Lake Norman Spotted Bass Showing off at RedCrest

[Pat Dilling]

Since I fish for spotted bass quite a bit, it is pretty cool to see a major major tournament where they seem to be the primary fish being caught.  Also interesting seeing Edwin Evers and others fishing good sized swimbaiits and wake baits to catch them.  And fun to see those spots, even those under 2 pounds, gving the anglers heck as they try to land them.

[BassmanRudy]

Norman has definitely benefitted from spotted bass being introduced! Was called the "dead sea" for years...

And Yes spotted bass fight so Hard it's a lot of fun!! Really enjoy it when I go back home.

[Pat Dilling]

You should come up and fish Shasta, Oroville, New Melones, Don Pedro, McCLure and other Northern foothill lakes. Late April into June, 100 fish days are possible.

I also enjoy how the guys fishing Red Crest are talking about the followers, definitely a spotted bass trait. You even see them trying to take the bait away from the hooked fish, sometimes ends up in double catches on treble hook lures.

[Bud Kennedy]

I have fished Lake Norman many times over the years.  It has become a very good fishery thanks to the spotted bass but the Largemouth are also doing nicely up in the river especially.  We used to hold our Ultimate Bass rally there for 8 consecutive years.  It was very well attended and we would typically have anywhere from 50 to 70 boats show up including multiple elite level anglers.  The only one to ever win the rally event was Bryan Thrift.  Most of the elite guys used this event to fish with some buddies or parent or other family members just for a nice day on the water.  The launch facilities around Lake Norman are very nice and well equipped.  It is a pressured lake but it seems like the supply of spotted bass just continues to grow.

[Pat Dilling]

Great account Bud!  Now, Brian Thrift can put his Red Crest Trophy next to his Rally Award!