Recently relocated to DFW for an internship. I have always wanted to fish fork but want to do it the right way. Can anyone here speak to the quality of any certain bass guides on fork or surrounding lakes?
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Richard on here is a guide I believe, his handle is Rocky.Last edited by txhunter90; 05-20-2019, 09:31 AM. -
Jason Hoffman is a good one!Comment
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David Ozio
James CaldemeyerComment
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Idk the guy personally but he’s very educational, check out “Your Lake Fork Guide” on YouTube. He’s a guide on fork and willing to teach a lot.
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His name is Stephen Fatheree. Great guy, great guide and a veteranComment
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I used Lee White once.I thought I was a good hook til I hired him.Learned a ton that day.I don't have his contact info anymore.If he's still doing it,shouldn't be hard to find.
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Ronnie Kelley will keep you laughing the whole day!
CapN Rons Guide ServiceComment
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You wanting to fish deep, shallow or a certain technique?Comment
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Brian Duplichain. Went with him multiple times and always caught fish.Comment
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Richard McCarty...Rocky on TBH is da man! He fished the Bassmasters for many years. Google him. The following is from an article by Matt Williams, the outdoor writer:
"Richard McCarty of Yantis, knows a thing or two about catching Texas heavyweights. The veteran lake fork guide has boated dozens of them over the years. He’s also one of handful of Texas anglers with multiple Toyota sharelunkers to his credit. Among them are a 14.2 Pounder caught in March 2000; a 14.07 Pounder in December of 1994; and a 13.56 Pounder in February of 1989.
Anybody can get lucky and catch a big bass once in their lifetime. But to catch that many true giants call demands way more mojo than any rabbit’s foot can provide.
I recently caught up with the big bass expert and asked him to share 10 tips to help anglers boost their chances of connecting with a heavyweight bass and closing the deal when the big bite comes. Here’s what he had to say:
1) Gear for the bite: Big bass weighing upwards 10 pounds are powerful fish that are frequently hooked in relation to heavy cover. For those reasons McCarty says anglers should always use the best equipment, they can afford and make sure the gear is suited for the task at hand. “If you’re targeting big fish, make sure that your gear -- line, rod, and hooks -- will handle that fish if you happen to get the bite you’re looking for,” he said.
2) Fish the fronts: McCarty is a firm believer in being on the water anytime a change in the weather is in the air. “A lot of guys like fish just ahead of a cold front, but I like to be on the water when the front arrives. All of my fish have come on the north wind as a front was pushing through. There is something about it that makes the big fish get active.”
3) Fish the Full Moon: It is a known fact the full moon phases in late winter and early spring can be the triggering mechanism the beckons big bass towards the shallows, where they are naturally more vulnerable to being caught. But that is not the only reason McCarty likes to be on the water under a big moon this time of year. “There is normally some sort of weather system that pushes through around the full moon,” he said. “That means low light, wind, and clouds. All that stuff in combination with the full moon causes the fish to get more active and stacks the odds in your favor.”
4) Stealth is key: Big fish don’t get big by being stupid and they tend to be wary of disturbances that are out to norm. For that reason, McCarty says stealth is essential.
“If I’m in an area where that has a history of producing big fish I never anchor or tie up. I stay on the move to try to surprise that fish before it knows I’m there. I systematically work everything (cover, structure in the area) so I can hopefully draw that bite before the fish knows I’m in the area. I don’t want it to be aware of my boat presence.”
5) Stick with the basics: While Alabama rigs and swim baits have produced quite a few big bass recent times, McCarty thinks you will boost your odds of connecting with a career bass by using baits and techniques that have the richest histories for producing big bites. Here in Texas, and on Lake Fork in particular, jigs, lizards and plastic worms rule. “Master those baits and you’ll catch more big bass,” McCarty said.
6) Tight to the boat: McCarty likes to work his jigs and plastics as close to the boat as possible, especially when targeting big fish in or around dense cover. “Fishing close to the boat gives you better sensitivity, plus you won’t have to fight a big fish through as much cover if you happen to hook one,” he said. “That will reduce the odds of something going wrong.”
7) Control the fish: When McCarty swings on a big bass, he puts the hammer down.
“Once you hook that fish don’t give to it,” he said. “Your gear should be ready to handle it. If I stick a fish on lizard or jig, I never try to lower my rod to prevent it from jumping. That changes the angle of the hook, which tears a bigger hole and increases the chance of the fish throwing the bait.”
8) Don’t panic: McCarty says it is important to not lose your cool when the big bite comes and to focus on winning the battle. “The worst thing you can do is lose your composure,” he said. “Bust them and go. Don’t think about losing the fish; think about putting it in the boat.”
9) The right mindset: McCarty says confidence is everything when your sights are set on catching outsize bass. “When targeting big fish, don’t be complacent,” he said. “If you’re fishing for a big bite, expect it.”
10) Fish where they live: This one is a no brainer. If you want to catch big bass, spend your time on lakes with a reputation for producing them. Lake Fork has kicked more ShareLunkers (257) than any other lake, but none since Nov. 2014. McCarty thinks the hottest lake in Texas right now is Toledo Bend along the Texas/Louisiana border. Some other good choices include Falcon, Amistad, Pinkston, Sam Rayburn, Lake O’ The Pines and Naconiche."
Two more articles:
Last edited by Burnadell; 05-20-2019, 11:58 AM.Comment
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Hire slew he catches nothing but giant crappie
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Jason Conn. a good friend just went with him last week and could not say enough good about himComment
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I’ve lived here 40 years. And McCarty would be my choice.
Brooks Rogers would also be a great guideComment
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Brooks is another White Oak grad who has made a name for himself in his chosen field.Originally posted by Low Fence View Post
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