Outdoor News Daily

Lake Austin gave up the third Toyota ShareLunker of the season to Austin angler Brett Ketchum January 29.

The 13.0-pound bass is the thirteenth ShareLunker to come from the urban lake. Ketchum caught the fish on a jerkbait in 10 feet of 56-degree water while fishing in an Austin Bass Club of the Deaf tournament. He won big bass and placed second overall.

“She was a very good fighter,” Ketchum said. “Once she jumped, I noticed she was big, but I kept fighting her, and when she got close and I saw her I thought, ‘Oh, it’s big!’ I was nervous because I saw only one treble hook in her, and I knew I could lose her in a second. But I stayed calm, let her fight until she was tired, then reeled her close to the boat. My partner Sammy Oates, Jr., netted her beautifully. He and my son Braden were shaking when I bought her in.”
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Birch: January 30. All fishing slow. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Eucha: January 31. Elevation slightly below normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 14 – 16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.

Ft. Gibson: January 29. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 39 and clear. Catfish fair on cut bait and goldfish drifting in the main channel south of HWY 51 Bridge. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 20-25 ft. Black bass good on warm days using crankbaits and jig and pig combinations at 5ft. Report submitted by Rick Stafford of Wagoner.
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This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Northeast

Charette Lakes – The lake has closed for the season and will reopen next spring.

Clayton Lake – Closed until noon March 1.

Conchas Lake – Fishing is fair for crappie and walleye using minnows. Fishing pressure has been slow due to cold temperatures and wind.
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Charles Donohue of Philadelphia caught a 23-pound tautog on January 11, setting a new State record. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the catch, naming Donohue the new record holder, breaking the previous record of 20-pounds, 11-ounces set by Sam Beauchamp in 2007.

“The fish slammed the bait and the rod went straight down in a tough fight,” said Donohue. “I had no idea it was going to be such a big deal. Everyone on the boat was congratulating me and wanting a picture with me and the fish.”

Donohue caught his record 33-inch fish aboard Captain Monty Hawkins’ boat, Morning Star, over an artificial reef about 12 miles east of Ocean City. He was using a whole green crab as bait. Captain Hawkins said he felt the fish was a new record. The other anglers and crew agreed they should return to shore to get the fish weighed on a certified scale at AKE Marine. DNR biologist Steve Doctor met the crew at the dock to witness and certify the weight and species.
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