Joe Joslin

SAM RAYBURN Sam Rayburn continues to draw hundreds of tournament anglers and bass anglers in general as the pre-spawn approaches and tournament season arrives. Last weekend there were at least 325 or more tournament boatsfishing two events as Skeeter Performance Boat's Bass Champs had 283 teams and Anglers Quest Team Series had 48 teams.

According to reports, a majority of high finishing teams fished "Traps" in 3 to 5 feet of water. Many of these high finishers are veteran tournament anglers and do not give out a lot of info. The term "Trap" has basically become an "all inclusive" term in refering to all lipless crankbaits based on the best known lipless crankbait, Rat-L-Trap by Bill Lewis Lures. Of course Bill Lewis makes Traps from a quarter ounce to one and a half ounces plus some that suspend while others have spinners on them.

Plus many anglers use other lipless crankbaits in addition to Rat-L-Traps such as Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'r, Yo Zuri and Bass Pro's Rattle Shad and a host of others. So, when anglers say they were using Traps it is good information, however, it is not specific info covering a large number of possibilities. In addition, there are countless methods to use when fishing Traps (lipless crankbaits) so add that to the possibilities of how the fish were caught.

At least two Lake Area teams finished in top ten of Skeeter Bass Champs with the team of Greg Pugh and Bill Dominque tied for 6th with 21.06 pounds and $1190.00 while the Father/Son Team of Doug and Mason McCain finishing 8th with 20.30 pounds and $1070.00. Great job guys!! SIDE NOTE: 6th place finisher Pugh, known to many of us as an angler who gets a kick out of a good fishing 'spin', e-mailed a friend stating they caught their bass with Rayburn Red spinnerbaits and Rayburn Red lizards. Don't look for these in local tackle shops as there ain't no such animals!

Fish Species: l.m. bass
Bait Used: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps, Berkley 7 inch Wacky Crawlers
Tackle Used: 50 pound Spider Braid, 12 lb Berkley 100% Flourocarbon, Revo Reels, Cardinal Spi
Method Used: working traps on scattered grass and fishing Wackly Crawlers is slightly deeper scattered grass.
Water Depth: 4 to 10
Water Temperature: 52
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Trap and grass/sure bet in Rayburn's pre spawn
Trap and grass/sure bet in Rayburn's pre spawn


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Joe Joslin

About The Author: Captain Joe Joslin

Company: joe joslin outdoors

Area Reporting: South Toledo Bend

Bio: Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor writer and writes for several Louisiana newspapers and numerous magazines including Texas Game and Fish, Louisiana Game and Fish, CenLa Sportsman, Louisiana Sportsman and LakeCaster. Joe has been fishing Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn for 25+ years and is a frequent tournament angler. Joe has been a full time pro guide on Toledo Bend/Sam Rayburn since 1998.Joe Joslin Outdoors Fishing Guide Service Wholesome atmosphere * Safety minded * Latest equipment, featuring 21i Class Skeeter with 300 hp Yamaha HPDI * Tackle supplied upon request * References available upon request * Available Year-Round. E-Mail Joe at joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com

337 463 3848
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Joe Joslin