Lake Blackshear Fishing Report – July 2006

Blackshear: Level: Full pool. Temp: 82 degrees. Clarity: The sloughs are clear, the main lake was stained by heavy rain June 25.

Bass: Slow. The most recent Blackshear Buddies tournament was won with more than 16 pounds anchored by a 7 1/2-pounder. Most of the anglers, however, were weighing in one or two bass. “The best fishing seems to be up the lake,” said Ernie Broughton. “One of the tournament regulars fished a jig ’n pig on river ledges all day and weighed in 10 pounds.” Normally this time of year a buzzbait around cypress trees and grassbeds early in the morning will produce. After the morning bite, Ernie says a Carolina rig is usually a good bet, but he says a spinnerbait along grasslines or a crankbait where the grass isn’t too thick is worth throwing.

Crappie: “Extra slow,” said Rusty Parker. “You have to put a jig right in front of their nose before they will hit.” He’s been catching a few fish pitching RAG Fly jigs around bridge pilings, but a better bet this time of year is to shoot lightweight jigs under the deeper docks, he said.

Bream: The bream have also been finicky, said Rusty. “When you find a bed, you can catch six or seven. Crickets under a float is your best chance for those half-dozen fish.”

Hybrids: The hybrids have been pretty dependable about schooling just outside the bridge into the State Park early in the morning. Pearl Rooster Tails, Shad Raps and Pop-Rs should catch them when they come up.