This was the 3rd year I teamed with my buddy, Bert, to form team “Fish On!”, in pursuit of victory in the BKFT Buddy Bass tournament. The past 2 years we fished it on Cowan Lake, but this year the list of lakes to pick from changed, and we chose to fish Clear Fork Reservoir up near Mansfield, Ohio, a lake the ODNR consistently rates as one of the best bass lakes in the state, and a new lake to both of us. You would think that since I have learned so much in the last couple of years that I would do better for our team this time, but no… I got skunked…the big zero. In pre-fishing, I got one 17″ bass (on a buzzbait of all things!) and Bert hooked a nice muskie (who stole his Jackhammer!), but on tournament day the only fish our team touched was Bert’s one short bass. I fished for 12 hours, paddled 12 miles in the 2 days, and tried my heart out, only to come up disappointed. But every time out I learn so much, I can see the improvement in my comfort level on the water, even if I didn’t succeed in catching. I explored up the beautiful Clear Fork River, found an adorable campground that I WILL be back to (River Trail Crossing Campground), and always enjoy teaming up with Bert (even when I feel like I let him down…he knows I tried!). My best measure of success is not always where I finish in the standings…although I would much rather win than skunk! Thanks as always to the guys who run the Buckeye Kayak Fishing Trail so that we can get out and play, and thanks to Strictly Sail & Kayak for being our trail sponsor! Now on to the next one!
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I commend you for your hard work, and dedication. I’ve fished that reservoir my entire life, and have never caught a bass of decent size. It’s very well known for the big Muskie!
Really nice fish! Well done!
Good video! You fished it hard!! Clearfork can be like that especially when it's dirty! Used to be a LOT better lake before the city started killing the weeds regularly!!
Yup! That's why it's called fishing. If a fish took the bait every cast, they'd call it catching. Darn! I dislike days like you experienced but thank the Good Lord for giving us the day, right?
Is there normally tournaments a clear fork? I've gotten heavily into bass fishing the last couple years although I bank fish for lack of a boat or a kayak might toss a crank bait next time I go though what color would you suggest?
What a fish to start off with! I think a lot of the trouble comes is finding what those fish do post front. For me, if I'm fishing during windy overcast conditions and the bite is strong and the next day that weather passes I almost always struggle. Honestly had an easy finding and pinning fish last winter than I did this spring. March and April both were tough months to fish. I think the fish just didn't know what they were doing with the wild weather.
Man, you will get them on the next trip. This is how my entire April seemed to go.
I was on a swim jig bite all day; partner found a senko bite up waaaay shallow near the pads. The best bite was on the flats on the north end. Looking at the scoreboard you were in the majority. It was a very tough bite. Most of my fish were extremely light bites until later in the day.
C U @ mosquito!
U sure u weren't fishing the ohio river? Water looked real muddy! Geeez! Not sure it should be called CLEAR Fork!Curious…didnt see no jackhammer being tossed around…thought for sure I'd see that in some of the video 😜
you made it back in one piece thats all that matters IMO :). Next time will do better!
I bow my self to your incredible drive, young lady. With the little amount of sleep and still stay after it that long with no bites,,,,,, wow. Just a testament to your fortitude! A wonderful video as always. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
That place looks cool
I know the feeling, I get skunk too many times. Better luck next time.
New sub here well done
I gotta get me one of them hats.
You are a wonder of health to your hands and labor, my dear friend. Very very good
On to the next one!!