Hey James! Long story short, I haven't fished since I was a kid in Maine - now a retired USAF Veteran in Texas and getting back into the fun! Recently I was fishing Lake Whitney for Bass and at sunrise, 3 boats assembled 50 yards from my fishing point. They were hauling them in left & right - non-stop (couldn't tell what they were, but they were sizable, for sure!). I was swapping between a top-water Whopper and a spinner. Nothing. (sad face) Getting to my question: Periodically they would take a long pole and beat it violently in the water. What in the sweet-baby-Jesus's name were they doing? My guess was to entice fish up from the bottom - is this maybe a Catfish trick?

You thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Stay safe!

Regards,

Doug

Hi Doug first I would like to say THANK YOU for your service to our country.  Sounds like they were catching striped bass or white bass once you added the long pole being thrashed on the surfaced of the water.   I haven't personally done it however I know and have seen guides on Lake Texoma in pursuit of Striped bass creating noise in order draw the fish near or to the top or near the surface (possibly to emulate the sound of fish feeding on the surface) and so that they could present a bait to them.  Pretty sure that's what it is but I am not sure why we don't do that for bass.