1st time bass fishing in 20 years

Planning to hit Clear Lake up here in Skagit County after work to try for some bass and panfish AOTY points.  Haven't intentionally fished for bass in at least 20 years.  It'll be all CPR since I've never eaten a bass that I liked the flavor of.

Anyone that wants to join is welcome.  Though with the last minute notice I don't expect anyone to make it.

20 years of fishing without fishing for bass?

Your missing all the fun my friend.

Heading out for bass right now.

Why am I typing this................

I'm generally a meat fisherman.  I like the fight, and I've done CnR, but in general if I won't eat them I prefer not to try to catch them.  Plus for quite a while there I was all about trying to catch steelhead or salmon (still haven't succeeded with that).  With AOTY points up for grabs though, I figured I'd give bass fishing a shot.

No joy.  Got one strike, but couldn't make it stick.  Still, a fun evening.  Very glad I left the dry suit in the truck.  Would have absolutley roasted in it.  Besides the water was probably 65F, and doubtful it much more than chest deep, so it wasn't necessary.

Better luck next time.

sumpnz,

I grew up fishing bass tournaments in Colorado and do a ton of bass fishing locally in the Seattle area. If you need to get a few AOTY points shoot me a PM and I will take you out and get you that 5lber that you need. Ill throw out a "bait" list for you to get you started. Fish these in and around lilly pads/aquatic vegetation. Don't hesitate to throw #1 OR #2 right into the middle of the lilly pads, the fish will blow out the top and grab it, just use heavy line and a heavy rod to get them through the weeds.

1: 6" Texas rigged worm (colors: green w/red flake, root beer, pumpkinseed, brown w/chartreus tail)
2: 6" Berkley Super Fluke rigged weightless (same colors as above)
honestly if you have these you will catch fish!

Here are a few local bass (out of my float tube sorry guys, I just bought a yak)





Pic doesn't do this fish justice, he went 22" and right at 7lbs.

nice catches holg, you don't run across many bass fisherman in this area which is good for me. Growing up in the midwest it was forbidden to keep bass, anyways any suggestion on lakes in snohomish county, I have not done well this year and been out about 6 times, must be doing something wrong.