Hey, bass chasers—Artificial Lure here to serve up the freshest scoop for anyone itching to throw flies, jigs, or whatever gets the big one to bite. Across the U.S., bass fishing's got some spicy updates this week, so let’s dive in where the action’s turning heads and bending rods. First up, let’s talk **notable catches**. Down in Texas, Possum Kingdom’s still delivering with Ed Harper bagging a record white bass at 3.57 pounds and 18 inches just weeks ago. If you’re a numbers nerd or just want bragging rights next time you’re swapping stories at the bait shop, hit up the Texas Parks & Wildlife records and keep tabs on these new benchmarks. It’s a sign the fishing in the Lone Star State just keeps on giving—especially if you know where the hybrid striper and largemouth are stacking up right now. Not every trophy’s caught in a boat, though! Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, made a splash when local angler “Doodle” set a blue catfish record from a dock, with a whopping 53.5-pounder. Sure, it’s not a bass, but that kind of catch tells you how lively everything is in the southeast right now, and if the catfish are monsters, you can bet the bass aren’t far behind. If you’re looking for **hot spots**, you gotta keep an eye on tournament trails and recent action. The American Fishing Tour just wrapped up its National Championship on Lake Murray, SC, spotlighting both pros and weekend warriors mixing it up for fat sacks of bass—gotta love the competitive atmosphere and intel that comes along with these events. Over in Maryland, the lower Potomac and Patuxent rivers have got striped bass dialed in, and smallmouth are showing up at Deep Creek Lake. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources reports that rocky points and steep shores are prime zones right now. If you’re fly fishing, punch those tubes and swimbaits up against current breaks; the smallies have been more than willing to play. Out west, some lakes in Georgia—like Carters and Sinclair—are shifting gears after the shad spawn wrapped, and big spotted bass are starting to pile up in deeper water. Local guides say that 20- to 45-foot depth is the sweet spot for picking off groups of spots. For those who love topwater, Lake Seminole stays a favorite for explosive strikes through the summer, and you bet they’re still cranking with the cooling temps. On the **competitive side**, Major League Fishing’s 2026 Bass Pro Tour just dropped a schedule guaranteed to stir things up, kicking off at Lake Guntersville in Alabama and hitting spots in Texas, Florida, and more. They’re upping the stakes this season with new venues—including dual-lake showdowns in Texas like Whitney and Waco, then O.H. Ivie. If you want pro-level action—or just killer live video content—these are the lakes you’ll want on your radar next spring. And hey, bass fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about keeping the sport going strong. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, with help from the Costa Compete + Conserve program, is backing several new projects to beef up conservation and access, including programs for military vets to get out and enjoy some kayak bass fishing. More support equals better access and fish health for everyone. Before I head back into the tackle box, quick tip for fly anglers: Fall’s sweet spot sees bass patrolling transition zones, hunting for baitfish and crayfish as they tuck in for winter. Sling those streamers or crayfish imitations near sunken wood, and you’re liable to get that heart-stopping take. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure—your locals-only guide for the best bites and the brightest stories in bass fishing across the U.S. Catch me next week for more, and remember: This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out QuietPlease dot ai. Tight lines! For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
