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lake tom steed

Mike visits Alluring Lures & Tackle

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Fishing guide Mike Diehl visits Alluring Lures and Tackle Company, home of Lead Babies Slabs in Cordell, Oklahoma.Fishing guide Mike Diehl of Lake Tom Steed sends us this “fishing report”:

When was the last time you had a great day out and never even got a line wet? Well for me it was last Friday when I decided to head just a little bit north of Lake Tom Steed to visit the great folks at Alluring Lures & Tackle Company, home of Lead Babies Slabs and numerous other great products (and long time sponsor of www.OklahomaFishingGuides.com).

Not only did I get to visit with a few of the great people and businesses in Cordell Oklahoma, but my trip to Alluring Lures & Tackle was much more than I expected. Owner Dennis Slaughterback (second picture – click pic to enlarge) was in and what a tour I got! Dennis personally helps produce all the great products and he sure does know his stuff. He was absolutely great and gave me the complete tour explaining the production equipment and methods and I must say it was far more involved than I ever imagined.

What I found was simply amazing to this wanna-be pro fishermen. Not only do they make and hand paint each and every Lead Babies Slab and Jig, they also have a fantastic stock of all kinds of soft baits as well, painted right there on site. The colors and variety were fantastic and the attention to quality and detail are top notch. One of the little secrets that I can share is about their jigs; a simple name for a product that I think will catch fish anywhere. A small Lead Babies style .75 oz head is married with a jig tail and weed guarded hook. It looks great and the action has to be enticing to fish of all kinds.

I don’t think I will ever look at another lure the same after my visit and I sure won’t complain so much about the price of any manufacturers’ lures now that I have seen what it takes to produce a quality product and to get them to the stores.

Not only does Alluring Lures & Tackle Company have a great line up of products, they have a great little tackle shop store front that not only sells their products, but much much more. I found just about everything a guy or gal headed to the lake could use or should probably have ready for that great day out on the water. They even sell a little bit of crafts too, including handmade knifes, candles, cook books, pottery and souvenirs.

My wife accompanied me, and I was positive she was not going to be thrilled with more fishing tackle and fishing talk, but she had a great time as well. She was just as intrigued as I was at the manufacturing process and the detail and colors of the products, not to mention the crafts.

Dennis was just great and I sure wish Connie, Dennis’ wife and co-owner was there. Connie was out sick and I certainly wish her well. They have done a fine job with the products and store. I can’t wait to go back again soon to see what they are up to and until then, I will be at Lake Tom Steed bumping some Lead Babies Slabs and casting some really cool jigs hoping for a new personal best.

Mike D, view my fishing pictures

Lake Altus/Tom Steed B & B

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Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast in Hobart Oklahoma. Near lakes Altus-Lugert and Tom Steed. Serving the best steak you have ever had! Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Southwest Oklahoma and go fishing with fishing guide Mike Diehl at Lake Tom Steed and fishing guide Jim Bevers at Lake Altus-Lugert. While there I stayed at the greatest little B & B this fisherman could ask for – Deer Ridge Bed & Breakfast in a great little town, Hobart, Oklahoma.

Dubbed “A Western Bed & Breakfast”, Deer Ridge is way more than that – by far. Tastefully and artfully decorated by the owners themselves, every detail has been thoughtfully handled. I stayed in the room named “Covered Wagon” which had the most comfortable bed I think I’ve ever slept on. The magazines sprinkled throughout the property are the same ones I subscribe to, helping me feel right at home.

As an added surprise, they convert the first floor of the property into a restaurant on Friday nights and call it “Friday Night Steak Night” featuring the “best steaks you have ever had” – quote from the owner. Well, since my wife and I have had “Friday Night Steak Night” at our home for the last 20 years, plus the claim of the best steaks ever, and being a boy originally from the KC stockyards area, who now lives and eats steaks in Dallas, I had to give it a try.

I started with the cold boiled shrimp cocktail which was so fresh and delicious. The shrimp were huge and the homemade cocktail sauce had the perfect amount of tangy spice to it. Then I had very fresh and tasty salad made with baby spinach, toasted walnuts, feta cheese and dried cranberries topped with a house-made balsamic vinegarette. Then the waitress brought out my perfectly cooked ribeye and sides. The steak was huge, cut like butter, and was, without ANY doubt, the best steak I have ever had – in my life! I asked the owner where she got the beef and she said locally. Next time I’m up there, I’m bringing a cooler to bring some of those steaks home with me.

And if that weren’t enough, they have a dessert called the Chocolate Turtle. Since I’m a chocolate hound, I had to try it, even though I was already stuffed from dinner. It was a warm, slightly gooey, perfect handmade brownie with thick streaks of firm fudge and rich carmel, topped with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream and lightly drizzled with more carmel and dark chocolate. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! It was absolutely, without ANY doubt, the best chocolate dessert I have ever had!

By this time, I was so stuffed and satisfied, I had to go out on the front porch and rock in the rocking chair for awhile. Too bad I didn’t bring a cigar and some cognac!

If you find yourself in Southwest Oklahoma or want to get away for a nice weekend, I highly, highly recommend Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast. You may be thinking, boy, he really liked the place maybe a bit too much – does he really know what he is talking about? Just so you know, I was in the hospitality business for 24 years, including hotels and food & beverage. I know a thing or two about excellent hospitality and Deer Ridge has got it going on.
Click on the following links to view their; brochure or website. You can also give them a call at 580-726-3423. They are located at 129 S. Broadway, Hobart, Oklahoma 73655. Tell them Doug from OklahomaFishingGuides.com sent you!

Lake Tom Steed Fishing Report

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Lake Tom Steed fishing report, fishing at the Great Plains State Park Oklahoma Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to go fishing with my friend, future pro, and now Lake Tom Steed fishing guide Mike Diehl on his home lake.

We launched at sunrise at the Great Plains State Park boat ramp with the sun coming up over the Wichita Mountains on a cool, crisp beautiful day. There were a number of fishermen on the lake, some staying at the park, some driving in from Texas and around Oklahoma.

Earlier in the week, I received a new buzzbait (soon to be released to the market) which Mike was very excited about trying. I also wanted him to test drive some Hookhider Rods I brought along too. (BTW – No BS – my catch rate has skyrocketed on Hookhider Rods.)

Mike motored us over to one of his favorite top water spots and immediately hooked up on a nice bass. I have a great picture of it, but cannot post it until the new buzzbait is formally released by the manufacturer.

We also fished with Bitin’ Titan Spinnerbaits, which Mike added a white and red tip worm trailer to, and he caught another nice bass (pictured, click to enlarge). We also had luck with some nice hybrids on a chartruese and black Lead Babies Slabs Ghost Minnow, silver and blue Bill Lewis Rattle Traps and Mr. Wally’s chartreuse and white crankbaits.

If you haven’t been to Lake Tom Steed, I highly recommend it. There are the mountains, the (very nice) state park, hiking, camping, facilities, tackle shop, scenic overlooks, biking, heritage trails, swim beach and more.

Thanks Mike for taking me fishing on a lake you clearly know very, very well. If you would like to go fishing with Mike, call him at 580-639-2065 or email him at futurepromike@gmail.com.

Tom Steed Bass Fishing Report

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Oklahoma bass fishing report from Lake Tom Steed
Aspiring fishing pro Mike Diehl sends us this fishing report:

The bite at Lake Tom Steed is starting to pick up. Hybrids are hitting the surface chasing the new hatch of shad and the bass are coming out of the trees with a drop in the lake level. The cooler temperatures and rain have the bass coming from the depths as well, and although they are still a bit slow to strike, patience and persistence is paying off.

I boated 9 fish today between the rain storms and cloudy sky with these four being the nicest. Two of the bass were caught fishing shallow casting a buzz bait through the remaining twigs and stick ups while the other two came from the bank just off the bluffs and deeper water.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the pics and report Mike. Looks like you had an absolutely great day! What was the range of weight on those hawgs?

Father’s Day Fishing Report

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Father's Day bass fishing report from Lake Tom Steed, submitted by future bass pro Mike Diehl

Future Bass Pro Mike Diehl sends us this Father’s Day fishing report from Lake Tom Steed:

Finally a break in the weather and Father’s Day couldn’t have been better. My son gave me a Father’s Day fishing hat, so off to the lake I went for some practice. I boated three bass with new confidence from my hat and a lot of help from my friends at www.SeaFoamSales.com. I had a great time! Here is the nicest of the bunch weighing 3lb 14 oz .

I also stopped for a moment to talk fishing with Mike and Caleb Newell of Vernon, Texas. We were chatting it up when their bobber took off under water. The next thing you know they landed this nice crappie that looked to weigh about 1.5 – 2.0lb. Looks like they were having a great Father’s Day as well. Good job guys!

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the report Mike! Looks like it was a truly great Father’s Day in Oklahoma. I sent my Dad a cool rainbow trout coffee mug that I picked up at Beaver’s Bend Fly Shop.

Tom Steed Record Holder Proclamation

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Lake Tom Steed Oklahoma record bass

With some of the best fishing available in the Southwest portion of the state of Oklahoma, Lake Tom Steed and Lake Altus-Lugert need to be added to the lnew state lake records, and I hope to see it done soon. Although these lakes in no way compare to others in the Northeast and Southeast parts of the state, Lake Altus-Lugert does hold the Oklahoma state record hybrid striped bass.

I have fished both the lakes since my arrival in Oklahoma and can tell you that there are not many days that I don’t see a great fish pulled from the water by someone.

Whether its a 50lb flathead catfish, a 7lb hybrid bass, 2+lb crappie or 6lb saugeye, both these lakes have a great variety of fish to challenge any angler and it’s time we give anglers bragging rights – especially if they don’t have the opportunity to fish the better lakes available in Oklahoma.

Here is my most recent catch just the other day. Lake Tom Steed may be a “mud hole” to some, but it’s home to me and with the ever increasing cost of fuel it’s getting harder and harder for fisherman in the Southwest portion to travel to the best lakes in Oklahoma.

Until these lakes are added, I’m claiming the following records for Lake Tom Steed. Fellow fisherman, feel free to better my marks:

  • Largemouth Bass, 6.14lb
  • Crappie, 2.1lb
  • Saugeye, 6.0lb
  • Smallmouth Bass, 5.0lb
  • Hybrid Striped Bass, 6.0lb? possibly bigger
We will just have to use the honor system for now and keep it between friends. Good fishing, practice catch and release to fish another day.

Mike D

Future Bass Pro

Editor’s Note: Well said Mike! This is the first year of the new lakes records program and it appears to be generating alot of interest. I think we will see the Wildlife Department expand the number of lake next year. Perhaps you should volunteer to be an Official Record Keeper in your area. BTW – are you just eyeballing those weights or do you have a working scale in your boat?

Tom Steed Fishing Report

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Lake Tom Steed Oklahoma Fishing Report by Mike Diehl
Future Pro Mike Diehl sends us this report from Lake Tom Steed:

With all the crazy weather the bite has been on and off at Tom Steed – but mostly off. The water temps have warmed to high 50’s low 60’s and fishing is picking up a bit.

Crappie are biting on minnows anywhere from just off the bank to around 10 feet. The hybrid are some what scattered, but small schools can be found. The walleye are biting slowly, but can be caught trolling and on jigs and minnows. The largemouth bass should be staging for the spawn, but bass fishing at Steed just hasn’t been the same since we ended the drought last year with all that rain.

I haven’t been out fishing in about two months so I felt fortunate to boat a small largemouth bass and five hybrids.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the report Mike! Hang in there on the largemouth bass fishing. According to everything I’ve read and heard, the big rains after the drought will make for good habitat for the bass and fishing should rebound for you shortly. Looking forward to our Lake Altus-Lugert trip this weekend!

Winter Bass at Tom Steed

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Lake Tom Steed Oklahoma Bass Fishing Report by Mike DiehlFuture Pro Mike Diehl sends us this report from Lake Tom Steed:

After a long two months without my boat I finally got to pick it up last week and put all my gear back together. I decided today was the day to put it on the water and check all the systems for proper operation.

Since I was having some serous fishing withdraws I couldn’t help but throw a lure for an hour or two and wouldn’t you know it I got lucky. Water temps were 39 degrees and the fishing was slow but I did manage to catch this nice 4lb 1 oz bass on a Bomber suspending fat free shad. Boy do I feel better now!!!

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the report Mike. I’ll bet you do feel MUCH better now! And as I’ve always said, you can catch fish year round. The weather only bothers the fisherman. Get out there and catch some more!!

Tom Steed Hybrids Biting

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Lake Tom Steed Hybrids are biting.
Aspiring pro Mike Diehl sends us this report from Lake Tom Steed:

Well Doug, it’s like you always say, “the weather only bothers the person fishing and not the fish”. The clouds were pretty dark this morning but I’m glad I decided to go fishing.

I caught these two huge Hybrids today throwing a small crank along the banks while bass fishing. These two Hybrids are a personal best for me and the fight was just fantastic. The hit and the hook-set was unbelievable, it felt like my rod and reel were about to be ripped out of my hands.

If I may, I would like to thank Russell and Dawnita Allard at the Windmill Winery in Roosevelt, OK for the use of their farm equipment. Without their help, I would still be moving dirt and rock around the house instead of enjoying the great sport of fishing.

Editor’s Note: Way to go Mike! How’s the wine?

Tom Steed Night Fishing

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Lake Tom Steed Oklahoma Fishing Report
Aspiring pro Mike Diehl sends us this night fishing report from Lake Tom Steed:

If you have ever experienced the excitement of a bass exploding on a top water lure it’s time to take it to the next level. I headed out to Tom Steed Lake last night about 11:00PM to see if I could sneak up on some bass.

The bite was very slow and frankly I’m not sure if it will ever be the same again since the floods but the strikes were as exciting as it can get. There is nothing better in my book than a top water bite and to do it in the dark is even better. The water is calm and there is zero boat traffic, your senses are tuned in to every noise and the wham!!!!!! The explosion is just fantastic. One other great advantage is the heat is minimal and with a little bit of equipment and common since it can be a blast.

I hope to be out there again at 0300am tomorrow and fingers crossed I will have a better fish to display. The monsters come out at night!

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the report Mike. BTW – my wife says you need to smile more in your pictures!