Reel um N Guide Service By Lynn Atkinson 12/02/07 Sam Rayburn is 158.99 that's 5.41 feet below pool. It looks like they are going to try to hold Big Sam around that level. The water temperature has been in the high 50s to low 60s and for the most part clear to around 2ft. This week we got out several times and had some pretty good luck . One day we worked on offshore structure. Fishing offshore is different from anything else. After looking around in the ditches and drains for fish we finely settled down on a place that showed some promise. The fish were bunched up around some bait and it didn't take long for us to hookup with them. Then the fun began as these fish hit like a freight train almost pulling the rod out of my hands several times. Most of the fish where between 2 and 3 lbs but they were scrapers. We must have caught 15 fish before moving on to fish some other areas. We had a good pattern going for us. After a few more spots and having the same luck we called it a day. The next day was pretty windy. These guys had signed up for The Bass Class on the Water. We started the day looking at some humps and brush piles then moved out and looked at one of the underwater bridges here at "Big Sam". They were amazed at what they look like under water. After showing them a little more offshore structure with fish suspended off it ,we moved to a roadbed and dropped a C/R over the side. It didn't take long for the first fish to make a run with it. The hook was set and the fight was on. After netting him and a quick photo, back in the water he went. We caught a few more fish then moved on to the next spot where we caught about 10 fish and one of the guys broke off several. It just wasn't his day. After showing them why these places were key areas to fish we continued with the Class for the rest of the day. They said that they learned a lot and would be back for more. Sometimes you need to just sit back and learn what's going on with the fish and the lake. Some of the baits that have been working this last week have been the Stanley Spinner Baits 3/8 oz White and Chartreuse and the Rat-L-Trap Chrome/Black, Chrome/ Blue , Gold/Black and Rayburn Red. Working some of these and some deep driving Cranks off points and along the pads that are thinning out should get you a few fish. The C/R and T/R worms have been working on the drops. Remember if you're not getting any bites change colors. I have worked areas without getting any bites then change the color of my bait to find that fish are there. I haven't' found a fish that could read so sometimes you throw the book away and do the opposite . There some pretty good updates on the website along with pictures of the latest catch so go take a look. Let me know what you think. If you got a story and some pictures send to me. The Crappie seem to be moving some, so look for more hits in the next few weeks. The 147 Bridge gave up some nice Crappie this last week. Crappie like to hang close to the bridge supports and it's not easy to fish the bridge with the wind blowing so be very careful. The bite will continue to change as the weather patterns settle into our Winter mode. If you know anyone looking for the perfect gift for a special angler, " Here it is." A Gift Certificate for Christmas. The Gift Certificate is good for 1 year. You can find out more by emailing me at srayburn@rayburncountry.com or calling me. 979-220-0251 I'll have the web page up for the Bass Class on the Water that will be running thru out the year and covers a lot of information. Detailed Instructions on GPS, Sonar, Water Temperature, Water Color, Weather, Sound, Scent and Structure, both on and off shore. I am running a Lowrance 112 LCX with the latest software to help you see the lake like you have never seen it before. Everyone is welcome. If you 're new to boating, or would like to learn more about fishing in general, the lake and fishing on Big Sam; let me know. We can use my boat or yours. Put the Scales in Your Favor Lynn Atkinson srayburn@rayburncountry.com www.rayburncountry.com Home 936-897-3400 Cell 979-220-0251