This week has been one of the busiest weeks of the year. This is what we call the Big Bass Splash week. We were booked with clients wanting to learn where to catch a fish of the lifetime to win the McDonalds Big Bass Splash. The McDonalds Big Bass Splash was held on the 20th, 21st and the 22nd. More than 2500 constants fished for more than $500,000 in cash and prizes. Don Atchley from Grandfield, OK, won the grand prize with a 10.61 pound Bass and took home a new Legend boat and a new Dodge Ram truck. Congratulations Don! The fish that was caught during the Big Bass Splash were caught on everything from jigs to DD22 crankbaits. The most productive bait was the 10 to 12 inch worm in the blue fleck color. Lake Fork Marina hosted the Big Bass Splash and did a tremendous job even in a 6 inch rain storm on Friday the 20th. They are now busy getting ready for the Berkley Tournament which will be held on the 19th and 20th of October. They have a great supply of Berkley baits including the Sebile Action First crankbaits made by Berkley. The Crappie fishing really picked up this week. You could catch them with jigs or minnows. The bridges were the best bet to catch your limit. The White Bass were on the eating rampage this week. We found them in 20 to 30 foot of water on sharp creek bends and main lake points on sharp drops in the 20 to 30 foot range. Yes you guessed it; Joes flutter spoon was still our bait of choice. Chrome and chartreuse was still the best color to use. The Catfish are off their diet. They were being caught in 30 to 32 foot of water around baited holes. Punch bait seemed to work the best on a #6 Eagle Claw treble hook. Need an affordable bass boat? Look no further, Nichols Marine in Longview, TX, has the new Ranger RT178 Aluminum Bass boat in stock. It is 17.8 feet in length and comes with a Mercury 75hp 4 stroke motor, Motorguide 46lb 12 volt trolling motor, 2 bank battery charger, Lowrance X4 Pro depth finder, and a recessed trolling motor foot pedal. This package is silver metallic in color and comes on a single axle trailer with a spare tire. "What a rig"! Oh yes, did I mention they also have a 5 star service department. Here at J & M Guide Service we still have a few days open for guided fishing trips to help you get ready for the Berkley Bass tournament. Or, if you just want to come to beautiful Lake Fork to catch one of our trophy Largemouth Bass, give us a call Toll Free: 1-888-454-7037 or E-mail us at: [email protected] . Remember to wear that life vest and have a great fishing week. John Morris J & M Guide Service