Jackson and I were in the boat in Lake Monticello this morning at 5:45. We were able to run the skunk off in the first five minutes when Jackson caught one on a Rage Tail Shad. Today we used a Rage Tail, a Red Eye Shad, various top waters and swimbaits. The best luck was had in 10 feet of water around wood stumps or small trees down to broom stick size with a swimbait. Let the bait sink to the bottom and then a slow retrieve. Most fish were small except for the FOD at 4 – 8 and two in the three pound range. We caught 11 and left at 2:00. When I drove into my driveway my phone rang. It was Mickey preparing to go on Ferguson and asking if I wanted to go. It had been hot today so I had to decline. He was caught in the rain but found shelter and stayed on the lake. I am awaiting his report.

EDIT: After the rain, Mickey returned and caught four bass, three in the 3 pound range and one smaller. He caught them on a Carolina rig and on a 5XD. Very good for a short trip.

EDIT 2: The larger bass we caught in Lake Monticello had bigger heads in proportion to the rest of their bodies. The one that weighed 4 1/2 looked like it should have weighed a pound more.  It appears that the fish may not have enough to eat. When we did see schooling fish but they were small and chasing small minnows. I know the fish have spawned but enough time has passed for them to gain back some weight if there is enough forage.