JS Patterson

I don’t know for sure but I would bet that it is a bait similar to this https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/100_Swimbaits_Jerkbait_/descpage-SGJSS.html. There are several local bait makers with these and they have become extremely popular at the SC herring lakes.

I have done very well with the Cotton Cordell "CC spoon" using on the bottom or over structure holding fish. I noticed that they have recently changed the design. After researching, I found out that this was the original design before the molds were changed to the version that I am used to. I was wondering if anyone has any input on this version of the spoon. In the hand, it definitely looks like the weight has a different distribution. While I'm sure it will work, it is not the same lure that I have my confidence in. I will try it out tomorrow, but I'm interested in the input of others. I am debating trying to buy a supply of the now old model before they disappear from the market. The CC spoon is very underrated in my opinion.

I live at Robinson and can attest that it is a very healthy fishery. We have been catching a lot of 20 lb limits lately. I don't advertise it too much because it already receives a lot of pressure. Robinson and Cunningham are perfect for kayak fishing. We have been able to keep the Alabama bass out so far, so the largemouth are the predominant species. Bowen has a lot of fish and a lot of boat traffic. As mentioned, the larger lakes are within reasonable distance and provide a variety of different fishing conditions (except grass).

Thinking about both of you. This is tough to handle.

I finally got to catch my first of the year. They were biting jigs in 2-3 feet of water today. The deep bait schools have produced bites but not the targeted ones.

It has been a good bait for me. I wish they had a few additional color options. Why are there not more black crappie imitating colors by any of the lure companies? I have painted one all black with silver flake and it has produced.

Greenville county. Welcome to the neighborhood.

This morning in upstate SC.

Berkeley and Daiwa make some sub $50 rods that would serve you better. Take a look at the cherrywood or aird x and start looking at others that may be in the same range.

I am really jealous of the catching that you have up there. Where I am at in the south, there is not much aquatic vegetation. That is all removed through chemicals and/or triploid carp. There are shallow areas completely covered by pads but that is about it. The tough part about summer fishing in the south is the lack of participation from the bass. With water temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, we are much more likely to go 8 hours without a bite than catch the numbers you were able to get. That will all change around November, when I expect the bite to get better as the water cools and the thermocline disappears. I honestly wish that we had more grass fishing opportunities.

Once the water becomes hot, It seems that the fish respond better to longer pauses for me. It becomes similar to winter fishing but that probably varies depending on the body of water.

I also remove the line tie and use a Norman speed clip instead. I’ve never had a problem with it and can make a quick change between baits if needed. I change the front hook to red also. I have not noticed an increase in strikes but it seems that fish tend to be more securely hooked. The custom black crappie paint was a 10 second job with a sharpie. The stock ones with speed clip will work fine though.

I wear a sun shirt if I’m going to be outside for any significant amount of time in the summer. In addition to the skin protection, I feel less fatigued after a day outside. The summer sunlight in the south is as draining as it is hot.

It has been a top producer for me since it came out. I have quite a few now in a variety of colors and they account for about 80% of my jerkbait fishing time. Catches small and big fish. This one rose from 25 fow to get the shallow version on a steep offshore drop.

Both are great options. Hartwell is probably a better option for proximity to shops and restaurants. Lake Jocassee is also a very popular lake to visit, but has very few houses on or near the lake. It is a very deep and clear mountain lake and gives the oppurtunity to catch four species of bass in one trip (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and redeye species.). The lake also has the state record for all of those except largemouth, but there are some giant largemouth in there as well. Jocassee has many beaches to stop and swim, and the water is cool. I live in northern Greenville which puts all of them about an hour away for me. I am usually more likely to pick Hartwell or Jocassee because of familiarity.

I have a collection of probably around 100 cards. These are a few that I had signed when I went to the 1994 classic. I enjoy the memories with them.

In SC the shad rap works from the low water temps I see of 47 up to the 90s during summer. SR7 is good size but the shallow SSR07 is great in water that is not deep.

I put in at Gaffney at Dravo rd. It has plenty of smallmouth and closest access from Greenville. During the summer I took out a couple hundred yards downstream of the put in because of the current from generation in the canal. I have been wanting to try the reservoir above the 99 dam also.

I may be interested in coming after work that day if the restaurant is near the weigh in or expo in Greenville. I have already requested Friday as my day off to go to the classic.

Meat dog

A 1/16 Ned rig was responsible for my best 3 LMB; 7-6, 7-4 and 6-4. Honorable mention goes to the shallow shad rap which tricked a couple more 5+

I use 15 lb braid with a 7 ft leader of 8# big game. I know this is a unusual leader choice but it does something to the action of a 1/16 that gets me more bites. My best 3 bass of the year came on this setup with 2 over 7 lbs. It also landed a 13 lb carp. The braid is for casting distance.

My top 3 this year so far have came on a Ned rig. 7-6, 7-4 yesterday, and a 6-4. Other than those, I did well during the post spawn with a shallow shad rap getting some 5s. Last year it was a jig though.

I have went twice in the last month. In the middle of June the fishing was great. The spawn was ending for largemouth at that time. My biggest was a 6-4 caught near the last set of ramps in Devils Fork. I went last week and it was a bit more difficult. There are still some fish out there but not as easy to catch numbers. I had the best bites in deeper water off of points. I would recommend putting in at the last of the day use ramps and fish that area. If you have to start at the kayak rental area. The stretch on the opposite side of the main ramp between “the villas” and what appears to be private residences was also productive.

I am partial to the Fenwick Eagle m/l 7ft for the Ned. Pair it with a reel with a reliable smooth drag.