BIRDSEYE, Ind. — If this were a few years ago, there’d be no question about what to do. However, a lot has changed on Lake Patoka, meaning Hoosier Division anglers are going to have to make a decision between targeting smallmouth or largemouth bass at the May 10 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine event.
This year, BFL anglers benefit from an expanded slate of Regionals, which minimizes travel costs and provides more opportunities to qualify for the $120,000 BFL All-American while fishing familiar, closer-to-home waters. Click here to find out more.
What to expect
It’s been a wet spring in Indiana, and Patoka is plenty proof of it.
The lake is currently 6-7 feet high, which means there are acres and acres of flooded bushes. While that may sound amazing to some, local Brody Campbell says it might actually be too much of a good thing.
“There are flooded bushes in the water everywhere,” Campbell said. “There’s so much water in the bushes, it’s actually hard to target fish. They can get so far back in some of the creeks you can’t pinpoint them.”
That said, Campbell says he wouldn’t be surprised if someone commits to flipping all day and gets five of the right bites. Then again, it might be the only five bites they get all day.
Which is why he figures many more will focus on the lake’s up-and-coming smallmouth population. The bronzebacks have become bigger and bigger players the last few years down toward the dam. Throw in the fact a pro can catch a solid mixed bag down that way, and it makes for a tough decision on what to do come the event.
Baits to bring
This all depends on which pattern an angler picks. Those opting for the shallow bushes need to bring their favorite flipping soft plastics and possibly a frog – no spinning gear required.
On the flip side, anglers heading toward the dam can ditch the heavy gear for Ned rigs and small swimbaits.
What will it take?
With the largemouth spawning in the bushes, an angler could certainly flip up a big bag near 20 pounds. More realistically, Campbell figures a mixed bag of 16-17 pounds has a better chance to take home the hardware.
Sign up to Fish 4 Free!
Every Phoenix Bass Fishing League angler fishing the fourth event in each division this season will receive an Abu Garcia gift pack valued at $230 for boaters and $180 for co-anglers – a value that exceeds the entry fee. It’s like Fishing 4 FREE! Plus, participants will receive a code for 25% off an order at AbuGarcia.com. Click here to sign up for the Abu Garcia Fishing 4 Free promotion, or call 270-252-1000 to take advantage of this offer. Anglers will receive their gift pack at the event.