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It doesn't seem like long ago that I was posting a report from my first day at LIberty this year catching a nice smallie. Now here we are at the close of the season. It was a beautiful day on the lake, well worth skipping out from work. A little chilly as the sun went down but the water stayed level from 50 to 48 degrees.

Funny thing about that first report from March, the fish were in the same locations. Offshore transitions to clear bottom near major points. 16 to 20 feet of water. We did spot many curious fish, following all sorts of lures to within sight of the boat. Only a few actually commited to a bite however.

We tried, spinnerbaits, rattlebaits (see pic, 4-6), deep crankbaits, swim jig, drop shot (bites), swimbaits (also hooked up), and craw jigs. Nothing seemed to be the magic touch however as we couldn't establish a pattern even though we were confident we were on the fish. Ah fishing, so much fun...

All in all, the lake is in great condition. The water has cleared from the earlier algae issues, the lake is empty and the bass are still active. Maybe there's another trip in store sometime in the next 8 days.

bazzdude

10/25/2009 4:07:00 PM

wow,nice fish.what did it weight? I have been following all your reports this year and you can still catch them in the very late season. Nice work out there. I would love to get a few lessons from you one day if you have a seat open on the weekend. I did not do so good this year for the bass for some resion. anyhow awsome picture. Stay safe out there.

ProHawk

10/26/2009 9:22:00 AM

Thanks for the compliments bazzdude, that fish went 4 lb 6 oz. Don't be too discouraged though, while I have been fortunate this year, targeting bigger fish like this definitely reduces my action. I don't think I limited on Liberty more than once or twice all year. I can usually put a nice fish or maybe two in the boat but that's it. Granted, when they're hogs it's not much to complain about. =) The 'off' seasons however are a great time to put these nice fish in the net. And I can't say enough about Rapala's Clackin' Rap...

RAT Sports

11/3/2009 11:15:00 PM

congrats on another nice smallie, stay safe out there and ill hopefully see ya at rock this winter

Thrasher

11/20/2009 3:30:00 PM

another fat smallie . I love early and late season fishing , you always apprieciate the ones you work your ass off for and you learn so much. see you in the spring when the adventure continues .

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