Video by Bass Fishing Declassified on 8/11/2023

Introduction

Jimi and Reid embark on a fishing challenge at Lake Nimrod in West Central Arkansas, aiming to catch 15 pounds of bass in under four hours. The video takes place in the first week of August, with water temperatures in the low 90s and air temperatures reaching 100 degrees. The duo explores various techniques, strategies, and equipment to catch bass, focusing on the river section of the lake.

Seasonal Focus

Set in the summer, specifically the first week of August, the hot weather and water temperatures play a significant role in the strategies employed. The water temperatures are in the low 90s, and the air temperature hits the 100-degree mark, influencing fish behavior and location.

Target Structures

1. Ditch Mouths: Targeted for brush piles, stumps, and hard spots like shell beds.
2. Lay Downs and Brush: Shaded areas off the main river, including bream beds.
3. Main River: Shallow cover, bushes, and drops around wood.

Challenges

1. Unfamiliarity with the Lake: Lack of detailed maps and contour lines.
2. Lack of Current: Affects fish behavior and positioning.
3. Hot Weather: Water temperature in the low 90s and air temperature at 100 degrees influence fish activity and location.

Practical Approaches and On-the-Water Techniques

1. Covering a Lot of Water: Moving quickly to find active fish.
2. Using Electronics: Utilizing down Imaging, Side Imaging, and forward-facing sonar.
3. Junk Fishing: Employing various baits and techniques.
4. Observing Shade and Structure: Targeting specific lay downs and brush that provide shade.

Casting Strategies

1. Cranking: Using crankbaits around drops and wood.
2. Flipping Shallow Bushes: Targeting shallow cover in the main river.
3. Using Live Scope: For precise casting to visible fish.

Fish Caught, Techniques, and Weights

1. First Two Fish: Weighed 3.06 and 4.45 pounds. Caught early in the challenge, setting a positive start.
2. Fifth Keeper: Weighed 2.75 pounds. Caught while fishing ditch mouths off the main river.
3. Biggest Fish of the Day: Weighed 3.7 pounds. Caught on a crankbait around drops and wood.
4. Total Weight: 13.6 pounds for four hours of fishing.

Observations and Re-fishing Areas

1. Fish Behavior: Fish were found to be shallow, suspending, and roaming around the mouths.
2. Re-fishing Brush Piles and Stumps: Revisiting these structures.

Specific Baits and Techniques

1. Zoom Magnum Trick Worm: Watermelon candy color.
2. Square Bills, 5xd, Hair Jig, Big Worm: Various baits for different situations.
3. 3/8 ounce Football Head Shaky Head: With a three-out hook for more action.
4. Crankbait: Specifically 5xd for grinding on drops around wood.

Equipment

The video does not specifically mention the types, lengths, actions, or reels of the rods used.

Insights into Fish Behavior, Structures, and Timing

1. Fish Behavior: Fish were found to suspend and roam, moving up to feed when they want.
2. Structures: Man-made brush piles, stumps, rock, and shell beds.
3. Timing: The timing of moving to different structures was crucial.

Bait Color

• Watermelon Candy Color: Used for the Zoom Magnum Trick Worm.

Conclusion

Jimi and Reid’s adventure on Lake Nimrod showcases a multifaceted approach to bass fishing. Through a combination of keen observation, strategic planning, and versatile techniques, they managed to navigate the challenges of an unfamiliar lake with hot water and air temperatures. Their use of various baits, coupled with insights into bass behavior and effective strategies, provides valuable lessons for anglers looking to adapt to new environments and conditions. The detailed account of the fish caught, techniques used, and weights adds a practical dimension to the video, serving as a rich resource for understanding bass behavior, effective strategies, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in successful fishing.