MISSISSIPPI RIVER DAY 1

The first day of the TBF Youth National Championship on Mississippi River. Twins were able to catch a limit early and then upgrade during the day. All the fish came on Black/Chartreuse Square Bills and Junebug plastics. The boys weighted in 9.12lbs putting them in 5th place overall.

Sam Rayburn Final Day


Last day on Sam Rayburn. Had a great last day catching fish on jigs and Jerkbaits. We caught around 45 fish with a couple of 3 and 4 pounders. It was a great trip. I had fun making memories with the boys.

Sam Rayburn Part 2 Day 3

We had a really good afternoon when we moved to a different area of the lake. Nick was able to catch a good fish. Kyle got tired of catching spotted bass. Watch to the end. Kyle thought it was still basketball season. Best bait was a Senko, but I started to catch some on a 1/2oz. Flippin’ jig Green Pumpkin w/Beaver Green Pumpkin Trailer.

Sam Rayburn Part 1 Day 3

On day three it started out foggy, so we decided to stay in the take off area. There is always released fish from tournaments. We were able to catch two three pounders and a couple of keepers. It was a very productive day. In one pocket Nick caught six fish. We ended up with 36 fish for whole day. Most of the fish up to this point have been caught on Chatterbait and Senko.

Sam Rayburn Trip Day 1 & 2


I decided to surprise the Twins with a Trip to Sam Rayburn for Spring Break. There was a group of guys from the Flint Hills Bass Club that have gone to Sam Rayburn the last couple of years. So, we decided to join them. The boys were excited hearing we were going. Sunday morning around 1:30 am, we left for Sam Rayburn. It was an 11 hour trip. When we finally got there, the boys and I decided to put on the lake. We were able to get in two hours of fishing; catching 8 but lost 5.

Next Day, when we got on the water, we fished the south side because the wind was supposed to blow. We ended up catching a lot of spotted bass. Catching most of the fish on Senko and Hard Jerkbaits. I did lose one big fish on a Football Jig in some brush that we never saw. At the end of the day, we were only able to catch 14 bass and losing 8 fish. The fish were biting very weird with the rain and full moon. Hoping the next couple of days would be better.

Final Day on Truman

Day two of Truman classic and last tournament of the year, with points counting towards Angler of the Year, meant this was an important tournament . The day before I caught them really good. So, I was leading with 15.31lbs on a spinnerbait, and most of it came out of the same pocket.

Day two plan was to start in the pocket. The weather was supposed to be sunny and calm, but the two days before the weather was cloudy and windy. I had focused on dirty water throwing a blade. When we got to the pocket, it was still early. My partner hooked up on the first cast. I figured we were going to catch them. Ok, I can do this. Then finally way back in the pocket, there were three trees making a triangle. I cast to the back of the tree. Set the hook on a really big fish. Of course, it swam around the tree the wrong way and got hung up on the tree. We tried to fit through the trees, but the boat was too big. The fish kept jumping, and then the line went slack. I just lost a fish in the 5 pound range. Just blew the tournament and angler of the year. Next 10 casts, I caught two more small keepers. I was not in a good mood.

Finally, I caught a limit, but my only big fish was 15 inches. Not good. We moved to another pocket without any luck. The night before I was studying the map of the lake, and saw a good pocket the wind would be blowing into. We decided to go try the pocket. I noticed right away there were a lot of shad. As we worked to the back of the pocket and started working our we back out, I hooked up with a good fish on the spinnerbait. I wasn’t sure it was a bass. But as it got closer to the boat, I got a good look at it. It was a big bass around 4 pounds. Just want I needed. As my partner netted it, I right away felt I had a chance. Just still wishing I had the other fish. As the day went on, I was able to creel one more time. I had a little over 10 pounds. I was not sure that was going to win me the Classic and Angler of the Year in the club. But after everyone turned in their sheets, I would end up with 25.39 pounds for the weekend. The one big fish of the day got me the win and back to back Angler of the Year in the Club. It felt so good to win a tournament on Truman in the fall. Also, I caught big bass both days. Great finish to the season. Thanks to my non-boater for keeping me focused and calm after losing the big fish.