Koffler & Linton Overcome Confused, Lethargic
Largemouth to Win 2011 Spring Fling
 By: Brad Rubin

For several years the water levels on the Fox Chain of Lakes in early April have been extremely low in an effort to avoid flooding.  Brief periods of warm weather have also been common in April, such as the 80 degree day on 4/10 followed by 60 degree water temps.  These two changes to the environment of springtime bass send conflicting messages to the cold blooded creatures:  Low water tells bass to head for drops, points, and staging areas.  Meanwhile, rising water temps tell bass to do just the opposite, assault the shoreline.  Luckily Big Bucks Bass anglers were spared these tough conditions when the Spring Fling date of 4/16 was postponed due to some gnarly weather. 

Little did these fishermen know…Mother Nature had yet another curveball to throw at them for the new date of 4/23.  A sustained cold front reduced water temps in the shallows from 60 to the 30’s.  Furthermore, steady rainfall caused the water levels to change from dangerously low to above normal pool.  Once again, the bass on the chain were receiving more mixed signals: Dropping water temps told bass to become neutral, finicky, and lethargic.  Rising water signaled bass to make a move to the banks.   

With two straight weeks of simultaneously conflicting signals confusing the bass on the Chain, leave it to the veteran team of Koffler and Linton to blow away the field with a 6 fish limit over 16 pounds!  When interviewed Pat remarked that due to work and weather, the pair was only able to log 8-10 total hours of practice time.  Fortunately for them, it was plenty to find quality fish that were willing to bite their Dirty Jigs Tackle Jigs.  Pat and Dave reported catching only 6 keepers all day and that the high water and wind gave them a serious run for their money.

Additionally, Koffler and Linton commented that after catching a couple quick fish close to take off, they persevered 3 to 4 hours of idling through long no wakes around Wilmont and Salem to get to their winning fish.  Fortunately for them, the 3 hours of remaining fishing time paid off in a big way when the pair brought 16.90 pounds to the scales which gave them top honors by about a 4 pound margin.  Pat and Dave collected $1,100 for the first place finish and second Big Bass.  Congratulations to Pat and Dave on a great start to another tournament season by winning the Spring Fling.  Pat is sponsored by www.dirtyjigstackle.com and Optima Batteries.    

Coming in second were a couple of Big Bucks Bass newcomers, Matt Madlener and Eric Rasmussen of Fox Lake.  Matt said it only took 2 hours of practice to find their second place pattern.  Their method was throwing fast moving baits to elicit reactionary strikes from the frigid waters of the Fox Chain.  Despite water temps in the mid 40’s, Matt and Eric reported catching approximately 10 keepers and 25 fish total throughout the day.  Ironically, the most exciting part of their day was when their cranking battery died right before weigh in.  Luckily, the good Samaritan spirit is alive and well amongst Big Bucks Bass anglers and another new team of Alan Favetta and Ed Seiler gave them a jump in order to make it back for weigh in.  Way to do the right thing Alan and Ed!!!  At the scales, the team posted a total weight of 12.19 pounds, good enough for second place and $525.  Great job Matt and Eric!  They are sponsored by their loving families and wives who allow them the time to pursue their passion of competitive bass fishing.

Rounding out third place and taking big bass honors was the team of Brad Rubin and Jason Reif.  This pair thought they had a nice pattern working on the South end of the Chain when their bite abruptly shut off around 11:00 a.m.  Fortunately for them their four keepers weighed a solid 9.80 pounds with a 4.33 pound kicker good enough for $417.  Brad and Jason also reported catching all their fish on Dirty Jigs Tackle jigs, with the kicker coming on a unique trailer color combination.  Brad is sponsored by www.dirtyjigstackle.com, www.davesreelservice.com, Captain’s Boat Wiring, and www.webeewaxin.com.  Congratulations to all our top finishers.

Thanks to Julie and all the Big Bucks Bass sponsors, especially: