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Banks Lake Report
Grant County, WA

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Details

07/08/2019
81° - 85°
Trolling
Smallmouth Bass
scented plastics
Green
Mostly Sunny
Plastics
Morning
66° - 70°
07/17/2019
4
7373

I had pretty much the same experience as Fishindoc. Although we fished from Monday to Friday. Mostly just in the morning for a few hours each day, but sometimes went out later in the day. Our main target was walleye, but could hardly fish through the smallies, so why not have some fun with them. All bass were released. Averaged about 6 walleye in 3 hours each morning. Lost several fish before the boat. Some days they choked it deep down there mouths and even lots of hook ups with the hook going through the roof of their mouths, so aggressive feeding on most days. But typical walleye with the hook falling out the second you let up the pressure. Color didn't seem to matter for us either. I fish with just a crawler on a slow death, but my wife likes purple smile blades. Most of the time we were about even with fish on. I tie up all sorts of color combos with smile blades. All worked, so go with your favorite.

After going through a lot of crawlers, I ended up just using Zoom 4" dropshot worms on a hook without blades. Did well with that also. My biggest walleye, 21", was on a dropshot rig working through the same area we picked up the others. Much more fun just to jig for them. Anyone who says walleye fight like dragging a boot, never caught one on light line with a dropshot. Ran just like a bass and didn't know what I had until I had it close to the boat.

Bass were ubiquitous. I found them on rocks and weed edges. Nice agressive hits. Also worked a swimbait hook with 1/4 ounce weight built in with a rage craw. Fantastic slams and runs with that.

On the last day and at the end of the last hour when we needed to leave, I got a major takedown on a zoom worm. Last year I had a big fish on in the same spot and lost it, so I thought this was my epic moment and had been given a second chance. I knew it was a good fish, but when it started off, I was blown away by the power and speed. I had 25lb braided on with a 12 lb fluorocore leader, so I felt confident I could horse it in. But I couldn't turn it or slow it down. It ran under the boat suddenly and then headed out into deeper water. I have never seen that part of the line on my reel before since I spooled it. With so much line out, I had no control or chance of turning it. I put on the trolling motor at full speed in pursuit. After some time and my arm getting sore, I was right above it and put the metal to the floor on it. Finally it started to give way to my pulling. I was slobbering at the prospect of success. My wife was posed with our largest net in anticipation. Then we both saw the outline - CARP! I was "suckered" big time. Oh well, that's my big fish story of the one that didn't get away. At least it put up a great run, so all is good. My wife does catch fish also, but she declines pictures of her holding a fish, and she did catch the biggest bass which isn't pictured.


Comments

Bogey
7/19/2019 10:38:29 AM
Nice report and sounds like you had a GREAT week!
stevertd2010
7/19/2019 11:25:53 AM
Thanks, and yes it was. My best trip ever at Banks.
fish4bass
7/20/2019 4:36:58 PM
Thanks for an awesome report. Sounds like an excellent trip. I'm re-inspired for Banks!!
FishingFool
7/20/2019 8:57:17 PM
yes, YES, YES!!!!

LOL fantastic. Great job.
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709