Caught 2 largemouth bass at Santee Lakes (Lake 4) using a bluegill-colored squarebill crankbait. The first fish, around 2 lbs, hit at 9:19 AM, and the second, estimated between 3-4 lbs, struck at 9:30 AM. Both bites were aggressive as I worked the lure with a stop-and-go retrieve through vegetation in 2-5 feet of water. The water was slightly stained with no wind, and both fish were caught near submerged grass.

Casitas has been fishing well over the past couple of weeks, and while the recent storm might slow things down briefly, the bite should rebound fast. Soft plastics are doing the heavy lifting—T-rigged and dropshot Roboworms, Ned rigs, Senkos, and similar setups are all producing. Bass are holding shallow in less than 10 feet of water, either staging for the spawn or already on beds.

Trout were stocked in early March, with another plant set for next week. PowerBait, Mice Tails, and floated nightcrawlers have been the go-to for these stockers.