"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." However, in bass fishing, when the going does get tough, sometimes it's time to go back to the basics! Maybe its time to put away that $50 dollar swimbait or crazy topwater oddity and pick up the good old stick bait. Commonly known as the senko, the stickbait has been one of the most successful lures to ever be introduced into the fishing world. Incredibly simple to use, the senko offers a lifelike worm presentation to hungry bass, showing a unique wiggling motion on the fall.
Senkos can be fished in any bodies of fresh water ranging from small ponds all the way to large lakes around dock pilings and water outflows. The popularity of this bait has flourished in the past years due to it's incredible simplicity and versatility. The three best ways to fish a senko is to A. wacky rig them by hooking the bait right in the middle, allowing both sides to hang freely from the hook. B. texas rig them, and C. just rig it weightless. Hooking the senko weightless helps it's natural wiggle action come alive on the fall.
So when all else fails, try going back to the basics. You might come to find that those "hard to catch" bass are suckers when it comes to worms. Here at Dream Catchers, We have a wide variety of stick baits from a number of different companies. Come check some out and get some for yourself so you'll be prepared when the going gets tough.
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
The Gateway into Pro Bass Fishing
For many young anglers, the dream is to one day become a professional bass fisherman and compete in high end tournaments all across the US. Many dream of becoming the next KVD, being able to hoist the trophy onstage of the Bassmaster Classic. However, this dream for many, seems more like a fantasy than an actual aspiration. Today, the aura that surrounds pro bass fishing has seemed to evolve into what seems to be an impenetrable field where only the most skilled anglers with the most money have a shot at becoming one of the greats. There is however, a much easier way to begin making your way up in the fishing world without starting from scratch.
One of the biggest jumpstarts for competitive bass fishing is being on a college bass team. College bass fishing gives young aspiring anglers a taste of what the pro life is like, without the major investments. Sponsors look for skilled fisherman in college fishing to rep their gear out on the water, and tournaments are dirt cheap compared to actual professional tournaments. Essentially, joining a local college bass fishing team/club is one of the best moves a young eager bass fisherman can make. At the end of ones college fishing career, depending on stats and sponsorships, an angler very well may have a very good chance at successfully transitioning into the "pro" status.
Austin Neary, founder of Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply was also the founder of Western Carolina University's very own WCU BassCats fishing club, making it possible for younger anglers to already get a step ahead in competitive fishing. Anglers from all over western North Carolina now have a place to come and a team to join if they are interested in seriously becoming a well known fisherman
We recommend anyone looking to become a high ranking bass fisherman to join a local club/team. You will no doubt learn much more about the sport itself, and make some amazing lifelong friendships along the way.
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
One of the biggest jumpstarts for competitive bass fishing is being on a college bass team. College bass fishing gives young aspiring anglers a taste of what the pro life is like, without the major investments. Sponsors look for skilled fisherman in college fishing to rep their gear out on the water, and tournaments are dirt cheap compared to actual professional tournaments. Essentially, joining a local college bass fishing team/club is one of the best moves a young eager bass fisherman can make. At the end of ones college fishing career, depending on stats and sponsorships, an angler very well may have a very good chance at successfully transitioning into the "pro" status.
Austin Neary, founder of Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply was also the founder of Western Carolina University's very own WCU BassCats fishing club, making it possible for younger anglers to already get a step ahead in competitive fishing. Anglers from all over western North Carolina now have a place to come and a team to join if they are interested in seriously becoming a well known fisherman
We recommend anyone looking to become a high ranking bass fisherman to join a local club/team. You will no doubt learn much more about the sport itself, and make some amazing lifelong friendships along the way.
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
Friday, September 1, 2017
Fishing report for Lake Junaluska
LAKE JUNALUSKA FISHING REPORT
With the current rainy conditions brought in by Hurricane Harvey, local water levels are rising making the water murkier. However, due to the constant rain, bass have been seen frequently blowing up on the surface. Spinnerbaits or topwater are recommended in these conditions as bass are near the surface looking to feed on any readily available forage. Lake Junaluska has especially seen heavy topwater activity in the past week. A small popper or prop bait would be ideal for the current conditions. Here at Dream Catcher's fishing we recommend the spybait or the Yo Zuri 3DS popper for higher hookup ratios. However, if the water is too choppy for a solid topwater bite, try switching up to a black/blue spinnerbait in murky or dark water, or more natural colors such as white or pearl in clear water conditions.
We are excited for this short opportunity for an outstanding topwater bite in Western North Carolina and look forward to seeing you in our shop and hearing your stories of success!
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
With the current rainy conditions brought in by Hurricane Harvey, local water levels are rising making the water murkier. However, due to the constant rain, bass have been seen frequently blowing up on the surface. Spinnerbaits or topwater are recommended in these conditions as bass are near the surface looking to feed on any readily available forage. Lake Junaluska has especially seen heavy topwater activity in the past week. A small popper or prop bait would be ideal for the current conditions. Here at Dream Catcher's fishing we recommend the spybait or the Yo Zuri 3DS popper for higher hookup ratios. However, if the water is too choppy for a solid topwater bite, try switching up to a black/blue spinnerbait in murky or dark water, or more natural colors such as white or pearl in clear water conditions.
We are excited for this short opportunity for an outstanding topwater bite in Western North Carolina and look forward to seeing you in our shop and hearing your stories of success!
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Best baits for fall fishing
With fall just around the corner, avid anglers are starting to switch up their arsenal when it comes to lure selection. With the weather steadily changing, water temp is slowly staring to drop, causing bass behavior and feeding habits to once again change. Surprisingly, many anglers may not know how to determine which lures to begin using once the air starts to become a little brisk. Some might just stick to the "ol faithful" lure throughout the year, hoping that they might get lucky and get a strike. However, once the seasons change, bass tend to switch up which natural forage they will predominantly pursue. Here at Dream Catchers, we have composed a list of our favorite and most successful lures to use during the fall months.
1. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are all around a great versatile lure. Covering a huge amount of water, spinnerbaits are sure to locate potentially schooling fish quickly. In the fall months, baitfish largely migrate into small pockets or coves. Bass are almost always found wherever the schools of bait move to. Matching the relative size of the certain species of forage is key to generating a strike. We recommend a silver/blue skirt with a medium sized Colorado blade in clear water conditions. In murky water, a chartreuse or pearl color is recommended to make your bait stand out in the crowd.
2. Swimbaits.
During the fall, swimbaits are a must-have in anybody's tackle bag. With the overwhelming amount a migrating baitfish, a swimbait is a perfect, lifelike imitation that will be sure to get some attention. With a subtle presentation, swimbaits offer an easy meal to sometimes lethargic fish. Once the water temperature cools way down later in the fall, a bass will be looking for prey that doesn't require much effort to gobble up. A slow rolling, paddletail swimbait offers just that kind of opportunity to those lazy fish.
3. Jigs.
Jigs are often a widely overlooked bait to use during the fall. In reality, a jig can be a very successful tool when it comes to getting fish in the boat. Jigs have many different functions and uses that many anglers very often overlook. During the fall, try swimming a jig (preferably white or silver to imitate surrounding baitfish) past dock pilings, brush, and in and around small coves and creek channels. The natural presentation of the skirt will be sure to trigger a strike from a hungry bass.
4. Jerkbaits.
How could you leave out one of the most widely used baits in the modern fishing world? Jerkbaits offer a very lifelike approach when bass fishing, and with the abundance of baitfish during the fall, they offer a very enticing invitation. These baits are perfect for imitating a wounded baitfish, giving bass an easy, effortless meal. Fish them around large schools of bait and bass will automatically pick what seems to be the wounded fish out of the school. With lure patterns becoming more and more realistic each day, jerkbaits are a highly recommended lure to use during the fall months.
5. Topwater.
Ah yes, topwater. Almost everyone's favorite type of lure. Many anglers will make the mistake of completely ruling topwater out of their baits to use once the cooler weather rolls in. Well there's good news! you don't have to put away that frog or popper just yet. With the water temp slowly cooling and becoming less hot, bass will become quite active chasing schools of bait in the early fall. This will no doubt trigger some insane topwater explosions from some hungry bass. So stick with it for a little while longer until it gets colder, you may just land a hawg.
Those are just some of the lures we recommend here at Dream Catchers Fishing. Hopefully, this gives you sort of an idea of the baits that will largely produce for you once the leaves start falling. Here at Dream Catchers HQ, we have a massive selection of all the baits mentioned above and much much more! Hopefully this post will help you become a more successful angler in the changing months, and we wish you the best of luck.
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
1. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are all around a great versatile lure. Covering a huge amount of water, spinnerbaits are sure to locate potentially schooling fish quickly. In the fall months, baitfish largely migrate into small pockets or coves. Bass are almost always found wherever the schools of bait move to. Matching the relative size of the certain species of forage is key to generating a strike. We recommend a silver/blue skirt with a medium sized Colorado blade in clear water conditions. In murky water, a chartreuse or pearl color is recommended to make your bait stand out in the crowd.
2. Swimbaits.
During the fall, swimbaits are a must-have in anybody's tackle bag. With the overwhelming amount a migrating baitfish, a swimbait is a perfect, lifelike imitation that will be sure to get some attention. With a subtle presentation, swimbaits offer an easy meal to sometimes lethargic fish. Once the water temperature cools way down later in the fall, a bass will be looking for prey that doesn't require much effort to gobble up. A slow rolling, paddletail swimbait offers just that kind of opportunity to those lazy fish.
3. Jigs.
Jigs are often a widely overlooked bait to use during the fall. In reality, a jig can be a very successful tool when it comes to getting fish in the boat. Jigs have many different functions and uses that many anglers very often overlook. During the fall, try swimming a jig (preferably white or silver to imitate surrounding baitfish) past dock pilings, brush, and in and around small coves and creek channels. The natural presentation of the skirt will be sure to trigger a strike from a hungry bass.
4. Jerkbaits.
How could you leave out one of the most widely used baits in the modern fishing world? Jerkbaits offer a very lifelike approach when bass fishing, and with the abundance of baitfish during the fall, they offer a very enticing invitation. These baits are perfect for imitating a wounded baitfish, giving bass an easy, effortless meal. Fish them around large schools of bait and bass will automatically pick what seems to be the wounded fish out of the school. With lure patterns becoming more and more realistic each day, jerkbaits are a highly recommended lure to use during the fall months.
5. Topwater.
Ah yes, topwater. Almost everyone's favorite type of lure. Many anglers will make the mistake of completely ruling topwater out of their baits to use once the cooler weather rolls in. Well there's good news! you don't have to put away that frog or popper just yet. With the water temp slowly cooling and becoming less hot, bass will become quite active chasing schools of bait in the early fall. This will no doubt trigger some insane topwater explosions from some hungry bass. So stick with it for a little while longer until it gets colder, you may just land a hawg.
Those are just some of the lures we recommend here at Dream Catchers Fishing. Hopefully, this gives you sort of an idea of the baits that will largely produce for you once the leaves start falling. Here at Dream Catchers HQ, we have a massive selection of all the baits mentioned above and much much more! Hopefully this post will help you become a more successful angler in the changing months, and we wish you the best of luck.
Tight Lines!
Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779
Friday, June 23, 2017
Fishing Report Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge and More! 06/23/17
Summer is HERE and fishing is WEIRD! The lakes across the mountains of Western NC and North GA are fishing a little odd for this time of the year but it's coming around! Water temps are raising rapidly and the fish are starting to stack and become easier to pattern! All the lakes are fishing a little different but all of the lakes are fishing similarly in a few ways. Here are the current conditions and reports for the lakes of Western NC and North GA!
Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 81*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots and hybrids breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.
Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There is still a herring spawn happening early in the morning! Top water is working well in the mornings and continues to work with cloud cover. A drop shot on deep brush and deep rock will produce well. Waterfalls are fishing well and doing extremely well during rainy conditions! A senko down the bank will catch some big fish randomly. Cruising fish are staying on the banks looking for last few spawning herring and bedding bream.
Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 81*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots and hybrids breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.
Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There is still a herring spawn happening early in the morning! Top water is working well in the mornings and continues to work with cloud cover. A drop shot on deep brush and deep rock will produce well. Waterfalls are fishing well and doing extremely well during rainy conditions! A senko down the bank will catch some big fish randomly. Cruising fish are staying on the banks looking for last few spawning herring and bedding bream.
Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There was a recent threadfin shad hatch on the lake and there are clouds of bait in the back of every creek! Big smallmouth are schooling on the small threadfin and big largemouth are in back waters. A frog will put some decent largemouth in the boat as well as a Keitech and spybait in the areas where bait is present!
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There was a recent threadfin shad hatch on the lake and there are clouds of bait in the back of every creek! Big smallmouth are schooling on the small threadfin and big largemouth are in back waters. A frog will put some decent largemouth in the boat as well as a Keitech and spybait in the areas where bait is present!
Bear Lake
Water Temp: 77*
Clarity: 10ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: A lot of bream spawning and a threadfin up in the water column! Breaking fish are showing up towards the bottom of the lake near dam. Both largemouth and trout are in these schools! Frogging and throwing soft plastics around overhangs are catching numbers of fish and good size mixed in! Drop shotting points and a jig in deep brush will catch above average fish!
Water Temp: 77*
Clarity: 10ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: A lot of bream spawning and a threadfin up in the water column! Breaking fish are showing up towards the bottom of the lake near dam. Both largemouth and trout are in these schools! Frogging and throwing soft plastics around overhangs are catching numbers of fish and good size mixed in! Drop shotting points and a jig in deep brush will catch above average fish!
Nantahala Lake
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: Just like Glenville there are a few herring spawning on hard rocky shorelines. Fish are pushing shallow on overhanging banks and rocky points. Top water will produce numbers and some size! Drop shotting points and fishing deep brush will catch some solid fish. Creek heads and frogging go hand in hand! There are some solid fish in the cooler water!
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: Just like Glenville there are a few herring spawning on hard rocky shorelines. Fish are pushing shallow on overhanging banks and rocky points. Top water will produce numbers and some size! Drop shotting points and fishing deep brush will catch some solid fish. Creek heads and frogging go hand in hand! There are some solid fish in the cooler water!
Lake Burton
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Fishing Report Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge, Lake Burton and Fontana Lake 4/24/17
Lake Glenville
Temp:62*
Clarity: 6ft
Level: Even
Pattern: 25% Prespawn, 50% Spawn, 25% Postspawn
Fishing Staging on wood and docks. Jig, spinnerbait, whooper plopper, worms and jerkbaits still playing. Top water season is here!!!!..... Kind of! They'll definitely eat a popper or walking style bait but we are a week or two out from some serious top water action!
Lake Chatuge
Temp:66*-70*
Clarity: 6ft
Level: -4
Pattern: 10% Prespawn, 20% Spawn, 70% Postspawn
It's almost time for the herring spawn to come on HOT! Fish are eating top water and swimbaits! When the shad spawn happens it's hard to beat shad imitating baits! You can always catch them on a worm or jig!
Lake Burton
Temp: 65*-68*
Clarity: 8ft
Level: -2
Pattern: 15% Prespawn, 25% Spawn, 60% Postspawn
Very similar to Chatuge, the herring and shad spawn is going to be picking up in no time and the fish will be feeding up heavy to get healthy after the spawn. Spinnerbaits, top water and swimbaits should play pretty well!
Fontana Lake
Temp: 68*-71*
Clarity: 10ft
Level: -18
Pattern: 15% Prespawn, 15% Spawn, 70% Postspawn
Spots will be schooling along with largemouth and smallmouth. Big bass will be pushing to the cool water in backs of creeks! Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water should be the ticket!
Thursday, March 23, 2017
3/23/17 Bass Fishing Report: Lake Chatuge, Lake Glenville, Fontana Lake, Lake Burton
I personally believe SPRING HAS ARRIVED!!! Last weeks frigid temps appear to be the last ones on the extended forecast into April! We have totally been slacking on updated fishing reports as we have been super busy at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply with getting ready for our first spring! It's been more time in the shop and less time on the water. But let's dive into what is happening!
It is HARDCORE PRESPAWN!!! There are a ton of fish shallow and waves of fish moving shallower by the day! The daily temps are climbing and so are the water temperatures. We currently have a waning moon but when the moon begins to grow again at the beginning of April and the water warms to above 58* the spawn will be on! So whats happening now?
Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 53-57
Clarity: 7ft
Water Level:-5
Pattern: The fish are feeding up heavy for the spawn and it's about to bust WIDE OPEN! Lots of fish, big fish, every fish! They are staging for the spawn. Getting in and around structure and cover before they move up to their beds! Anything shad looking covering water will play well! Spawning flats with visible structure and cover will be holding some fish! A pig and jig is always a good way to catch a big one this time of the year!
Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 48-52
Clarity: 9ft
Water Level:-3
Pattern: The fish are still running a lot of shad on points and pockets! Swimbaits and jerkbaits playing a good bit on bigger fish. A weedless craw style or jig style lure in wood will catch some studs at the same time a finesse worm style presentation will catch a few nice fish around docks.
Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 54-58
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level:-38
Pattern: Finesse jigs, drop shot and shakyhead will catch #'s of fish. Bluff walls and structure in the water will be holding a majority of bigger fish. Big largemouth are moving back to the flats in the backs of creeks to spawn and are getting on laydowns and cover. Jigs, floating worms and some swimbaits can catch the fish moving back.
Lake Burton
Water Temp: 53-57
Clarity: 8ft
Water Level:-3
Pattern: Docks are holding big fish while some big fish are still roaming and schooling. Big spots are packing herring back on flats and starting to move shallow as well. Swimbaits in a few different styles, jigs and jerkbaits catching some fish as well! Spinner baits playing well too! Look for Big bass in back water moving forward!
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