Lake Seminole Fishing Report January 2015

Seminole: Level: 1 foot low. Temp. 55 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Aaron Crews said, “Deep crankbaits and jerkbaits having been working for bass. I suspect a red 3/4-oz. Rat-L-Trap will start to work. If it turns colder, then a 1/2-oz. Little George, Heddon Sonic or Silver Buddy will work. Also, drop shots will start to work.” Tournament fisherman Matt Baty reports, “The water temps are down, and the grass is dying. This has made the lipless crankbait bite and ChatterBait bite turn on. With the cold water, the bass are still relating to the deep grass edges. The middle grounds between the Firebreak and Stinky Island and the flats in front of Wingates are both good places. For the lipless crankbait, opt for a heavier 3/4-oz. bait, such as a Spro Aruku Shad 85 in mudbug red. For the ChatterBait, use a 1/2-oz. green pumpkin with a 4-inch Big Bite Baits Cane Thumper in easy-money color. Another pattern that seems to be working is using drop shots in Spring Creek. For the best setup, use a Lews spinning reel, a Duckett spinning rod, 7-lb. Sunline fluorocarbon, a Gamakatsu drop-shot hook and a 1/4-oz. drop-shot weight. Nose hook a Big Bite Baits 6-inch Shaking Squirrel in earthworm, and then you’re in business. The best areas to drop shot are anywhere in Spring Creek in deep timber. You need really good electronics with DownScan, such as the Lowrance HDS touchscreen units. They make it much easier to locate fish and shad to increase your odds.”

Crappie: Guide Aaron Crews reports good catches of crappie in 20 to 24 feet of water on minnows.