Cole catches monster Bass on the Fourth

By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
July 9, 2004
Billy Cole began fishing many years ago after meeting local bass fishing pro Mike Heard. Cole jumped at the chance to go fishing and learn from one of the best fishermen around. Heard has competed on all levels and has won more than his fair share of tournaments around the country.
From his association with Heard, Cole began fishing and that has now turned into a burning passion that he hopes to pass on to his own son, Billy Cole Jr. In fact Cole and Boo Jr. were in the boat together on July fourth when they had quite a day of fishing and excitement.
Now if you know anything about Bonita Lakes, you know it is clear and not too conducive to catching big fish in the hot summertime. This father son tandem didn't mind the odds, they just wanted to go fishing, hot weather or not! They had a pretty good fishing trip anyway as they caught and released approximately 14 bass. As the temperature rose, the fishing started slowing down.
Going deep
Cole decided to try one of his deep water hot spots before heading home. His favorite Carolina fishing rig was already tied on and ready to go. The area he had chosen was 16 feet deep and had held many four to seven pounders in the past. On one particular cast he felt the distinctive tap tap of a bass. Once he set the hook however, he realized that this was no ordinary bass. Although Little Boo is only 6 years old, he has already become a proficient fishing partner of his dad, so he was ready with the net when the monster came out of the water.
This big bass was the second one that he had caught over 10 pounds. He had previously caught a 10-pound three-ounce bass at Aliceville and a Nine pound eight ounce bass at Kemper. This big bass was going to take his place right beside the other ones on Cole's wall at home.
Like father like son
Although Cole didn't have anyone to take him fishing as a young child, he believes that having a father is an important part of our society today. To that end he devotes most of his time to Billy Jr. and his daughter Katilyn. Although four-year-old Katilyn also loves to fish, she doesn't love it quite like Boo Jr.. At the recent kids fishing tourney at the fish hatchery, Junior won his division while catching 39 pounds of catfish on worms and crickets. He caught all of them on a Zebco 33 rod and reel combo.
When the temperature moves into the 90s and the sun gets high in the sky, the bass are sure to be deep. And that's something that makes Billy Cole happy. By the looks of that twelve-pound bass, he's really become quite a fisherman himself. Cole said it best I think when he stated, "Catching a monster bass on the fourth of July. It just don't get any better than that.