Went to West Point to try to find some fish for a club tournament
Sunday. Got there about 9 and headed to a point near the dam that was
loaded with fish two years ago this time - hooked one 6 inch bass on a
crankbait on it.

Eased into the pocket behind it and looked for bedding fish. Lake is 5
feet low and very clear right now. Saw lots of carp but no bass.
Threw a Trick Worm to every stump I saw and caught a 16 inch
largemouth by one. Only bite I got in that creek in two arms of it.

Ran out and hit a hump and a rocky main lake point with a Carolian rig
- no bites. Idled around an old roadbed but saw no fish or baitfish.

Went into another creek and started riding the bank. Started seeing
bass hovering and cruising around dark patches - the fish would not
stay in one spot but moved constantly. Would look at my bait then run
off. Tried the Trick worm, a white lizard on jig head and a jig and
pig. Caught a 13 inch largemouth I didn't see that hit a Trick worm
twice - threw to a dark patch and line took off, missed on the hook
set. Threw right back and landed the fish.

Near the back of the cove saw a 3 pound fish cruising a patch of grass
- dark patch on the bottom. I guess they are spawning on the dark
bottom because it holds heat a little better. I have a theory that
early spawners spawn in more shallow water because they need more
sunlight due to cooler water than later spawners need, so later ones
spawn deeper.I think the fish I am seeing are males looking at beds
sites but not fanning yet. Maybe the females will move in by Sunday
but it will be cloudy then.

Caught a couple of 11 inch spots on stumps on the Trick Worm.

Went to the next creek and same pattern - caught a couple of short
spots and one 15 inch largemouth. Water was a little more stained and
saw no spawners.

Next creek caught a couple more spots casting the Trick worm to stumps
and letting it sink. Also got a 15 inch largemouth - that made three
keepers for the day - not too great.

Water ranged from 69 on the lake to 77 in one backout . Saw big
schools of shad in every cove. Left at about 5:00 - a couple I talked
with at the ramp that morning called me the next morning to say they
saw me leave and were catching fish like crazy when I left, fish
turned on just before 5 for them.