I went to Howard Lake 1pm till dark. Got there only boat on the lake. Always like that. It was sunny and bit windy. I tried left side of lake first from boat launch and wasn't seeing any fish shallow on my top water rapala but did get a hit on rat l trap towards middle of lake. I saw him hit right by the boat big 8" Bass which I lost. I got a great bite in logs hit as soon as the lure hit the water and got him on but had 3 logs to get him over and he got me snagged on 3rd log. But bigger fish 10" plus. Theme of the day had about 10 on the line but lost them. It was pretty windy until about 5pm so was getting blown all over had to use the anchor and hat a few bites. Managed to land 10" bass and 8" to kill the skunk. Took a break for lunch and then got really calm. I ended up being on far end of the lake by some docks and caught two on crappie jig right by a dock like 2 ft from the boat. I had another larger fish follow it to the boat but didn't bite. I then saw some fish deeper schooling so put on rat l trap again and started casting...2nd cast fish on 7" bass by dock...threw to same spot and another 7" on. Back to back fish like that. I ended up in far corner which is pretty milfoiled and caught about 7 on top water there including 3 9" and lost a bigger one. I worked my way back to launch getting hits and bites as I went. I pretty much caught fish everywhere on way back. Lots of action either top water rapala or swimming it back or few on rat l trap.

Landed 25 Bass largest was last one 11.75" with big belly and 10". But could of been more expect for all the fish I lost. Have to invest in fish hook sharpener. Glad I stuck it out and didn't quit when it was windy.

I even had woodpecker hitting a stump in someone's yard as I caught fish and racoon fishing by shore and landed 3-4 in front of him. Good day nothing huge but lots of action. I am always amazed with all the docks on this lake that no one was fishing as there is some good top water action to be had on this lake. Must be a bunch of trout fisherman. All fish catch and released.

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