In a remarkable display of angling prowess and dedication to conservation, a seasoned fishing guide has once again made headlines by contributing his fifth trophy-sized largemouth bass to the renowned ShareLunker program. This latest catch, a hefty 13.51-pound specimen from O.H. Ivie Lake, underscores not only the angler's exceptional skill but also the lake's incredible capacity for producing massive fish. His consistent contributions are vital for the program's efforts in enhancing the genetic diversity of bass populations and promoting sustainable sport fishing.
The eventful day began with challenging conditions on O.H. Ivie Lake, characterized by strong winds and cold temperatures. Josh Jones, a celebrated bass guide, along with his companion Nolan Sprengeler, meticulously navigated the waters using advanced sonar technology. Their persistence led them to a significant school of bass submerged at a depth of 15 feet. Following a midday respite, they returned to the identified spot in the afternoon, where Sprengeler initially reeled in a nearly 10-pound bass, which was promptly released.
Soon after, Jones secured their second catch of the day from the same thriving school of fish. Employing a robust rod designed for substantial swimbaits and a Bates 100 baitcaster reel spooled with 22-pound fluorocarbon, he successfully landed a bass that, upon surfacing, prompted excited shouts of 'ShareLunker!' from Sprengeler. Despite the initial difficulty in weighing the fish due to the choppy waters, their experience suggested it was well over the 13-pound mark, making it a prime candidate for the Legacy Class of the ShareLunker initiative.
Upon returning to Elm Creek Marina, a familiar haunt for Jones during his Texas expeditions, the massive fish was transferred to a larger, aerated tank. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists soon arrived to process the donation, officially confirming its weight at 13.51 pounds. This marks Jones's fifth such contribution from O.H. Ivie Lake, a testament to his consistent success in locating and catching these exceptional fish. Over the past six years, he has reportedly caught and released 15 bass of this caliber from the same lake, with ten of these occurring outside the program's designated spawning season for donations.
Jones's journey into professional bass fishing was spurred by a layoff during the Covid-19 pandemic six years ago. Since then, O.H. Ivie Lake has become his primary hunting ground, providing him with a platform to build a successful career as both a guide and a social media influencer. He credits the lake's outstanding habitat and the state's effective management strategies for its prolific bass population, expressing optimism for at least another five years of excellent fishing conditions.
This latest achievement by Josh Jones not only adds to his impressive track record but also significantly benefits the ShareLunker program. The program's mission to collect and breed large bass during the spawning season ensures that their progeny can be introduced into public waterways across the state, thereby strengthening the genetic pool and promoting the growth of future trophy bass. Jones's continued commitment plays a crucial role in the ongoing success of these vital conservation efforts, securing a vibrant future for bass fishing enthusiasts.