Lake Arbuckle Tournament Prep: Need Help Breaking the Code!

Hello everyone,

I've put in two full 10-hour practice days on Lake Arbuckle ahead of the December 21st tournament, with a few more practice sessions scheduled.

Conditions: Both days have been tough: bluebird skies, minimal wind, and water temperatures in the mid-70s.

Lake Breakdown: This is a classic, extremely shallow, natural Florida lake. Key features include two main creek inflows, vast areas of lily pads and cattails, but no brush, no significant contours, and only a few main points.

The Problem: My two days yielded only three fish totaling under 6 pounds, all caught late on the second day using a buzz toad. I cycled through all the classics (Senkos, Chatterbaits, Wacky rigs, Ned rigs) without success. These fish seem highly pressured or extremely wary. I had a similar, frustrating tournament here last year.

I'm hitting a wall and have seemingly tried everything. Does anyone have videos, references, or general advice for tackling extremely tough/high-pressured lakes when your standard approaches fail?

All feedback is appreciated!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tim Dodson hope you got to rips Some lips and eat some cake!!

Well I’am officially the NC Kayak Bass Fishing angler of the year for 2025.. I just wanted to say thank you Brian Latimer for everything you have done and help encouraging us to be better anglers.. I honestly didn’t bother checking standings because I did not expect this to be in the realm of expectations for me not this year or ever..After receiving the call from Chad Hoover congratulating me.It is mind blowing to know that little things like this is capable for someone in their late 30’s who grew up poor and was self taught.. If I can do this anyone can.. thanks to everyone in this app for helping make this come true and become a reality..

https://share.fishingchaos.com/club/iPHm2IcM5Pz0pmqsoqmG/tournament-series/sI5UDPIzTIKOqp7sLLaE

Fish are definitely feeding up for fall💪🏽 fish was shy of 3 1/2 pounds and had an 8” shad in its gullet.

Same little creek but fishing for a different species had a good time this morning caught at least 15 of these little pan fish on these micro crank baits

Did some practicing on a new lake for my club tournament this weekend. Best 5 went for 17 and change

I know it’s getting repetitive…but these smallmouth won’t quit!

Caught this one on a 1/2 oz structure jig with a Z-man Pro Crawz trailer.

My rods have arrived!

Greg Blanchard and Obedie Williams tonight yall!!!

Well that’s a wrap for the 2025 bass fishing tournament scene for me.. I managed to place 1st in 10 events, top 3 in 17 and top 10 in 11 just wanted to say thanks Blat for all the knowledge and the great app.. couldn’t of done it without you guys in the app..