Terri Talks

Rod and I were asked by Firetrol, one of our sponsors, to fish at Lake Bob Sandlin on October 3, 2009.  We were pleased to be asked to represent them in what was, in the past, a construction industry tournament.  The Associated Builders and Contractors had been having this tournament for 10+ years, averaging 40-50 teams per year.  This year, however, the Lake Bob Sandling tournament became the 1st Annual Big Stringer Screamer Bass Tournament, open to all entrants.  Since that was the case, we had some pretty heavy-hitting competition, including fishing guides!

The lake was closed to entrants for two weeks prior to the tournament.  After the off-limits, an optional pre-fishing day was scheduled on Friday, October 2, 2009.  We took advantage of this pre-fishing day to see the lake for the first time in person.  As per my usual pre-fishing researching routine, I had already obtained a lake map, studied it thoroughly, and gleaned any and all information that I could get off of the Internet.  I spoke with a couple of people who had fished Bob Sandlin in years past, but could find no one who had fished it in the last few years to gain any up-to-date knowledge.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website, Lake Bob Sandlin is a 9004 acre lake near Mount Pleasant, Texas.  It is a moderately clear lake, with an average of 2-4 feet of visibility, with very little (approximately 3%) aquatic vegetation, mostly hydrilla.  Most of the cover is inundated timber, which was flooded by water when the lake was impounded in 1977.  In addition to the timber, there are a few fishing docks and piers.  Upon personal observation, however, in addition to the timber, there appeared to be a lot of grass and lily pads to fish around and through. There was a lot of that slimy grass that sticks to your hooks and lures, which some fishermen have dubbed “snot grass”, for obvious reasons.  I think that it is actually some kind of slimy algae growth.  At any rate, it is nasty to get off lures, and always seems to want to stick to your boat when you try to flick it off.  I’m sure every angler reading this knows what I’m talking about.  Anyway, ya’ll get the vegetation and fishing conditions background, I’m sure.

We launched Saturday, October 3rd at 6 am out of Barefoot Bay Marina near the dam at the east end of the lake.  Weigh-in was scheduled for 3 pm.  It was foggy and cold the morning of the launch, and Rod and I hung around the ramp until safe light when we could comfortably see to run.  As the day went by, it got very windy, and when the waves changed from white-caps to rolling waves, the ride got pretty bumpy.

Our fish came one at a time, on a sort of milk-run approach.  We fished the rip-rap near the rail-road bridge first, picking up several fish, but with only one weigher.  Onward toward the State Park, we fished around the timber along the main lake points, picking up a few more fish, adding one more weigher in the livewell.  Over at the radio tower we again fished along main lake points, and hooked into our biggest fish so far, who not-so-happily joined his buddies thumping around in the livewell.  Starting around noon, as the wind picked up the bite seemed to turn on, and we started hooking into more fish.  After culling through multiple fish, we finished out our limit in the radio tower area, and decided to call it a day and head to the weigh-in. 

Rod and I came in with a respectable five-fish limit and were one of the first ones in line at the weigh-in.  The creel limit was set at 14 inches, minimum, and we had a couple of pretty respectable fish, just no great kicker for big bass.  Our limit came in weighing just under 10 lbs, and we were pleased with our catch.  Unfortunately, we came in one place out of the money (the story of our lives).  We were proud to come in with a solid five-fish limit to represent our sponsors, especially Firetrol, who put forth a huge effort for this tournament!

Mr. David Ellis, representing Firetrol, attended the tournament.  Firetrol even donated all of the food and drinks for the festivities, including the huge barbecue rig on which the brisket was cooked.  The anglers and all of those attending the tournament were treated to a terrific barbecue meal, including drinks and beer!  All those in attendance sincerely enjoyed the nice spread.

As per usual, I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support in making our fishing possible.  Thank you to Lake Fork Marina and Motel, Gamma line, Bayou Tackle Company, Steve’s Custom Props, Hawg Wild Custom Baits, Champion Boats, Lake Fork Trophy Lures, Academy Sports and Outdoors, and Toyota Tundra.  Rod and I both would like to say a special thank-you Firetrol and Mr. David Ellis of Firetrol, for going above and beyond, especially in this tournament.  Check out our Sponsors page and links, and help us support our sponsors so that it is a two-way street.  Anyone who has any need for fire detection or suppression equipment should call David Ellis at 214-343-9200, or email him at dellis@firetrol.net.  Check out their website also at www.firetrol.net.  Before his life as a Professional Bass Caddy, Rod was in charge of many hospitals (67 at one time), and can tell you about David Ellis and Firetrol’s exceptional equipment and service.  I know that if Rod trusted them to take care of HIS hospital facilities and patients, they’re the best.  Please help us by supporting our Sponsors.  We only have sponsors that we really respect and believe in their products, so you can rest assured that if you patronize their services, you will be getting the best for your money.