Here is a snipet from the weekly OWD fishing report that should get your blood pumping:
Oklahoma bass fishing heats up; 12-pound largemouth caught at McGee Creek
One Sooner angler has already proven that now is the time to be bass fishing in Oklahoma. Clayton Dorris, Blanchard, landed a 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass Feb. 23 out of McGee Creek Lake in Atoka County.
The fish measured over 28 inches in length and had a 21-inch girth. Dorris caught the fish while preparing for an upcoming tournament at McGee Creek. The fish missed being one of the top 20 heaviest largemouth bass caught in Oklahoma by only seven ounces.
"My intent was not to catch a big fish, but it just happened that I was in the right spot at the right time," Dorris said.
Dorris probably didn't realize just how true his words were when he spoke them. According to fisheries biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, right now through the next month is among the best time all year for catching big bass.
"We are entering prime trophy bass fishing season," said Paul Mauck, southcentral region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "Since we are coming out of this colder weather, bass are actively feeding and putting on weight for spawning, and that means they will be found in shallower waters and may bite an angler's line more often."
Officials at the Wildlife Department say bass are the most sought after game fish in Oklahoma.
"Something about this time of year gets people excited about things like bass fishing, and that's good because it's one of the best times of the year to go," Mauck said. "Another great thing about bass is that they are powerful fighters and are easy to find in Oklahoma. They do well in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams and will hit anything from a worm on a child's hook to a surface lure worked by a seasoned angler."
Dorris caught his trophy bass by fishing 16-20 ft. deep with a shad-colored spinnerbait. He used a "yo-yo" technique to attract the fish, but he claims the catch was more a result of getting out there and fishing than being a highly skillful angler. He is active in two clubs and said he will fish about 4-7 days a month between now and November. He claims anybody can have luck bass fishing in Oklahoma if they learn a few simple tips and simply go fishing.
"You don't have to be a professional. You just have to be on the water," Dorris said. "You'll never catch a big fish sitting at home."
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Editor's note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 300 DPI and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.
http://www.wildlifedepartment....s.jpg
Photo Credit: Mackey Keener, McGee Creek State Park Ranger
Caption: Clayton Dorris, Blanchard, caught this 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass Feb. 23 that measured over 28 inches in length, confirming claims from Wildlife Department officials that now is a great time for trophy bass fishing. Dorris caught the bass at McGee Creek Lake.
Now go out there and get me a fishing report!