Challenges, challenges

Two-time Bassmaster Classic winner Hank Cherry lives 10 miles from Lake Norman, and he said he probably fishes here 100 times a year. 

And he said anglers are hitting the lake with optimal conditions for a spotted bass fishery. Today’s conditions are optimal for the weights to be up a pound, 1 1/2 pounds.

“This is perfect feeding conditions,” Cherry said as we eased out to take a look at what’s going on.  

He said the nice “fishing chop” could up weights as much 1 1/2 pounds today, but there are a lot of challenges being faced.  

First, this isn’t the best time of year for the lake. 

“The biggest challenge is you’re right in between things,” Cherry explained. “You’re in between where they were and where they’re going. They’re everywhere, and they’re nowhere.  

“They’re very hard to pattern.” 

He said the deep bite could be particularly tough, in terms of locating the bigger spots. “There’s so much deep bait in this lake, and the big spots get out and roam with them,” he explained. “It’s hard to pinpoint them.”  

And then consistency will be a huge challenge. 

“You can catch a good bag one day, but you can’t do it two days in a row,” Cherry said. “You just can’t do it. They won’t be there. 

“Now, you can catch them the same way, but they won’t be in the same place.”