A Texas bass guide is putting together a streak most anglers only dream about, hauling in a second 13-pound largemouth in just two weeks while fishing a lesser-known reservoir.
Early Tuesday morning, guide Lawrence Lee launched onto J.B. Thomas Reservoir, a 7,300-acre lake southwest of Snyder, Texas. With a recent cold front pushing through the region, conditions pointed toward pre-spawn bass holding deeper than usual. Surface temperatures hovered around 62 degrees, and electronics quickly revealed promising signs below.
Not long after settling in, forward-facing sonar lit up with a massive fish suspended in 25 feet of water, holding closer to 15 feet. The fish was tracking bait aggressively, presenting a textbook opportunity. A well-placed cast landed between the bass and its target, triggering an immediate reaction strike.
The fish crushed a six-inch glide bait designed to mimic local forage like crappie and large shad. The strike came close to the boat, and the fight was surprisingly uneventful. The bass stayed down and offered little resistance, coming in steadily before being netted.
Initially estimated at around 11 pounds, the fish told a different story on the scale. A certified weigh-in confirmed the largemouth at just over 13 pounds, measuring more than 25 inches long with a girth exceeding 20 inches. That placed it firmly in trophy territory and marked Lee’s second bass over the 13-pound mark in recent weeks.
Following the catch, the fish was prepared for donation to a state-supported breeding program aimed at enhancing trophy bass genetics. While waiting for officials to arrive, the day only improved.
Teaming up with a fellow guide, the pair returned to scanning deep water for more giants. The results were staggering. Within a short window, they landed and released multiple double-digit bass, including fish in the 10- and 11-pound class.
By late morning, their top five bass combined for an eye-popping 57 pounds, a benchmark that highlights just how productive the bite had become under the right conditions. Even after handing off the 13-pounder, the action didn’t slow, with more big fish caught as the afternoon approached.
The success underscores the growing reputation of under-the-radar fisheries and the effectiveness of modern tools like forward-facing sonar paired with large-profile swimbaits. Timing, location, and presentation all came together in a near-perfect scenario for targeting pre-spawn giants.
For anglers chasing trophy largemouth, the takeaway is clear. Pay attention to seasonal transitions, trust electronics to locate suspended fish, and do not hesitate to throw larger baits that match the dominant forage.
Ready to land a giant of your own? Get on the water, dial in your electronics, and start targeting big bass before the spawn window closes.
Image/Source: OL
