Monster Bass on the 5 weight Fly Rod DragonFly

In the Dog Days of summer in Central Florida a change occurs to the feeding behavior of largemouth bass. The water temperatures get too high, and the bass metabolisms rise too high, burning up too much energy to expend much effort at getting a meal. So, bass need a new strategy to get their nutrition more efficiently. They can no longer afford to jump for joy, trying to snatch dragonflies from mid-air 2 feet over the water surface, or try to outsmart intelligent bluegills that watch their every move and eye roll, which is a loser’s game without some unexpected advantage. At this time of year, the bass cannot afford to violate the law of energy gained versus energy expended. I think everyone has experienced that big strike and listless fight from a large bass that has become emaciated during the summer heat. That fish has become threatened for survival by bad decisions or has an inability to compete for a strategic feeding position, during the most difficult time of the year. Grassy shoreline edges that border very deep water allow bass to quicky access possible food items that tumble onto the water surface, and return to the comfortable depths, spending a minimum of risky time and energy near the overly warm and dangerous surface waters.
The unexpected advantage: DragonFly down--- distracted bluegills at the surface along the grass line next to deeper water. Big healthy fat bass rise up effortlessly at major feed periods to inspect the distracted bluegills and the tiny but tasty dragonfly. The bluegills panic---- what will the bass do ? They have two easy choices. Eat the small group of distracted bluegills pecking at the dragonfly, or eat the weak, struggling dragonfly. It works all summer but late summer I go to the fly rod. Why ?

[@Bovined.]

you got bigger balls than I do keeping your feet in the water in florida like that. Awesome bass!

[@KenDaubert]

Kayak Fishing is not safe. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesfitzgerald3201]

Nice fish Ken , love the dragonfly bait , killer bait for grass and hard to fish places

[@KenDaubert]

Yes, they have come a long way since you bought yours --- about 5-6 years ago, I think.

[@charlesfitzgerald3201]

@@KenDaubert you have a great memory , I do need some new ones , I’ll order this weekend , glad to see your still doing it . Be in touch soon , Thanks

[@ninelLenin]

The 5wt held up nicely

[@KenDaubert]

Well, -----that time anyway ! I am now using my 6 wt. and even my 8 wt a lot more often. Stay tuned for the exploding 5 wt. video, and my revenge retaliation with the 8 wt., exactly one week later in the same spot.

[@VV-sl8fl]

Wow awesome fish on a 5wt !? great job love the lure system

[@KenDaubert]

Thanks V. There's a whole series of big bass on that 5-weight and the DragonFly before a bass breaks it into 3 pieces on a dive right under my kayak. Then, the Revenge of the 8 Weight Fly Rod begins with the same DragonFly. Thanks for watching.

[@darrenfrey877]

Swore that rod was about to snap on you. Super nice catch.

[@KenDaubert]

You were more right than you know. I got away with it about 6 more times, and then I ran into one that showed me what could happen. It's all on video when I get a chance. Could be one of those Monsters I got on the new Fly Rod Eel with the 8 wt this last Winter. (on KZbin now) I really loved that old Temple Fork 5 wt. Had it for about 40 some years.