For the Week Ending Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017

Monday, Sept. 18 (from Ron)...With the gauge at 0.15, I had to figure a decent launch. My son was headed to Sandbridge and reported that Lotus Garden launch was dry, no water. Decided on upper North Landing and was pleasantly surprised by the action. Caught four dink bass, as well as a 1-3, 1-4, and a nice 2-5. SwimSenko, Zoom Fluke and Pop R were the ticket. With the water so very low, had to figure out where they were. Most were adjacent to any stumps that had water around them, and they were few and far between. Banks were dry, and the water line started about 6 - 8 feet from shore. Really nice to see all the structure along the shorelines, which I logged for future trips.

Wednesday, Sept. 20 (from Ron)...Fished Albright's this evening. Caught three dink bass, plus a 15 oz., 1-3, and a 1-7, as well as three white perch. Everything fell to the spinnerbait. Also caught the smallest bowfin I've ever caught; didn't know they came in this size! Tried some other lures but didn't find anything with them. Conditions were tough. With the very low water, they were hard to find. There were lots of snakes out this evening. Also saw one jet skier.

Thursday, Sept. 21 (from Ken)...Had two reasons to hit the water today: (1) wanted to see if I could catch a couple of fish and (2) needed to check the water level for this Saturday's tournament. As it turned out, I only could catch one fish: a 1-2 bass on a chatterbait. And, secondly, there is plenty of water for the tournament. In fact, by tournament time, it now looks as though water probably will be in the parking lot. Ran into Rob P. and Dave A. on the water today and learned they managed to find three small bass between them. I can't speak for any area but West Neck Creek, but the water quality there was bad today, especially above the bridge. In my opinion, there likely won't be any 16-pound bags weighed Saturday. Actually, I suspect there will be very few limits weighed. Bottom line: The prospects for a very tough day are looming on the horizon.

Thursday, Sept. 21 (from Ron)...Saved from a rare skunk by one, just one, measly white perch. Fished almost three hours from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Had one tap at about 1830, then found  a white perch, and that was all. Tried several lures, but nothing was working. (from Charlie)...Same problem. Fished from 6:30 to noon and got one bass, a 1-8, about 11:30. Water was muddy and high. Looks like the hand-writing is on the wall, folks.

Friday, Sept. 22 (from Ray)...Launched at Pungo Ferry Bridge and fished Blackwater Creek. It was tough going. The water was high, with poor visibility. Ended up with three bass: 1.5, 1.4, and 11 ozs. Lost one on the buzzbait, which, along with the spinnerbait and Senko, were the lures of the day. Water temperature was 78/80. Because I'm not familiar with the creek, I ended up doing a lot of exploring.

Sunday, Sept. 24 (from Ron)...Found a few small panfish, a couple of dink bass, a drag-screaming bowfin (weighing 5-5 and measuring 26 inches), and a 19-inch, 3-3 bass. 'Twas slightly murky in North Landing and Milldam. Launched at Munden Point, with the added benefit of almost no boat traffic or pesky jet skiers. I like this time of year. Small spinnerbaits and SwimSenkos were finding them. Didn't try anything else.