I took my Grandson fishing at Lake Bastrop yesterday morning. We started early with topwaters. Nada. Schoolies came up mid morning. The schools were large and stayed up quite a while. We found ourselves surrounded by the schools several times. I couldn't get them to bite anything I threw though, except a couple on top water when they first started coming up. We fished until 11:00 AM. Lot's of fish-just couldn't get them to hit.
Lake Bastrop 8/23
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did you try clear Topwaters?? Like the Zara puppy or torpedo?? Those have always tricked a few for me......good to hear they are staying up longer......I gotta get out there again ...... 
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I had a similar experience yesterday out there. I tried a chrome torpedo with one blow up only. PopR didn't get a hit either. I threw a little rubber swim bait too with no luck. I almost put on a clear torpedo, but decided to try another day. It's still exciting, even without catching. :-/
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My favorite for Lake Bastrop schoolies, is the BABY TORPEDO in CLEAR....Cast it out and rip it fast, then stop....Rip it fast then stop.
Also, try and tie a #12 Tony Acetta Spoon to a 10lb mono-leader on the back of it...
The shad that those bass are feeding on, are between 1" and 2.5"....Thats it...Any lure bigger, does not work, IMO.
Good Luck!
Also, try and tie a #12 Tony Acetta Spoon to a 10lb mono-leader on the back of it...
The shad that those bass are feeding on, are between 1" and 2.5"....Thats it...Any lure bigger, does not work, IMO.
Good Luck!
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I'll have to give those a try. Thanks!
A clear tiny torpedo is exactly what I started with and caught the two fish that I did manage to catch on.Skeeter_Al_04 said:did you try clear Topwaters?? Like the Zara puppy or torpedo?? Those have always tricked a few for me......good to hear they are staying up longer......I gotta get out there again ......
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Per manufacture website:
The Key to Using a Heddon Torpedo
First and most important rule to remember when using a Heddon Lure: Be patient! After your lure hits the water, pause a few seconds before starting your retrieve. Begin with a stop - go retrieve, pausing between cranks of your reel. If that action doesn't produce a strike, use a "steady" retrieve. Be ready for an explosive strike!
The Torpedos create a wild splashing surface disturbance making them the perfect lures for schooling fish. Using quick, short and erratic twitches, the Torpedo performs at its best…producing explosive, heart-stopping surface strikes every time
There are several sizes to the torpedo...I found the Heddon X0361 Baby Torpedo (3.8oz-2.5" long - Clear), one size smaller than magnum, works for me...To each his own on figuring which one is best for you.
The Key to Using a Heddon Torpedo
First and most important rule to remember when using a Heddon Lure: Be patient! After your lure hits the water, pause a few seconds before starting your retrieve. Begin with a stop - go retrieve, pausing between cranks of your reel. If that action doesn't produce a strike, use a "steady" retrieve. Be ready for an explosive strike!
The Torpedos create a wild splashing surface disturbance making them the perfect lures for schooling fish. Using quick, short and erratic twitches, the Torpedo performs at its best…producing explosive, heart-stopping surface strikes every time
There are several sizes to the torpedo...I found the Heddon X0361 Baby Torpedo (3.8oz-2.5" long - Clear), one size smaller than magnum, works for me...To each his own on figuring which one is best for you.
I like number 01, 45, and 95. I have plenty of the clear so I guess I need to pick up a couple of the other two.
I say I was ripping it fast, but really I was just doing a consistent medium speed. It didn’t allow them to check it out so close; therefore they would hit it just because it was something moving across the surface. I think a 1/16 oz. white crappie jig tied on the end with about 8 to 10 inches of line might work. I’m just thinking out loud here, I have yet to try this but I will some day. It may interfere with the top water bait action.
I was there a couple weeks ago, and I agree with Fishytx... move fast and don't stop. I had the most luck when I would "walk the dog" at a medium to fast retrieve. Also, I found that if I waited to cast until saw a blowup, and cast directly to that spot I would get bit. Definitely some darn exciting fishing!
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