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Dont know if any of you have been fishing Hopatcong at all this year but the weights have been big. New lake record for 5 fish was broken this spring with a 22lb 4oz bag of largemouth http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif Its been taking a consistent 16-19lbs to win this year. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
I fished Hopatcong yesterday...water temp was 66 degrees...fish were off the beds but I heard they were on the beds Thursday during a Tx. I did okay in the morning but spent the afternoon trying new areas without much results.
Its been a strange spring here for sure. I was there yesterday all day and didnt see any on beds. Water was 66-67. Found 70 in the back and found a school just before dark and had some fun with a Rico. I think they for the most part in there post spawn funk now with most of them spawned out already. Counldnt really put together any pattern caught them on jig, scrounger, fluke, and topwater.
I got them on a crankbait a swimbait and one on a rico...what size rico were you using?...I was throwing a small one in clear/yellow color
Keith...I see you use a Rico...Have you tried the "Yellow Magic' popper? I have it in alewife but haven't tried it yet.
Hey Bill yes I have tried the Yellow Magic but had mixed results with it until a toothy critter ate it on me http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif I always throw the big Rico dont know why but it gets me plenty of small bites too so I dont need to downsize http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif Tennessee Shad is my go to color is the water is somewhat clear http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
Wow ! Dont do much tournament fishing anymore, but to expect to see bags in the upper teens on Hopatcong is amazing. Glad to hear it though. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
Seems like you fish there alot. Keep us posted on the progress of the lake. We need more big places to fish that dont get over crowded.
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif Ranger491
Well I wouldnt classify Hopat as under crowded. The place gets hammered all season with fishermen and the Lake Lice are out in full force all season http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif I dont know why but it seems to me that the skiiers out there dont have much courtesy. Ive had them circle within 50ft of me on plane while im fishing the back of Henderson. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif