Reservation Number : 37445
Property Name : Paradise Compound
Reservation Date : 10/21/2023 All Day -
Total Fish/Sizes : 40 1# or less
Lures Used : Senkos, poppers, chatterbaits, suspending jerk bait, deep diving crank baits

We stopped by early at Van’s Grocery in Neches but it wasn’t open yet. I had my mouth all set for a sausage bisquit. Oh well…

Launched at dawn on a beautiiful sunrise morning. Air temp about 58, water temp 65. Water tea stained but clear to 3 ft. The lake is about 2’ low but navigation was no problem. Mossy in the shallow north end and sparse vegetaion at the deeper south end. There is some submerged timber throughout the lake. Partly cloudy all day with a light breeze – very pleasant. Caught several on topwaters, mostly poppers. Throwing a loon whopper plopper near the dock I set the hook on a big blowup behind the boathouse – broke my line!

Worked our way to the northeast end of the lake where owner Barry said he caught numerous big ones. We spooked some huge fish in the shallows. Caught dinks everywhere. Saw two very large bass – 6# or better, but never hooked one. We marked some schools and some large fish in the south end. Tried deep divers, deep chatterbaits and trolling various lures, but no luck. We caught about 40 in total and released 5 that were over 12” – nothing over a pound. But all were scrappy and very healthy. 

Owner Barry Swinney was very hospitable and helpful. Told us about the lake and a few fishing tips. The property and the boathouse are all very interesting, particularly the various signs that Barry has around the place. We enjoyed visiting with him and look forward to going again in spring.