch difference. Now that is cool. IMO

Heading to bed. Post or send me the pictures by 530pm tomorrow for them to be in the video!

West I think all the pics I have are posted on here.

I had noticed that most of the fish being posted were in the 14-15 inch range with the exception of some of course. The one I lost at the boat would have gave me my ten. That was a heart breaker. lol

Hey Fred, sorry I missed you at the end of the meet. It was good seeing you again and hanging out.

See you around on in the virtual world!

Quote from: West6550 on October 08, 2017, 08:35:25 PM
PoPo If you have pictures from the event please post them here, text them to me (PM for #) or email me at   PoPo Once I am off work tomorrow afternoon I will finish the video!

While I was adding up the numbers I found something kinda of interesting.  ~read

I thought it was awesome that most everyone caught similar size fish and the key was getting all 10 bites like Barry did!  ~c~ But if you go by average size since everyone caught different #'s it was really, really close!

Barry | Day 1: 85.75 Day 2: 74.75 Total: 160.50" @ 10 bass = 16.05" average
Rick   | Day 1: 88.75 Day 2: 57.50 Total: 146.25" @ 9  bass =  16.25" average (Big Fish 23" x2!  ~c~ )
Lou    | Day 1: 77.75 Day 2: 55.25 Total: 133.00" @ 9 bass =  14.77" average
West  | Day 1: 56.25 Day 2: 63.50 Total: 119.75" @ 8 bass = 14.96 average
Chris  | Day 1: 40.50 Day 2: 76.00 Total: 116.50" @ 8 bass = 14.56 average
Fred   | Day 1: 69.75 Day 2: 46.50 Total: 116.25" @ 8 bass = 14.53 average
Lee    | Day 1: 26.75 Day 2: 77.00 Total: 103.75" @ 7 bass = 14.82 average

If you look at the averages you can see some rankings would of shifted around some. But what is really cool is how close it was. From 1st to 7th was 1.72".. the bottom 5 are less than 1/2 an inch difference. Now that is cool. IMO

Heading to bed. Post or send me the pictures by 530pm tomorrow for them to be in the video!

West, that was a pretty cool break down of the Classic. If  1 or 2  key fish were have been caught the rankings and outcome would have been different. Thanks for the break down West. 

Man, you guys tore them up pretty good. I was worried that with all the moving water, the after effects of the storms, and the change of the layout on the lake that it would have given you guys a hard time. It proved just the opposite. Rick, way to go on big fish. I believe that is the second time you did that? The other was a new PB for you too?

<")))>{

Quote from: West6550 on October 08, 2017, 08:35:25 PM
PoPo If you have pictures from the event please post them here, text them to me (PM for #) or email me at   PoPo Once I am off work tomorrow afternoon I will finish the video!

While I was adding up the numbers I found something kinda of interesting.  ~read

I thought it was awesome that most everyone caught similar size fish and the key was getting all 10 bites like Barry did!  ~c~ But if you go by average size since everyone caught different #'s it was really, really close!

Barry | Day 1: 85.75 Day 2: 74.75 Total: 160.50" @ 10 bass = 16.05" average
Rick   | Day 1: 88.75 Day 2: 57.50 Total: 146.25" @ 9  bass =  16.25" average (Big Fish 23" x2!  ~c~ )
Lou    | Day 1: 77.75 Day 2: 55.25 Total: 133.00" @ 9 bass =  14.77" average
West  | Day 1: 56.25 Day 2: 63.50 Total: 119.75" @ 8 bass = 14.96 average
Chris  | Day 1: 40.50 Day 2: 76.00 Total: 116.50" @ 8 bass = 14.56 average
Fred   | Day 1: 69.75 Day 2: 46.50 Total: 116.25" @ 8 bass = 14.53 average
Lee    | Day 1: 26.75 Day 2: 77.00 Total: 103.75" @ 7 bass = 14.82 average

If you look at the averages you can see some rankings would of shifted around some. But what is really cool is how close it was. From 1st to 7th was 1.72".. the bottom 5 are less than 1/2 an inch difference. Now that is cool. IMO

Heading to bed. Post or send me the pictures by 530pm tomorrow for them to be in the video!

Nice breakdown, Thomas.

As you can see, having a full bag both days was the difference. Thomas said "bites" but it wasn't really. It was fish in the boat. Both classic days, and the pre-fish on Friday, I caught more than 15 each day and had some "big"  bites that I didn't get in the boat. Full report to follow.

Classic summary for TR21...

Thursday 05 Oct: Arrived at Grape Hammock around 1pm, checked in and launched. Wind blowing out of the ESE at 15mph, gust to 25mph. Rode around looking at water level and flow. Water up at least 18 inches from normal but down a couple feet from post Irma levels. Around 1.5-2mph current in main channel south of Grape Hammock. Only rode to south side of Brahma Island as main lake was white capping. No fishing.

Friday 06 Oct: Launched at 0730am. Winds calm, then 6-7 out of SE. Wanted to stay close to the camp so I could pick up Thomas around 0930am. Ran south to waste lands (pad fields and mud islands) out from Turkey Hammock. Good flow present. Started searching with swimbait and immediately found fish holding in current between islands. Switched to a fluke and hammered them constantly for an hour before having to pick up Thomas. All 16-17inches. Left them biting (for Sat), I hoped. Some photos below. I'll continue my report in next post.

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 05:27:43 AM
Man, you guys tore them up pretty good. I was worried that with all the moving water, the after effects of the storms, and the change of the layout on the lake that it would have given you guys a hard time. It proved just the opposite. Rick, way to go on big fish. I believe that is the second time you did that? The other was a new PB for you too?

<")))>{

The first classic I went to on Kissimmee I had a miserable fish count lol, but I did pull a 5+ out of the river and it was my PB at the time. Lee actually inched past me in the big fish category that time. Had he caught that 8lber during the classic this year and not the day before he would have tied me for big fish.

QuoteThanks to all who came, you made me feel so welcome and like you already knew me. Barry, it was great meeting you and fishing with you, it was like we had been fishing for years. And congrats winning, you deserved it. You would have won MLF style too.
Rick, congrats on your PB, the big bass winner!
I had a blast!

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Thanks Chris it was a pleasure meeting you bud. Listen you did real well and Barry put you on fish, no doubt about that!

Here are my four from yesterday.
14.5" 14.5 13.5 13.25 = 55.25" (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/6cd3c8437537cec0d581a9510eb043bb.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/0a91a3ab4f67abfdf19cb8f88f680430.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/2ab3caec2044ed3b42e20c380881db7d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171009/3bb82c62f28f39fd623e3538787f25cf.jpg)

Great Break Down West.

Cport and Barry, it was a pleasure to meet you guys and I really enjoyed talking with both of you.

Rick, you have come so far so fast. Really proud of the Bass Fisherman you have become since joining this Club.

Lou, another solid Classic showing for you.

Lee, You can find fish that is a plain fact!


Sorry we didn't get to say good-bye to everyone. Something we need to work on, the Closing of the Classic. Make sure everyone is there before Awards get handed out and everyone leaves. I was heading down when West stopped to tell me not to go as the awards had been handed out already and everyone had left, even before he got there.

I know we all are tired and have a 2-3 hours to get home, but a Decent Goodbye would be nice.

My Kissimmee Report

Rick and I were able to prefish for a little while on Thurs afternoon. Made a run a tad  past Brama island and fished the East side.  There was a smorgs board of vegetation here. Plenty of pads, eel grass, and hydrilla . Wind was from the East making  boat control manageable. I decided to break in a new Spro frog I bought the day before, and fortunately the gamble paid off. It took a little while for me to get used to the hookset on this particular frog, but fortunately the fish were extremely cooperative and I adjusted quickly. Toward the end of the outing our area came alive with feeding fish. I threw the frog and didn't have to move it to get a strike. The fish were just blowing up on it. Sadly however, a thunderstorm was threatening and we had to get going, but I was excited the fish were active.

Day One:
We ran North to the general area we were fishing on Fri. Right off the bat I picked up a 17" throwing the frog. I thought this was it, it was going to be a frogging type day. Wrong!!  The frog bite was non-existent after that. I had to resort to common baits for this lake. Swimbaits and speed worms were on the menu this day.
Wind began to pick up from the South and boat control became a real challenge. The bite shut off by late morning and we had to grind it out through the afternoon for a few bites before 3:30pm. All in all I wrapped up with my limit for  77.75" on Day one.

Day 2
The morning was a bit foggy and the breeze continued from the South. Again we made a run to the North and around East of Brama we found a stretch of grass and pads. I decided to give the Spro a shot early and around cast number 4 or 5, I threw the frog on a wind blown edge when all of a sudden the water erupted in a huge explosion. I saw massive shoulders and a huge tail of a behemoth bass. I go to set and I set into nothing but a missed fish as the result. I did my best to shake that losr off and kept fishing. Unfortunately this beautiful area yielded nothing more.
We moved to the same area we went to in the beginning of Day 1 and this area began to produce some bites. Swimbaits was on the menu again. On one particular cast my swimbait was slammed by another nice fish in the 18-20" category. I landed this one fortunately. I prepped the bump board had the camera ready, placed the fish down on the board and right when I was about to snap my pic, she made one hard belly flop and jumped out of the boat. I said one loud expletive, and was completely heart broken. A 6 plus pound fish and 3.5 lb fish lost in less than an hour. I will admit, this combination threw me off my game for the rest of the outing.
The wind began to really pickup making boat control extremely frustrating, we left the area and tried finding fish in other areas with no real luck. Unfortunately I fell short in catching my 5th fish. At the end of Day 2 I finished with 55.25"

Overall perspective
Successfully found fish on Day 1. No pigs but found fish. Day 2, much tougher day, bites were few and far between and 2 key fish lost probably cost me the tournament. The good news is however, I learned a lot and am looking forward in fishing this lake again.

My 2017 Classic closing

I want to thank all of the participants of this year's Classic. Your commitment and sacrifices to make it to the Classic are what makes this event successful and helps our Club grow. 
@ Barry and Lee. Thanks again for providing dinner on Fri and Saturday. Delicious!!
@ West, please extend to Stacy my sincerest  thanks,  for making that yummy  Banana pudding pie for us again.
@ Lee: thank you for sharing your Lake knowledge and baits with me. Really appreciate brother.
@ Barry and Chris. Pleasure meeting the two of you, and I hope you guys had a great time meeting the crew. Looking forward to seeing you guys again next year.
@ Rick, congratulations brother. Great job on landing those two beautiful bass on Day 1. You kept your cool and your strategy paid off. Well done!!
@ Barry, congratulations on winning this year's Classic. You found fish and caught your limit on both days. Great job. Congrats!!
@ FLBRC, you guys and gals are awesome. I enjoyed interacting and hanging out with everyone. These Classics are very special to me, and although I love to compete, being with and around you guys is what makes this trip really special to me. Looking forward to seeing all of you again next year!! :)

Friday continued. Picked up Thomas but didn't go back to wastelands. :) Ran north between Jacks and Lone Palm. Fished south along buggy whips and pad fields, couple bites, no fish. Move to southeast of Brahma wanting to fish boat trails but already someone in there. Went across channel to cattle canal. Thomas picked up a couple on swimbait and I missed a few somethings on a fluke. After canal fished west along north side of channel on the inside and had a couple good blow up on swimbait but nothing in the boat. Noticed three airboats spraying north side of mid channel, so we moved to Otter Slough. Again throwing swimbait to search and had several nice fish hit but lost all in the pads. Even called a couple of bites before they happened on isolated pads but lost all. Called it a day around 2pm and headed back to prepare arrival meal thinking I knew where to find fish on Sat morning.  :shocking:

Sat 07 Oct: Classic Day One. Winds out of SE at 15 and higher. Cport and I headed down to wastelands thinking I could repeat pattern from Friday morning. Wrong! Started searching with swimbait, nothing. I had noticed the "salad spinner" (barge that chews up pad fields and mud islands) in the area when I left Friday morning to pick up Thomas but didn't think much of it until the fish were not there Sat morning. Ran to boat trails south of Brahma and flipped hydrilla mats in pads with creature bait for over an hour. One solid bite, no fish. Wind really blowing out of SE now! Started running around the island looking for a lee from the wind. Otter slough too windy to fish correctly. Tried several other areas inside and outside weed lines all around the island. Burnt half a tank of gas running around. A few blowups on a swimbait but still no fish and its now 12:30! Starting to panic. Decided to try Jackson Creek to get out of the wind. Could see there was already a boat in the creek parked at the first fork. Saw them catch a coupleof fish, so started fishing the mouth. Good flow out of the creek. Second cast with swimbait, huge blowup, hook up with a estimated 6-7lber that comes off at the boat. Damn! Move up creek to about 50 yards south of other boat. Bass chasing shad everywhere. Talon down mid creek and start throwing fluke. Catch my 5 fish bag in about 15mins! All cookie cutter 13-16 inchers. Bite is on and able to cull an inch here and there. Other boat leaves, move further up the creek. Bite continues for next hour and able to finally boat a nice 19in. Fish the area, sliding up and down the creek, periodically. Catch at least 20-25 more and cull to the 85.75 bag. Run back to Grape Hammock at 3pm to find that Rick has boated twin 23inchers but only four fish for the day, I believe. I'm only 3 inches behind. Have a great steak dinner at Lee's and watch Bama win a closer than expected game at Texas A&M. Guess where we're headed for day two?

Sun 08 Oct. Classic Day 2. Launch at safe light and head to Jacksons. Wind out of the south but only around 7-10mph. Get to the mouth about the same time as Lee and we both start fishing mouth and up the creek. Nothing, they're gone.  ~sweat Let current and wind slide us out of creek and north along hydrilla line. Throwing swimbait as search bait. Couple of hundred yards north, 14incher hammers swimbait in a little current/wind channel between hydrilla mats. Game on. Talon down and proceed to catch 5 fish bag on flukes in about 15 mins. Bite remains constant for next hour but all 13-15 inchers. Get tired of catching "little" fish and move back up into creek to see if bigger fish have moved back in. Nope. Catch a few in creek but no culls. Lee, Lou and Rick join us in creek but we soon split up with them not biting. Slide back out to the hydrilla and immediately start pounding them again. Decide to switch to 7in fluke to see if I can attract some bigger fish. 2nd cast, bam, big one on (5-6lber). Jumps half way to boat and spits it. Chit! Continue to throw big fluke and now catching same size cookie cutters. Bite pretty constant for next hour but no culls. It's now 1230pm, only hour and half to check-in. Decide to run back to wastelands and see if the fish are back. Start searching with swimbait around pads and mud islands. Catch a couple of 14inchers, no culls, but at least the fish are back. Continue to fish the area and come to a 5 foot wide 50 foot long channel between mud islands with good flow. First cast, huge blow-up, peeling drag, a 4-6lber, comes unhooked next to boat. Chit, again. New swimbait, 2nd cast into channel. Boom, bigger blowup, but no hookup. Third cast into channel, boom, another huge "boat paddle slapping water" strike. Hookup, pulls a little drag, comes unhook half way to the boat. WTF? 0 for three on good fish! Time to go check-in. 5 fish bag but all 15inchers. 2nd day total of 74.75. Biggest 15.25.

Cport (Chris) fished with me on Sat/Sun and can attest to the above. I didn't include his story (I'm sure he'll share later) but lets just say he went to Walmart on Sat night and stocked up on flukes. :)

Over the three days I fished, I caught at least 75-80 fish and probably well over 100. Once I got a bag, I only photographed culls and I have over 30 photos of fish (5 Fri, 12-15 each Sat/Sun). Went through 5 bags of flukes with at least two or more fish on most flukes. Chis caught at least 25 on Sunday, himself, and had a bigger bag that day than I. For whatever reason couldn't get the bigger ones in the boat. Oh well.

Bottom line, Kissimmee is on fire around cover that channels water with flow (current and wind). Water temp is only 80-81F, which is cool for this time of year. Mostly 12-17inchers with a few bigger mixed in. All the fish were thick, healthy and mean. I'm sure they all weighed 15-20% heavy than average for their length. They been feeding good post Irma it appears. If this had been MLF style (everything over 12in counts), I can only imagine what the total inches or weights could have been!

Had a fantastic time meeting everyone. Chris is a great room mate and back seater. Probably being a Navy vet, like me, helped. I think he had a good time. Thought I might need skin grafts on my thumbs after lipping so many fish over the three days.

Hopefully everyone's drive home was uneventful. We should do this more often and I'm always available for a link up in central Florida with any board member. Tight lines to all!

Thanks everyone for your reports of the classic and looks like everyone had a great time and caught some nice fish.  ~c~ ~c~

   Arrived late around 9:30PM Friday; after exchanging greetings with Barry, he informed me that cport's gumbo was saved for him and is in the fridge. Good stuff, Barry, perfect amount of heat and spice! Barry gave me the next day's game plan after his successful pre-fish. We retired for the night, but sleep was difficult between the anticipation for the next day and the airboats that came by right when it seemed you were starting to drift off to sleep with visions of 10 lbers in your head....

   The next day was up early, Barry and I have pre-programmed reveille from our Navy days. Everyone met up, had a biscuit and bacon at Lee's (thanks Lee), took our group photo with some kind of big mosquito that Thomas brought (cool), and we were off. First time in a real bass boat; what a rush! Everyone headed North, we went South to where Barry was ripping them Friday. I got two and missed a good one, Barry lost a few, and it was time to go; time to find fish, with current being the key. We hit a few spots that looked like they should have held fish; windblown pad fields near the channel, flippin' hydrilla in a pad field, and the leeward side of the big island in the Kissimmee grass. Barry has the method down pat; he throws a search bait, and if they don't bite, we move. So we motor to a feeder creek; I'm on the phone when we pull in getting an earful from Mrs. Cport, Barry makes a cast, and BOOM, big fish hits, he has it for a bit til she revealed her 6-7 lb self, and is gone. So that's where they were! Barry and I started working the flukes, anything green it seemed. While Barry was hooking up (three fish in three casts at one point), I was struggling. I only caught one more, but I did have opportunity to fill my limit, as I missed four bites. Toward the end of the day, the sun was getting brutal, and I lost focus. I gained a new found respect for Pro Anglers, as I am used to only fishing in one or two hour spurts; it takes a lot of stamina to fish that long, and learned the true meaning of "grinding it out". Only one or two fish were caught in the sun, the rest were caught when the clouds came in. It was like a turning off a spigot; cloud cover, fish busting and getting caught, sun peeks out, bite shut down.

   After an amazing dinner of steaks, baked potato, and corn on the cob (thanks so much, Lee) followed by the best banana pudding ever (Stacey, from one banana pudding hater to another, I can't believe how good that is!), Barry and I broke down the day. Barry, you are a wealth of fishing knowledge! He suggested a few things to give me every advantage. First off, I went out to get the correct color flukes in Lake Wales, and proceeded to clean out Bridgemaster's supply of watermelon seed super flukes. Barry had previously suggested I use a flouro leader, and when I returned, he already had a piece of his out and showed me how to tie a great knot to attach it. I also purchased some 4/0 EWGs; I had been using 3/0, and I thought it might have contributed to those missed fish. He also showed me how to rig my fluke to make it rise, dive, or dart straight when being worked, and a little trick to get one or two more fish out of the same fluke (it worked). I thought I knew fluke fishing, but Barry imparted some valuable knowledge that made an impact. Barry also told me I should switch to my bait caster to throw the fluke, so I rigged up my Citica to a M 7' BPS Tourney Special.

   Day 2 found us in a race with Lee to the creek. We both got there and started fishing, but no bites. Time to break out he searchbait! We drifted out of the creek with the current into the main lake and surrounding weedbeds outside the mouth of the creek, working the swimbait as we went. Barry then used the trolling motor to manipulate us to a spot that was just north of the creek, in the current, but also with a windbreak that was blowing into a pad edge that had a hydrilla line. Paydirt! Barry caught one on the swim bait, and after some fine tuning with the trolling motor, the Talons were deployed, and the action was fast and furious. Barry joked that it was almost not fair (almost  ;D ). We limited quickly, and then proceeded to catch at least 25 fish apiece. What a Blast! I am convinced that the flouro leader and rod/reel change made a difference, and my hook change aided in my hookup ratio. On a side note, Kent, the Citica you blessed me with performed beyond expectations, casting like a dream and winching in the fish like nothing. Thank you very much. All cookie cutter, mostly 14-15, with a 16 I caught thrown in. That one tip Barry gave me allowed me to catch 5 fish on one fluke. There were periods when I would catch bass on successive casts, it was so on! Barry and I even got a double once, with me having to fight mine underneath his when he cast upstream over my cast; we did this frequently, part of a good team boat stategy, allowing me to keep working the weededge in front of me where I was killing numbers and Barry was fishing with the current for his big one. The larger fish seemed to like the bait being worked with the current; my guess is that after the fluke was ripped, the current drifted the bait into a waiting larger fish's mouth. One thing I must say, these bass were brutes, not at all like their equivalent brethren pond bass. 13 inchers fighting like 16's and 16 inchers fighting like 20's. And man were they pissed, did not sit still for photos like the pond bass I catch (right Lou? Sorry, too soon?  :) ). Barry starts targeting a kicker with a 7" fluke and then Big Momma hit after two casts. A good 5-6 lb fish that stayed on much longer than the previous day's, but ultimately threw the hook. I learned another thing from Barry then; after a few expressions of disgust, with one of them echoing across the lake, he shook it off and kept throwing it, not letting it affect his day. He then proceeds to catch some fish that amazed us as to how they ate the lure (see the picture comparing the fish to the fluke). We caught more fish, and then went south back to Friday's pre-fish spot to look for his kicker with an hour left. I'll let Barry tell you about that.

   To all, it was one of the best fishing trips I've ever had, and everyone of these people I met were straight up good folk. Generous, affable, and just plain nice. When we here on UB say we are family, we mean it, and it was demonstrated in spades this weekend. I am really looking forward to the next one. Barry, you are the man! You put me on fish, shared bait, tackle, and knowledge to help me catch them, and did not make me feel like a back seater at all. Barry let me cast forward of amidships, and frequently positioned the boat so I could fish more effectively. He was constantly trying to ensure I caught a limit, and the reason I didn't on day one was all me. You helped to make this the most enjoyable fishing trip ever.
   
(https://i.imgur.com/bNYnJtr.jpg)

That's awesome Chris! Glad you caught some fish on that Citica and that it worked well for you.

Great report Chris and glad all of y'all had a great time and your right on calling everyone family around here.  ~c~ ~c~

Thanks guys for a bunch of great reports.  It sounds like everyone had a fantastic time, caught a lot of fish, and pigged out on some delicious foods.  It doesn't get much better then that! ~c~

Barry by bites I meant exactly what you said. Fred caught 11 on day 1. But only 5 counted that day! If we all boated 10 the rankings would of been very different. That is just one part of the equation of fishing though and one of the things that makes it fun.

Fred I absolutely agree with the goodbyes. We need to get better. Everyone was in, actually we were in before a few others. But I had to unload the gear as I had no where to put it. I guess we could of all met by the office so the boats or more parking is nearby. Regardless, nobody even asked what we had prior to announcement of the winner.. we need to cordinate that better.

It was great to see everyone, food was great as always as was the company.

I am happy that we had such beautiful weather, first time I think. Plus the fishing was decent. Everyone caught fish and Rick even got a new PB.

All in all a solid win for us all in my opinion.

Im disappointed in yall. You need to get more  ~beer~ done. Dont worry, we will show you how its done at the end of the month.

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 01:33:34 PM
Im disappointed in yall. You need to get more  ~beer~ done. Dont worry, we will show you how its done at the end of the month.

I can't speak for the others, but for me hell, I can drink beer at home. Not very often I get to fish a bass factory. I did buy a six-pack of Guinness and had a couple Saturday, and was reaching for a third, but I was so burnt out towards the end of Saturday, I couldn't imagine being hungover and fishing in the Florida sun.

Quote from: cport on October 09, 2017, 01:43:58 PM
I can't speak for the others, but for me hell, I can drink beer at home. Not very often I get to fish a bass factory. I did buy a six-pack of Guinness and had a couple Saturday, and was reaching for a third, but I was so burnt out towards the end of Saturday, I couldn't imagine being hungover and fishing in the Florida sun.

I hear your Chris and i could see where a hangover and that Florida  ~sun and a moving boat wouldn't go to good together.  lo lo

Quote from: cport on October 09, 2017, 01:43:58 PM
I can't speak for the others, but for me hell, I can drink beer at home. Not very often I get to fish a bass factory. I did buy a six-pack of Guinness and had a couple Saturday, and was reaching for a third, but I was so burnt out towards the end of Saturday, I couldn't imagine being hungover and fishing in the Florida sun.

Oh come one, I drank a whole bottle of bourbon the first year we did the FLBR event.  ~roflmao

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 02:02:35 PM
Oh come one, I drank a whole bottle of bourbon the first year we did the FLBR event.  ~roflmao

Not everyone has a hollow leg like you do.  lo lo

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 02:02:35 PM
Oh come one, I drank a whole bottle of bourbon the first year we did the FLBR event.  ~roflmao

Youngster, I did all my drinkin when your daddy was just thinkin...
bout making ya!  ~beer~ ~beer~

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 01:33:34 PM
Im disappointed in yall. You need to get more  ~beer~ done. Dont worry, we will show you how its done at the end of the month.

You might do that but most of us had a few beers. What we did do that probably won't happen where you're going is catch fish! Everyone did that here.

I can drink anytime, but like Chris said.. I'd prefer to fish.

Quote from: West6550 on October 09, 2017, 02:40:12 PM
You might do that but most of us had a few beers. What we did do that probably won't happen where you're going is catch fish! Everyone did that here.

I can drink anytime, but like Chris said.. I'd prefer to fish.

Meh, you got your priorities backwards.  ~roflmao

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 02:45:05 PM
Meh, you got your priorities backwards.  ~roflmao

With a lake in your backyard, I can see how this mindset might occur...

Quote from: West6550 on October 09, 2017, 01:06:47 PM
Barry by bites I meant exactly what you said. Fred caught 11 on day 1. But only 5 counted that day! If we all boated 10 the rankings would of been very different. That is just one part of the equation of fishing though and one of the things that makes it fun.

That's why its called "fishing" not "catching".  ;D

Truly a great time. Kissimmee can be brutal when the fish are spread out and the water is 85F up. We lucked out on conditions because of Irma. Running water always stacks them up in areas. I didn't make a run north of Jack's because I knew there were several tournaments out of Camp Mack. Having fished mostly in the north, I've seen 3-4lbers stacked up at Scrub's Slough, Tiger Creek and the canal to Lake Rosalie when there is moving water.

Great reports!

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 09, 2017, 01:33:34 PM
Im disappointed in yall. You need to get more  ~beer~ done. Dont worry, we will show you how its done at the end of the month.

Na I think we do enough  ~beer~ . This group likes fishing lol.

I for one, had two beers each night. Saturday night I had 2 beers and a glass of Whiskey. I think that's just the right amount.

I rarely drink any alcohol at all anymore so nothing was different on that end for me.

I had a GREAT time seeing y'all again. I felt bad the West was struggling on Saturday while I had five but then he started putting them in the boat. Almost ended with a limit.

Sunday I had the first one early, like 10 minutes into the day. The 2nd about 10 minutes later. Then nothing until late in the day.

West however was slaying them on Sunday. Put a whooping on me good.

Got to see and fish a Lot of the lake I'd never seen before and yet do much more to see.

Found out I must be wearing a Tin Foil Hat, according to one guy. Lol.

I'm ready to go for another. Honestly I'd like to see one done both Spring and Fall. Like 1st weekend of April and October.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 09, 2017, 03:12:34 PM
Na I think we do enough  ~beer~ . This group likes fishing lol.

I for one, had two beers each night. Saturday night I had 2 beers and a glass of Whiskey. I think that's just the right amount.

Rick, this must be a florida thing.  You just described LMG's breakfast routine.

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 09, 2017, 03:12:34 PM
Na I think we do enough  ~beer~ . This group likes fishing lol.

I for one, had two beers each night. Saturday night I had 2 beers and a glass of Whiskey. I think that's just the right amount.

I drank a 24 pack over three nights. About my normal.

Well that goes to show ya.  Barry won the event and his drinking prowes qualifies him for the Guntersville Rally.  Some believe Beer is the elixer of life especially when followed by some high end girl friend juice.  I don't even know why I mention it since I don't drink at all but that is because I am the designated watcher for those guys who get lost in the woods chasing skunks.

Y'all will be chasing skunks all right but they'll be on the water.

Talkin' bout skunks, no one at the classic skunked!   Cheers! ~beer~

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 09, 2017, 05:13:59 PM
Talkin' bout skunks, no one at the classic skunked!   Cheers! ~beer~

That's a good thing  ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 09, 2017, 05:13:59 PM
Talkin' bout skunks, no one at the classic skunked!   Cheers! ~beer~

I was pretty worried with 2 1/2 hours to go on Saturday! Ask Cport. With the wind blowing like it was, I was quickly running out of places to fish. Then I thankfully caught lightning in a bottle.

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on October 09, 2017, 04:30:36 PM
Well that goes to show ya.  Barry won the event and his drinking prowes qualifies him for the Guntersville Rally.  Some believe Beer is the elixer of life especially when followed by some high end girl friend juice.  I don't even know why I mention it since I don't drink at all but that is because I am the designated watcher for those guys who get lost in the woods chasing skunks.

Speaking of juice, I mentioned to the group at Saturday night's dinner that I left a freshly distilled mason jar of NC mountains moonshine in my lanai frig that I meant to bring. Next time I'll remember. :)

One thing I really noticed as Cport, and I think Rick mentioned, was how aggressive these bass were. These bass refused to stay still on the rulers. They seemed upset that they were caught.. Lol!! You can feel them trembling and flexing their tails while trying to snap a pic. Crazy!!  :o

Quote from: Bassinlou on October 09, 2017, 06:17:14 PM
One thing I really noticed as Cport, and I think Rick mentioned, was how aggressive these bass were. These bass refused to stay still on the rulers. They seemed upset that they were caught.. Lol!! You can feel them trembling and flexing their tails while trying to snap a pic. Crazy!!  :o

Some of your product.. spill while enroute up the river? Lol

Quote from: West6550 on October 09, 2017, 06:31:04 PM
Some of your product.. spill while enroute up the river? Lol

~shhh ... I think so..  ~roflmao

Quote from: Bassinlou on October 09, 2017, 06:17:14 PM
One thing I really noticed as Cport, and I think Rick mentioned, was how aggressive these bass were. These bass refused to stay still on the rulers. They seemed upset that they were caught.. Lol!! You can feel them trembling and flexing their tails while trying to snap a pic. Crazy!!  :o

There were a few that were trembling on the ruler. It was crazy, never felt that before on a fish. Almost like they were nervous.

~cf I figured I might as well give my report as well.

Friday:
Barry and I tried Jack's Slough with not much to show. We tried the canal on the south side of Brahma Island. I picked up a 17" on a toho color bitters mega vibe.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/5ece3d8ac535185e2ceb41701eb8e2c4.jpg)
We fished down into the canal as we seen a few hitting around. We picked up a few and missed a few as well. All the bites were hard hitting for sure. I noticed we found a little pocket of fish just off a cow pasture where there was a few open spots. We fished back out and Barry lost something decent on the inside (island side) of the pad field just outside the canal but near a few feet from the outside line. I saw airboats coming and unfortunately they were heading towards our direction from the west wall spraying. We moved again to Otter and searched a bit before calling it a day. I noticed quite a few of the fish we picked up were near a piece of cover that was blocking wind and were hitting moving baits. So that was my goal for Saturday ~b~

Saturday:
Fred let me borrow his back seat, thanks again by the way. I have to say after being on nights for quite a while it was hard to wake up early ~xyz I honestly can't remember where we went first but I noticed the wind was different than the day before. We fished some outside lines for a while with not much to show. I tried several different search baits. The wind was moving us a little too fast for me to flip the line and it wasn't sparse enough in most places to really work a moving bait inside the line. Since I was in the back I did manage a parallel cast here and there behind the boat. I felt that with no wind break they weren't really stacking on the outside line? I tried a rattle trap and lost one at the boat on the first cast. I tried that for a while as Fred fished the line but no more takers. Fred picked up a few fish slow rolling a black & blue uvibe worm or swimbait but they weren't consistent or from any one spot from what I noticed anyway. I picked up my first fish just past 11am then another 30 mins later then nada.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/d66aa79bd08df22555737b1a01295cbd.jpg)
We moved up to Tiger Creek and there was a boat just in the channel. I pointed out some reeds and mentioned we should try just behind it as they were a wind block. We fished the south of the creek working towards the reeds. Near some shallow area a few lines in Fred caught another one in about 2ft of water. The other boat left so we moved over and tried the creek. We used the reeds to hold us and cast into the wind hoping for some action. Fred nailed a mudfish lol but that was it. While we were up against the reeds I cast over behind it into the slack spot and lost as fish on the reeds. ~rant We went into the creek 100 ft or so and came back out. Fred took us around the corner into the slack water and we had a few hits and I think Fred grabbed one or two. We ran back down to a spot I told Fred about (all the biggest fish I have caught on there have been near it). We got there and it looked completely different and with the wind blowing the opposite way of the current it didn't look great. We moved out of the wind and down by the bridge. We saw Lou and Rick leaving a little cut. Normally the pads are very defined along one side and I have caught a lot of fish on the south side. We went against the current but with the wind for a few with nothing to show and I noticed the water wasn't as clear. Fred mentioned trying some cuts just north of Grape Hammock so we moved there. The water was much clearer and I mentioned the water could be coming in off the cow pastures. Since I knew they held water in heavy rains and by this point Bary and I had some near one, Fred caught one near the creek up by the cow pastures.. at least that was my thinking :help: Right near the end I realized Fred had a very sparkly black and blue worm and I had been using a blueberry style aka light flake bait. I swapped to a watermelon with heavy red flake, pow changed my luck.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/9829a643c3c7728a988f3a59cc9026f3.jpg)
We managed to find quite a few in the last hour in a cut right up along the cow pasture. I lost one and I landed 2 fish between 230 and 245 when we headed in. It was sunny and beautiful out.

Sunday:
Fred and I headed back to the cow pasture cut and it was foggy and the sun wasn't out.. ugh. Fred picked one up on a white fluke with sparkle. I had a one tied on already as well and started tossing it. I cast it right on the edge of some pads and worked it slow along the edge.. Bam, first fish of the day for me, 8am & a 16"er. We had nothing for a while on the flukes. I swapped to a toho mega vibe (last one actually) and caught another along a pad wall swimming it slow. She went just shy of 17" I think.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/88e5f8d79c29d171971d864f2c4f6ecc.jpg)
After a while of neither one of those working I decided to flip a few sweet looking spots near the edge of the wind current. Nailed a good one that went 17.5 on a bitters craw in toho with a heavy flake. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171010/0ec6486d87b04a0347efbb6db59ffb8b.jpg)
Flipped some more and grabbed a 13.25. I retied my snell hastily since the hook keeper was falling off. It went dead for a while and we moved up to Jack's Slough and tried some sparse pads and Kissimmee grass with no landed fish. Fred had a bite or two I think and I had one hammer my spinnerbait but didn't hook it. We moved back south just south of the fish camp and tried another cut. It is normally much narrower but we gave it a go any way. I ended up loosing a small one on a pad while flippin. I then lost a nice chunk when I heard a "ping".. yep I was in a hurry on the snell retie and made a mistake that more than likely cost me 3rd place.  ~rant  ~xyz  ^-^ We fished till the end but didn't have much to show.

All in all I had a great weekend and landed some quality fish. I think I landed 12 or 13 fish (only photoed two decent ones Friday) and lost 5 to 8 fish, so I didn't have a quantity of fish in the boat.

Best 5 over the weekend went 84" @ 5 fish is a 16.8 average. Not bad but I wish I would of landed all  fish both days and found a kicker. But that is fishing!  ~gf

Video preview... drone shot from Saturday AM

I launched Friday around 10 am for a little practice. Did a lot of riding and looking at what vegetation was left and how much water was still running.    Finally pulled some rods out of the locker around noon on the north end when I found the mix of grass and pads I was looking for. 5 min later I boated the 8. Left that spot and moved into Tiger Cove. Put the poles down and caught 2 14" fish and a dozen 12" fish. Moved into the mouth of north Cove and boated 2 15" fish. Headed south stopping at 27 palms, some deep water grass on the East wall and the outside lines at Jacks Slough. Every spot I stopped and made a cast produced several fish. Between 12 and 330 I boated 30 fish, mostly dinks but I felt good about my plan.
Saturday morning started at 430. When I walked outside with my coffee I immediately noticed a wind switch and it was already blowing.  The howling south wind blew out most of my spots and with my back not great I only boated 2 bass all day. 
Sunday the wind switches back more East and I stayed on the southeast side of the lake south of Jacks Slough, put the weed eater on high and went in the thick stuff. When I found the thinner mix of grass and pads I got bit. 6 fish between 8 and 830.   I kept working my way south occasionally picking up a fish. At 11 I moved down to Turkey Hammock and started picking up fish in the main river current along the hard bank.   By 1 I was beat and decided to call it a day. 12 fish total with another 6 or so lost in the thick stuff before I could dig them out.

The only bait I needed for a 45 fish weekend was the bitters naked swimmer.

This was my third classic and I can't wait for next year.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

West and FD thanks for the great reports and looks like everyone had a great fun time and caught some nice fish too. ~c~

Great reports by everyone.  Although I was not there, I feel like one of the group after reading all these details.  I'm super glad the weather decided to cooperate. ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: big g on October 10, 2017, 02:56:28 PM
Great reports by everyone.  Although I was not there, I feel like one of the group after reading all these details.  I'm super glad the weather decided to cooperate. ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Thanks George!!
As far as the weather, I'm glad they got it wrong in our favor this time!!  ~c~  lo

 
To all who attend next year's Classic, you will now earn AOY points!! How you say? Well... let's just say you will have to wait til the end of this season to learn those details along with a couple more NEW features for next season.   ~shade

Quote from: Bassinlou on October 10, 2017, 03:37:07 PM

:toot: .... ITS OFFICIAL.... :toot:

To all who attend next year's Classic, you will now earn AOY points!! How you say? Well... let's just say you will have to wait til the end of this season to learn those details along with a couple more NEW features for next season.   ~shade

Sounds great!  ~bb

Sounds good Lou!

Cool, sounds like good incentive for a larger attendance

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Geeze you guys Reports are excellent!

I planned to be there by early Friday but then found out the night before that I needed to take Dad to a Drs apt at 11:00 am. That put a bump in that road.

Got there about 2:00 pm and checked in and got unloaded. Fired up the boat and headed to the cut below Brahma Island, figuring the Current would be pushing me south. WRONG. The south wind was so strong it was overriding the current pushing me north.

I noticed the wind was making the current flow into the South Edge so I moved over there and found a spot where it hit a bank and slowed it some. At first I dropped an anchor, no PP or Talons, and tried fishing with a worm on the bottom-- something I seen in a recent video made on Kissimmee. Didn't work for me but I did see some fish busting, so  moved that way and threw a Speedworm in Black Saffire and got bit right away. Started drifting with the flow and working the edge of the pads and got 3 in two hrs.

Headed back to camp with a plan to try the same the next day.

Thomas suggested we try the canal that leads into Brahma, as he and Barry had got into some there the day before so we headed there first. No hits on the way in but I picked up one on the way out. We then went to just north of where I ended the night before and started working the Pad Line. I picked up another and then another, but West was not getting hits. Later he would say this is not a type of fishing he is used to and wasn't comfortable with it.

I had enough of the line not producing anymore so we made the run to Tiger Creek. Never been there before just seen it on the map. As soon as we got there we seen boats working the area. I picked up two more for my limit and West got his first. We then headed south to near the Bridge to a spot West knew of but once we got there it had all changed and was no longer there.

Made a run back to the pad fields near the Monitor Station but nothing was hitting. Moved to the pasture edge and started getting into fish again. I ended up with 11 and West got 3 more to get him to 4. Ended the day.

Day 2
We started back at the Pasture and within 10 minutes I had fish #1 on. Another 10 fish #2. Sadly that was it until late in the day when the big girl took the Fluke, which caught all my fish day 2. No big hit or anything just weight and pressure that felt like the hook grabbed a pad stem. Figured I had nothing to loose (I've been through this play before) so set the hook and there she was. Got her in the net and took her pic. Thomas offered to take a few with me and they came out great.

Thomas was doing much better this day and kept adding one here and one there. Ended up with a decent total.

We got back to the ramp early, but there must of been some mis-communication as to what was to happen at that point. I thought Lou had said to load and take care of your boat, then do the awards , then pack to leave. Evidently we were to just load, then do awards, then do everything else as I unfortunately missed the naming of the Winner and handing out of the awards. Hopefully we can get a better closing figured out for future events so that doesn't happen to anyone again, and I'm sure we will.


This was our 4th Year as a Club and the 4th Annual Classic. The 1st & 2nd were held at Grape Hammock fishing Kissimmee, the 3rd at Henderson's fishing 'Poga, and the 4th back to Grape Hammock and Kissimmee.

There are only THREE Members that have attended all 4 Classics. They are:

BassinLou (Lou)

West6550 (Thomas)

Deadeye (Fred)

A few Group Pics from the other three Classics:

2014

Gang
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/1a5912e41352f1846b9d791f0bbfbc21.jpg)

2015

Gang Day 1
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/74e160a7bc3e678b9421a536c2509814.jpg)


Gang Day 2
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/0f5654248691bdcde4a684804ff1d92e.jpg)

Winner of BOTH Contest & Big Fish
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/9adc3bd06ee6bba95268380f6c53d901.jpg)

Winner of Custom Rod for New Personal Best
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/b037696c096a349bf2877d4fd5c278f4.jpg)

2016

Day 2 Gang
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/d721c27c502ef69869a889822186be86.jpg)


Pic

2018

????? TBD



Hopefully there will be many more at the 5th. Come out once and you'll be back for more!

 PoPo I know the video should be else where.. But I wanted to let you know it was up.  ~gf

Going to start a thread in the video area for it.

https://youtu.be/XAGPcnSAHAg (https://youtu.be/XAGPcnSAHAg)

Quote from: West6550 on October 12, 2017, 04:05:11 PM
PoPo I know the video should be else where.. But I wanted to let you know it was up.  ~gf

Going to start a thread in the video area for it.

https://youtu.be/XAGPcnSAHAg (https://youtu.be/XAGPcnSAHAg)

Thanks for the video West and looks like a great place to fish and everyone had a great time. ~c~ ~c~  and Stacy's banana pudding sounds yummy. (https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg923%2F4313%2FdplfzR.gif&hash=036bd19b032cd75b22bbf41d0bad666d51a0de6a) (https://imageshack.com/i/pndplfzRg)

That was an awesome video Thomas!! Thank you for that. :)  ~c~

West what a great video of the weekend.  Nice volume and selection of the music used.  The use of the drone just set off the whole thing.  Thank you for taking the time to put it together for the entire Florida Family. ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Quote from: big g on October 12, 2017, 05:18:56 PM
West what a great video of the weekend.  Nice volume and selection of the music used.  The use of the drone just set off the whole thing.  Thank you for taking the time to put it together for the entire Florida Family. ~c~ ~c~ ~c~

This forum is exactly why I did. Just a great group of people. Glad everyone is liking it! Thanks!

Like I mentioned on the other threat, fantastic video! Well done. The drone really made even better.
My favorite part was me holding up those two 23"ers though...lol  ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao

Great job on the video West!

Thanks guys!

Nice job Thomas. I enjoyed it.

Awesome video. A great time was had by all it appears.

Nice video Thomas.


Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Thanks everyone!

I hope next year everyone will take a few pictures of thier day so I can put more in the next one.

Quote from: West6550 on October 13, 2017, 08:18:39 AM
Thanks everyone!

I hope next year everyone will take a few pictures of thier day so I can put more in the next one.

Sorry, dude, we were busy catching fish...  ;D

Quote from: West6550 on October 13, 2017, 08:18:39 AM
Thanks everyone!

I hope next year everyone will take a few pictures of thier day so I can put more in the next one.

If you are willing to do the editing, next year I can take my gopro and film for more video content.

Quote from: rickdelprado on October 13, 2017, 08:56:38 AM
If you are willing to do the editing, next year I can take my gopro and film for more video content.

I don't mind.

Quote from: cport on October 13, 2017, 08:43:29 AM
Sorry, dude, we were busy catching fish...  ;D

True, but you have the phone out for the bunk pic.. take a selfie lol duh

What a difference a week makes! Went back to Kissimmee yesterday. Launched from Grape Hammock at 0700. Water is down almost a foot with almost no flow. Winds were ENE at 15+MPH. Water temp 82F (up 2F). Only caught 3 14-16in and missed a few. Fished all the areas that produced for me last weekend. Lots of boats but didn't see anyone catching. Off the water at 1300.

Quote from: TR21PDCTampa on October 15, 2017, 06:42:53 AM
What a difference a week makes! Went back to Kissimmee yesterday. Launched from Grape Hammock at 0700. Water is down almost a foot with almost no flow. Winds were ENE at 15+MPH. Water temp 82F (up 2F). Only caught 3 14-16in and missed a few. Fished all the areas that produced for me last weekend. Lots of boats but didn't see anyone catching. Off the water at 1300.

I was wondering how you did yesterday I know you said you were going back out there. Sorry to hear that you didn't get many fish. What spot did you catch the ones that you got?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Otter Slough. Wind was wicked in there, though.

Yeah we finally hit a Good Weekend where everyone got on fish, and some good ones too.

1st year Severe Cold Front blew in Saturday Night and the lake went from good fishing to YIKES! Temps dropped from the high 70's into the 40's overnight. I was glad I kept a Sweatshirt in the back of the SUV!

Year 2 Lee was busting it big time, while everyone else struggled I think. Ran away with it.

Year 3 I missed the first day, but was told it was very windy and the fish were spotty. West had the lead at the end of Saturday. 2nd day I fished some with Lee and some with West and both were having trouble finding fish. Lou pulled off a last minute win.

This year everyone had at least 4 fish the first day and even with the big bags turned in everyone still had a chance to win. It was the best so far in my opinion, except the first 'cause I won!

Lee brought up this point before we left last Sunday. We have had different winners for each Classic. That's pretty cool!! This is one of the reasons why I enjoy fishing the Classic. Everyone is on the same body of water at the same time. We are all facing the same conditions simultaneously, pulling out a win amongst this group of participants is pretty special in my book.   ~c~

Quote from: Bassinlou on October 15, 2017, 12:04:09 PM
Lee brought up this point before we left last Sunday. We have had different winners for each Classic. That's pretty cool!! This is one of the reasons why I enjoy fishing the Classic. Everyone is on the same body of water at the same time. We are all facing the same conditions simultaneously, pulling out a win amongst this group of participants is pretty special in my book.   ~c~

Exactly!