Paradise PFA Fishing Report – August 2008

Paradise PFA: Level: Lakes are 12 to 18 inches below full pool. Temp: 83-84 degrees. Clarity: Lightly stained; 36-inch visibility on Lake Patrick.

Bass: Fair, according to area manager Charles West. Try fishing topwater baits during early morning periods. Switch to crankbaits by mid morning and concentrate on the deeper water down to about 6 feet. Some anglers are reporting good luck fishing a Texas-rigged 6-inch black plastic worm in Lake Patrick and Russell around piers and in heavy cover. Paul Spampinato, who is a regular at Paradise, says that, “Although fishing has been tough we have had a few good days so just keep trying. We have fished several hours without a hit and then everything will change, and we end up catching all of our fish in about 30 minutes.” Paul fishes most tournaments held at Paradise, and he is very familiar with the lakes. He recommends fishing the Chug Bug, Buzzcraw and Pop R during early mornings and prefers fishing Patrick and the Horseshoe Lakes.

Bream: Good. Red wigglers and crickets are the most common baits with crickets being the No. 1 choice. Lakes Bobben and Patrick have been the best for bluegill. Lakes Horseshoe One, Horseshoe Three and Tacklebuster also are producing some good catches. Drop a cricket into shoreline cover and around docks, particularly during early morning periods. Anglers are still catching some pound-size redear in Patrick using red wigglers for bait. Fish in 4 to 6 feet of water with the bait suspended just off the bottom. Use the lightest tackle possible to improve your chances of getting bites.

Catfish: Fair on Lakes Tacklebuster, Horseshoe 1 and Horseshoe 2 for fish in the 1- to 2-lb. range using mullet gut or liver.

Note: On Sept. 27, in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, JAKES/Outdoor Adventure Day will be held at Paradise PFA. During the event Lakes Cup and Saucer will be open to kids 15 years of age and younger, and Lake Horseshoe 6 will also be open to all anglers from sunrise to sunset.