John Murray's Blog

September 3

John Murray — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:33:56 +0000

Got up to Roosevelt this week for two mornings. Right now, fishing is still in the summer mode, meaning daylight fishing can be tough! The lake is higher at this time of year than ever, only 3to 5 feet down. So most of the flooded brush is still in the water, creating alot of habitat for the bass. The lake is falling slightly, but not enough to make a big difference. I was surprised that the topwater bite has not really turned on, or the mid-lake schooling. I think in the next 20 days till the tournament, both bites will materialize. Although I didn’t catch many fish, just being back out on Roosevelt was great, and I think the fishing will improve.

August 30

John Murray — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:39:49 +0000

Just returned from a two week vacation to my wife’s family farm in Illinois. The great thing about farms, is that they have farm ponds, and thats where I spent a lot of time! Their pond has a great bass population, and not much fishing pressure, so the catching was good. I only took a topwater frog and dropshot, but that was plenty to catch those bass. Powell Rods shipped my father-in-law a 703, and that was perfect, thanks Keith! The best lesson I learned was that I tend to fish too fast sometimes. Those pond bass really liked things slowed down, especially in the heat of the day. Now I can start concentrating on Roosevelt for the FLW event. With no slot limit, it should be a great event, and the city of Payson is really gearing up for it. Next Tuesday, Sept 7, I’ll be at Anglers Marine in San Diego, should be a fun night. I’ll post some Roosevelt reports as soon as I get up there!

August dog days

John Murray — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:37:11 +0000

Not much happening this summer. Did fish a night derby with superstar Tommy J, and we finished 3rd with 12lbs, great time! I’ve had some guide trips on Pleasant, and the fishing has been spotty, but the fish are as healthy as I’ve ever seen them when they do bite. I’ll be doing some trips to Roosevelt to prepare for the FLW in September. Many of us will be attending the Payson bass celebration on September 18th, so if you are close, come on up to cool Payson, should be fun! I will also be at the FINS seminar in San Diego, on September 7th, a cookout and bass talk- sounds good! I’ll keep you posted on Roosevelt conditions as we get closer, stay cool!!!

Day 3

John Murray — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:31:47 +0000

Gotta love combined weight! My partner, Pete, throws a giant 128 pointer on 8lb test across this point and catches a 3.48lber- good for a grand- and good weight for us! Today was a struggle, we only caught 7 keepers, and couldn’t cull a small smallie. At least we fought our way to a top 10 finish. We weighed 10.21lbs, and finished 9th place. Congrats to Clifford Pirch on winning his 2nd Open, and I’m off to the showers!!!

Day 2

John Murray — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:59:49 +0000

Gambled this morning by going to the back of vegas wash, and it didn’t work! Had two good bites there in practice and none today. I did catch a huge carp that I thought was my kicker. I caught three in the lower basin by 9, then took off for temple bar, and finished my limit there. Culled quite a few, but only ended with 8 something. I need to regroup tomorrow, but I’m not sure how. Guess it’ll come to me by morning, I hope!