Lake Tobesofkee Fishing Report – January 2008

Tobesofkee: Level: Full pool. Temp: 56-59. Clarity: Slight Stain

Bass: Fair. It has only been taking between 11 and 12 pounds to win the recent Saturday morning tournaments, according to tournament angler Clayton Batts. “The fish have been fairly shallow due to the abnormally warm weather for December, with several fish still being caught on topwater,” Clayton said. “As December draws to a close and the water temperature starts to drop into the lower 50s, look for the fish to move a little deeper and settle into their wintertime pattern by the beginning of January. Fish any drop-off or point that has brush and bait present that you can find in 12 to 15 feet of water with a Carolina rig and a Big Bite Baits 6-inch finesse worm in green pumpkin or red bug. These are also good places to try a deep-diving crankbait, such as a Rapala DT 16. Also, try any of the bridges on Tobesofkee and clay points that offer heat with a small diving crankbait, such as a Strike King Series 3 or Bandit 200 Series in shad-imitating colors.” Clayton recommends the sexy-shad and chartreuse-shad colors. “For bigger fish, stay shallow and fish rocky banks, docks and grass in the 3- to 6-foot range with a black-and-blue Picasso jig teamed up with a green-pumpkin trailer,” Clayton said. “If the wind is blowing and you are faced with pre-frontal conditions, try reaction baits such as a chartreuse/white Picasso spinnerbait with double silver willow blades or a Spro Aruku Shad Jr. in the spooky-shad color.