Returning to a past lake fished and sharing secrets to catching more bass. KVD takes us back to the beginning of his career and catches some big bass on Lake Lanier, the site is his first BASS championship tournament!
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My journey at Lake Lanier began years ago, during my early career. In December 1991, I won my first national-level pro tournament Here.
Back then, it was cold, and I relied on slow-rolling a spinnerbait along the Chattahoochee River. This victory, anchored by targeting large mouths near laydowns, springboarded my career, earning me Angler of the Year and cementing Lake Lanier as a pivotal location in my fishing journey.
Evolution of Lake Lanier
Over the years, Lake Lanier has changed dramatically. It’s now dominated by spotted bass rather than largemouths, thanks to the proliferation of blueback herring and shad.
These spots have grown bigger and more aggressive, adapting perfectly to the conditions. Returning after two decades, I noticed this transformation firsthand, with a significant increase in large spots and a more diverse fish population, including stripers.
Practice Day: Experimenting with Techniques
During my recent visit, I spent the morning exploring the main lake areas and pockets near the ramp. Early bites came from a little pocket, but the fish seemed elusive. Despite the 58°-59° water temperature signaling spawning activity, the fish weren’t fully committed. This required adapting and experimenting.
Dock Fishing and Jerk Bait Success
As the day progressed, I targeted clear-water docks with a jerk bait. This strategy yielded results, including a few solid catches near dock corners and jet ski floats.
The fish weren’t schooling or showing surface activity, but persistence paid off. Notably, I spotted a few fish on beds, confirming my suspicion that they were in various stages of spawning.
Adjusting to Changing Conditions
The lack of wind early on made power fishing challenging, prompting me to shift gears. I explored rocky points and saddles, focusing on areas with potential current.
Later, a rainstorm introduced fresh, slightly stained water, creating perfect conditions for pre-spawn fishing. As the wind picked up in the afternoon, I switched to spinner bait, targeting windy pockets and chalky water with visible baitfish.
Highlights: Big Catches and Learning Moments
Several memorable moments stood out:
- Bridge Fishing: A neck-down area under a bridge proved productive. Using a Carolina Chrome raid swimmer, I caught a sizable spot amidst a school of similar-sized fish.
- Spinnerbait Success: Once the conditions aligned, slow-rolling a spinnerbait in chalky, wind-blown water resulted in multiple solid catches. The combination of stained water and active baitfish was a winning formula.
- Diverse Techniques: From jerk baiting to spinnerbaits, the day underscored the importance of versatility and adapting to conditions.
Fishing at Lake Lanier brought back a flood of memories while offering new challenges and learning opportunities. As I transition from tournament fishing, I’m excited to revisit places like this, share my experiences, and continue learning.
Every trip is an opportunity to teach and refine skills, and I look forward to bringing this journey to life for fellow anglers.
