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If Its Not 20 Inches, There Is Nothing To Talk About

 By Kong Xiong

The expectations are higher than ever for the 2021 OKA season and to be honest if a fish is not over 20" there is nothing to talk about. They are often referred to as mondos, tubs, toads, tanks, hawgs, ditch pandas, biggins, big mama, bucketmouth, full grown stud, slaunch, donkeys or jaints. It doesnt matter what you and your friends call them, everyone craves the adrenaline of a big bass battle. More importantly, the satisfaction of the social media post. A couple of years ago a 5 fish limit totaling 95 inches in an online event such as Toadfest or Dog Days was a good stringer worthy of a top 10 finish. Now, 95 inches wont even get you in the top 15. So, if you want to be in contention to win an online event you have to start looking for fish bigger than 20 inches. With many anglers taking a big bass mentality approach to fishing, many anglers will now catch their personal best or "pb", because their minds are focused on big fish. 

Now that big fish are on your mind youll need to beef up your gear and keep everything in good condition. Most importantly your lines. Upsize them and change out your line as often as possible. The number one reason people lose big fish is because of line failure. Inspect your rod guides before cracks form. Inspect lines/knot during the day for any cracking or frays, cutt off a couple of feet and retie. Most of the line failure will occur near the knot as this section of your line sees the most abrasion. 

The best part about online events is you get to use your favorite tackle all month long or have an excuse to learn something new. You should however use tackle in which targets a smarter and bigger class of fish. There is no wrong way to fish, there have been days I have kept a single rod in my hands the whole day. I won my first online event exclusively on a hollow belly frog in 50 - 65 degree water temps.  My go-tos for big fish are bladed jigs, deep running crankbaits, big worms, and hollow bodied frogs. However, there is still room for learning and improving. I am using this Januarys online event to learn the jig and its starting to become my favorite.   

Here in Oklahoma we are fortunate to have excellent fisheries in our backyard. All the lakes on the 2021 trail are outstanding places to fish but the "creme de la creme" lakes are something youll have to figure out on your own. Finding the big bass lakes is another journey and is very rewarding  to whomever solves the puzzle. Multiple 100+ inch days are the awarded to anglers who figure this out. In my own journey I have found that the biggest bass live in the best structure/cover of the lake. Finding the bass does not mean that they will bite while you are fishing for them. You must fish for them at the right time of day, use stealth and be a little lucky over and over again.


Set your expectation high, do some research and go out with a Big Mama mindset. I hope you run into a great problem that involves culling a 22-inch bass. Can wait to hear thos toad stories. Happy Hawg hunting, stay safe and have fun. 

Editors Note: Kong Xiong has competed 52 total tournaments via tourneyx with a total of 220 verified bass equaling a total length 3,750.25 inches coming to a 17.05 inch average length per bass.

Tournament placings:  

1st: 4

2nd: 7

3rd: 4

Top 10: 33

Watch: Kong Xiong on "Big Bass Mentality" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCOuEsYYl8I&t=1s 


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