Clear Lake has long been one of the best lakes in the country, and the fishing has been getting better and better lately after a slight downturn.
Lakeport Bait & Tackle has been a Lakeport staple and recently underwent an ownership change and the new owners, Dave and Sandy, have revamped the store from top to bottom and are continually adding more new products.
“The store has been around for years; but we bought it in April. We are starting from scratch; because, we donated all of the old inventory to the high school fishing clubs,” said Sandy. “We have been busy getting it stocked, and everything has been very positive about the store we are putting together.”
How is Clear Lake Fishing?
According to the new owners of Lakeport Bait & Tackle, fishing is good and getting better.
“We are constantly seeing pictures of eight, nine and 10-pound bass that people are catching,” she said.
The conditions, most notably the smoke from the fires has been a topic of conversation, but they added that it has created a better topwater bite even though the fire itself is causing devastation.
“The recent fires really hit close to home after our evacuation and fire this summer,” she shared.
What’s Hot at Clear Lake
Who better to gauge what is working for anglers than the ones ringing them up and making the refill orders?
Sandy works at the store and spends her time talking with fishermen and seeing what is working and shared some of the items that are selling (and working) right now on Clear Lake.
Lucky Craft LV 500
This big lipless crankbait (3/4 ounce and 3” long) has proven the test of time and is still producing.
“It seems like we can’t keep them in stock and Aurora Black is one of the best sellers,” she shared.
Little Creeper All-American Trash Fish Swimbait
The swimbait season is here, and one of the best sellers is at Lakeport Bait & Tackle is the 6” Trash Fish.
“The swimbait bite is picking up, and these are selling well. The Albino Ayu, Ghost Trout, and even the Rainbow Trout colors are the ones people are buying,” says Sandy.
Keitechs
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is catching bass everywhere in the country right now, and Clear Lake is no exception.
“Of course, the Keitechs are selling. Right now the 5.8 and 6.8 sizes seem to be doing the best,” she said and shared a few colors that are selling more than others. “Sexy Shad, Bluegill Flash, and Tennessee Shad are all doing well. Tennessee Shad is probably our best seller now.”
Roboworms
The old standby Roboworm Straight Tail is still producing at Clear Lake, and Sandy says it is more about the size that changes with the season when it comes to sales.
“Margarita Mutilator and MM III are always being purchased. Right now it is the 7” that everyone is buying but a few weeks ago it was the 4.5”,” she said. “All of the FX series are also doing well.”
Jigs, Spinnerbaits and Underspins
Jigs never go out of style or out of season, and they are always selling at Lakeport Bait & Tackle.
Two things that are picking up though are underspins and spinnerbaits. The spinnerbait bite has also been picking up, and the sales are reflecting it.
When it comes to underspins, one stands out when it comes to what people are having success with.
“The Blade Runner Spintrix are selling well,” said Sandy.
Tightlines UV
This brand of baits is relatively new to the store, but it is selling very well.
“At first people are curious about the UV and if it really helps, but they are working and people are catching fish with them. The 6” worms and Sow Belly Swimmers are producing,” they shared.
A Clear Lake Special
Custom painter, Dark Cloud Customs is a favorite among both the shoppers at the store as well as the bass in the lake.
“They are handpainted 2.5 size squarebills, and the Clear Lake Shad has sold all summer and continued to sell. This is another one that we can’t keep in stock, and the Rainbow Shad is another good seller,” said the storeowner.
Hours
The store is currently open seven days a week from 5 a.m. -7 p.m., but the hours change for the winter months starting December 1st.
The winter hours will be 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., six days a week with the store closed on Tuesday.
On your next trip to Clear Lake, make sure to stop by and see Sandy and Dave at Lakeport Bait & Tackle. They will be sure to point you in the right direction to make sure you have a good time on the water.
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