The 2012 Top Bass Classic anglers are commencing for battle
this weekend. The top 75 teams will try to out duel each for the victory on
Balsam Lake.
Balsam is a deep, clear lake situated in the heart of the
Trent-Severn waterway. With the highest attitude, water flows from Balsam east
and west, feeding the entire system.
Anglers can expect a wide range of techniques to work. With health
largemouth and smallmouth populations, anglers have many options. Typically,
the shoreline is sandy with several coves having lush, marshy grass. Overall, shoreline cover is minimal. Luxurious
homes encompass most of the shoreline decreasing the ability to find suitable
cover. Another negative is homeowners have a reputation of being overly vocal
towards anglers fishing docks. Many find the mid-depths more productive than beating the
bank.
This lake is best known for it’s expansive weed beds in the 6
to 15 foot range. A popular
technique is pitching soft plastics or jigs into weed patches. It can be a
painstaking process but rewarding if a sizeable school is located.
Smallmouth are always critical here. Traditional techniques of drop
shotting, topwaters and jerkbaits work well. A bonus slab smallmouth will go a long way in any
tournament on Balsam and if a school can be located, victory is almost a sure
thing.
IBASSIN tracked down two dominate teams for their inside
knowledge and expertise on Balsam.
Jarrod Dean and Gerard Cocks
One of the most feared fishing duos ever; Jarrod and Gerard
have countless titles and accolades. This team is the 2011 and 2010 Top Bass
Classic Champions. Both are eager to make it three Classics in a row.
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| Past Classic Champs Gerard and Jarrod Photos: Lures and Tours |
“The wind just started to kick up (Thursday afternoon) and
that should make it worse! It’s been a challenge.” Lamented Jarrod. “We’ve been on the water since Tuesday and
fishing has been up and down.”
Balsam Lake is very suited to this pair’s love for jig fishing. Jarrod is owner of Punisher Jigs and
masterfully ties jigs for most Ontario tournament anglers. Even though they haven’t had the
success here as they have had on other Kawartha Lakes, they are experts at
addressing and adjusting to current fishing conditions. “We have been fishing from 6” to 16
feet of water.” Laughs Jarrod. “The lake looks fine but it has been tough
fishing.”
Strategy
“We are going after smallmouth and largemouth. I think you
have to be competitive.” Advises Gerard Cocks. “We have been catching largemouth
here and there but we did find a pod of smallmouth… they were all over 4
pounds.”
