Midwest Fishing Tackle

Fishing the Courtois Creek

2011-12-18T17:28:00.000-06:00

The middle of March is the beginning of some of the best smallmouth bass fishing Missouri has to offer on this overlooked creek. Several outfitters service the Courtois Creek and some of the best areas to fish are between the access at Berryman Road and the confluence of the Courtois and Huzzah Creeks.

The Courtois Creek is floatable above the Berryman access but not a lot of water is available during the dry seasons. I have floated from Brazil access to Berryman in one day in January several years ago. It is a long float for this time of year due to limited daylight hours and my partner and I did finish the last mile in the dark. If you float during the cold season, you must be prepared for the conditions. In case you get wet, a dry change of clothes and the ability to build a fire are essenitial.

Through trial and error, I have found the best float fishing on the Courtois Creek is from the Berryman access to Bass River Resort. If you rent a canoe from the resort, they will take you to Berryman and you can float back to your vehicle parked at the resort. This float is approximately 11 miles of stream but if you would like a shorter trip they is another access they will put in that is approximately 6 miles of stream. The shorter trip access is called Blunt Road Access - sometimes called Misty Valley due to an old outfitter that is no longer in business here.

From Berryman Road Access to the Huzzah Creek there are miles of clear water filled with Smallmouth Bass, Goggle-eye, Largemouth Bass and Spotted bass that do not receive a lot of fishing pressure. The best time to fish this water is during the spring and fall – before and after the traditional float trip season. The Courtois Creek receives a lot of float trip traffic and the waterway can get crowded on the weekends. If you do fish the creek in the summer months try to do so during the middle of the week for less traffic.

The water flow in the creek is gentle and suitable for most people regardless of experience in operating a canoe. As the creek meanders through the valley there are a few places along the way that can be tricky to navigate. A couple of sharp turns and narrow passages create some faster moving water but still things a novice can handle. The beauty of this area is the water is clear and only is stained during rainy conditions. There majority of the stream is not much deeper that five feet with a several deep holes along the way.

Recommended fishing tackle for an outing on this stream is light to medium action rod and reels. Rod length is best at no greater than six feet due to tight cover requiring short casts. My choice is a five and one half foot pistol grip casting rod with a high-speed reel. In addition, I do carry a medium action-spinning outfit for ease of casting lighter offerings.

When floating a stream always keep your rods stored inside and below the top of your watercraft. Many times, you will travel under low-lying overhead cover that can snag your rods and pull them from the canoe or boat. If not pulled from the boat, rods may hit the occupants when the pull loose from the snag or hit an occupant.

A small tackle boxe filled with soft-plastic lures, weedless jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater (including buzzbaits) and shallow-running crankbaits complete the ideal lure assortment for a day -long outing on the Courtois Creek. Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits with a chartreuse skirt are very effective on smallmouth bass. The other lures are best in natural colors with jigs and soft-plastics in green pumpkin and crawfish. My choice for topwater and crankbaits is natural shad colors.

Soft-plastic lures presented with a football shaky head offer anglers a snag resistant, very effective lure. The screw lock keeper holds plastic lures securely to the head as well as covering the hook point creating a weedless offering. Football shaped jig heads reduce the chance of your lure to become wedged in the rock bottom of the stream. Most soft plastic lures work well on this type of jig head but the stream bass generally prefer a crawfish imitator in natural colors. The jig head also helps keep a crawfish lure in a “pinchers up” position; this is the defensive position of a crawfish. Bottom bouncing lures are effective any time of year and water temperture.

Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices from mid-spring until late fall. Chartreuse skirts are always my color choice with nickle, willowleaf blades. Chartreuse, it seems, attracts violent stirkes from smallmouth bass. Willowleaf spinnerbaits blades create less lift when retreived and lift is something not necessary in these shallow water streams.

Topwater poppers and chuggers in natural color patterns generate intense stirkes from all three species of bass during the warmer seasons. Your assortment of these lures should include the Storm Chug-Bug, Storm Baby Chug-Bug and the Rebel Pop-R in shad color patterns.

Shallow running crankbaits can be effective at times but are more difficult to present in the smaller streams. If used, I suggest it done so in the deeper and slower moving waters. Deep water is relative to the surrounding water and 5 feet is deep in the Courtois Creek. A shad imitating crankbait running 1-2 feet below the surface will entice bass to come up from deeper water to attack the offering.

After you set out on your fishing adventure floating a small stream remember to let the fish tell you what they want that day. Use this as a guide for lure choices but do not be afraid to experienment with other lures and presentations. The bass in the Courtois Creek are generally willing to entertain you all day, but I have had days when it seems nothing could make them bite.

Locating Bass Fishing Areas

2011-10-25T09:16:00.003-05:00

Anglers of all skill levels are constantly in search of productive fishing areas and getting the maximum reward for their efforts. Fishing areas that have the ability to hold bass for extended periods will not hold feeding bass throughout an entire day of fishing. The bass that use the area as their home will only feed at certain times during a day. Successful anglers are able to locate the areas where bass live and determine the times they feed.

The first step in this process is to locate areas where bass reside most of the time. While bass are caught shallow at anytime, they seldom reside in shallow water for an extended period. Therefore, deep-water bass are more predictable when it comes to locating them. Deep water is a relative term and bass holding in deep water are affected by the thermocline when it is present. Lowland lakes deep- water holding areas are much shallower than deep-water hideouts highland lakes.

Locating bass fishing areas is a seasonal approach. During the summer and winter, bass generally live in deeper areas. Spawning bass will hold in shallow water for longer periods to complete the spawning cycle. In the fall, bass will scatter more than other seasons and is the most frustrating season for some anglers. Some will still be holding in deep water while others have already made the move to shallow areas to chase schools shad.

Isolated, submerged cover will concentrate bass better than a lot of scattered cover in the similar areas. They will sometimes use this cover for ambush points to attack prey that venture close to the cover. However, bass will also wonder outside the cover to chase unsuspecting prey. In addition, sometimes bass will use only one part of the cover more than to ambush prey for reasons not evident to anglers. When presenting lures to cover, anglers should do so from all available directions as well as over the top and through the center of the cover.

When locating bass fishing areas, Midwest Fishing Tackle Staff Member, Aaron Hunter reports “Main and secondary points are always my first stop. If I can find cover located on these points I target that cover.” Regardless of the season and water temperatures, Hunter says, “Points always have the ability to hold bass. Points are like highways for bass to travel from deep to shallow water. The seasons do not matter, when bass have deep water close to points that have shallow banks, bass will be close by.”

When choosing lures offer the bass a variety until they indicate what they prefer. Do not limit lure selection due to cover you are fishing. Many anglers use only Texas rigged plastics and jigs for fishing cover. Crankbaits are one example of lures effective for covering a lot of water and are effective when fishing brushy cover. The crankbait bill will somewhat protect the hooks when retreived and are better at getting through cover than many anglers realize.

Deep-diving crankbaits on ten-pound test florocarbon line is an effective technique to find isolated cover on points. The lures will reach depths of 20-feet or more and contact the available cover giving away its location on the bottom. When crankbaits deflect off the cover, they will draw a reaction strike from nearby bass.

Carolina rigged plastics are another way to cover water quickly and locate the available bottom cover. The heavy sinkers allow anglers to distinguish between rock and wood cover. Slowly dragging a Carolina rigged soft plastic will draw strikes from lethargic bass that will not take a fast moving crankbait.

Once productive cover is located jigs and Texas rigged plastics are a great technique to slowly pick apart of piece of cover. The slow moving lures often aggravate bass into striking because they want to chase off or kill the lure.

Because bass are not always feeding, the second key to getting the most from these areas is to be fishing them at the time the bass decide to feed. Many productive areas have been abandoned by anglers because they determined the bass were not present when the bass were not feeding during the time the angler was there. It is best to have located a few potential areas close to each other and rotate between them throughout the day. This increases the chances you will be on at least one of them when the bass decide to feed. Aaron Hunter says, “I rotate between a few spots throughout each day on the water. Bass do not always feed at the same time on each spot and I feel I have more opportunities each day by doing this. Also, I can still get reaction strikes from bass that are not actively feeding.”

To better your chances of catching bass pick a few areas and patiently present lures to all sides and in the middle of the available cover. Rotate between these areas during your fishing time and visit each several times throughout the day.

Every Little Angler Needs an Old Man

2011-06-26T02:47:00.000-05:00

Two young boys and an “old man” walking the bank of a small pond. Sharing an afternoon together casting for anything that will bite. The boys were accomplished anglers for their age. Both began fishing while still wearing diapers. The “old man” was their teacher this day. Like everyday before, the little anglers absorbed all the information the “old man” was willing to share.

Many years ago the “old man” was a student and had his own “old man”, his teacher. They shared similar days on and around the water eager fish called home. He too absorbed all the information his teacher was willing to share. While growing older, becoming a teacher and an “old man” in his own rite, he continued to absorb any information available about fishing. He became more knowlegeable than his teacher, but always gave credit to his “old man” for building the foundation of his education.

As he grew older, he shared all of the knowledge he had aquired with anyone willing to listen. He made it a point to share with young anglers. Doing so, he hoped, would help build another foundation for a lifetime of learning about his favorite outdoor sport. He was developing stewards to take care of the great outdoor arena he would eventually leave to them.

As the two boys learned about fishing, they were also learning about nature. The three of them spent countless hours catching fish as well as observing Mother Nature. They caught frogs, insects, learned to identify plants, trees and weather patterns. Many of the insects they captured became bait for fishing. Many times the insects were tossed into the water and observed until a fish decided to make of meal of them.

As the three of them continue slowly walking the edges of the water, they offer small spinnerbaits and soft plastics to the panfish and bass. The “old man” uses a child size outfit making it easier to hand it to one of the boys when he hooks a fish. The boys always get to reel in any hooked fish. The “old man” dedicates his efforts on these special days to his two little anglers. He has not brought any of his own tackle on this day. He seldom uses anything but the children’s tackle when sharing the water with these boys. The “old man” will ocassionally sneak a couple of casts with his equipment when the boys are exploring the areas around the water. He keeps a watchful eye on them and exploits every opportunity to teach them when they discover something interesting.

They discover an area where deer visit the pond to drink. The boys learn to identify a track left by the deer using the pond for their source of water. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear turkey and raccoons use the area. The boys spend the rest of the day closely watching the ground for signs of other animal using the pond for water.

After a couple hours, the boys lose interest in fishing but the adventure is not over. The three of them take a walk through the woods seeking new discoveries. The boys do not realize it but the class is still in session. They continue to learn new things about nature and the “old man” discovers he is both a teacher and student.

Note: Both men and women can play the “old man” role and age is a relative thing. My “old man” was my Uncle Larry who always made time to take me fishing. Please remember to include a child in your fishing plans.

Understanding the Thermocline in Lakes

2011-05-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

Discussing the Thermocline can be a very detailed and scientific subject. However, for this the basics will be covered in how the Thermocline relates to the behavior of bass. From spring to fall the Thermocline affects bass behavior in several ways.

In late spring the surface water in most lakes has warmed into the low 70-degree range while the cooler water is well below the surface. Surface water in this temperature range still holds plenty of oxygen so the bass have not yet started to migrate into the deeper water. However, as the surface temperature rises into the low 80-degree range, bass will seek the cooler water that holds more oxygen. The warm surface water doesn’t hold enough oxygen to keep the bass comfortable and this is when they seek the deeper water.

The Thermocline is a small area of water that lies between the warm surface water and the deeper water that also holds little oxygen. Most of the time this small area of water is only about ten feet from top to bottom. In the deep Ozark lakes there are sometimes exceptions to this rule and the Thermocline can be up to thirty feet from top to bottom.

In mid-summer largemouth bass will generally hold close to cover and/or structure near the upper edges of the Thermocline. When an angler finds the Thermocline this is great starting point for the proper depth to locate bass. A depth finder with the sensitivity turned up makes the Thermocline visible on the display. It will look like a false bottom reading on the display.

At Lake of the Ozarks the Thermocline will generally be found about 25 feet deep and only reach down to about 35 feet. In Table Rock Lake – a much clearer body of water - the Thermocline generally starts about 60 feet deep and can extend to about 80 feet deep.

Lake of the Ozarks is best fished during the summer at night due to the amount of boat traffic during the day. The Thermocline still hold at the same level and should be the targeted depth for bass fishing. June through August is best fished with a bottom-bouncing lure like a jig, plastic worm or heavy spinnerbaits. However, most of the time the bass will only be active near the Thermocline.

Table Rock Lake is best fished at depths of 60 – 80 feet deep since this is the depth where the summer Thermocline is generally located. There are only a few effective means to get a lure this deep. A Carolina rig can be fished this deep. However, my favorite is to vertical jig a small plastic worm on a ¼ ounce jig head or a jigging spoon presented at the required depths to reach the bass.

Spotted (Kentucky) bass will suspend just above the submerged treetops that are still abundantly available in Table Rock Lake. They will school together at the same general depths most of the summer so once located they are easier to follow at later times. Again, the key to this location is the Thermocline affecting the behavior of the bass.

More Bass Fishing Information available at http://BassFishingMidwest.com

Spanish Lake Park offers good crappie fishing

2010-11-26T13:45:00.000-06:00

Spanish Lake Park offers good crappie opportunity for St. Louis area anglers wanting to stay close to home. The park features two lakes, Spanish Lake is 34 acres and Sunfish Pond is 31 acres. Both have concrete boat ramps and fishing docks for disabled anglers and hold good population of crappie. The two lakes have depths of approximately 15 feet; they have plenty of submerged cover and shoreline irregularities. The water is generally clear to stained.

Recently I caught up with Tony Pearson, he is a crappie angler who spends approximately 50 days per year on Spanish Lake, and he had some advice to share with anglers looking for suburban crappie opportunities. Tony said, “Crappie fishing on this small lake is not much different than crappie fishing on big lakes.”

Upon on further questions about the techniques Tony uses he explained his approach to fishing Spanish Lake. He uses a 16-foot boat rigged with a small outboard on the transom and trolling motor on the front. Tony said, “I use two main techniques when setting up my rods. I either present lures into cover or drift areas where crappie are likely to be found.”

When dropping lures into heavy cover he recommends using a long rod and jigs just heavy enough to get them deep into the cover being targeted. Tony says, “A 1/32 ounce jig head with an 1 ½ inch curl tail or tube jig is my most productive lure. I seldom use anything heavier than 1/32 ounce because crappie feed on bait above them due to the placement of their eyes; they have better sight when looking up.” He also added when the fishing is slow, “I will tip my jigs with a wax worm.”

Color selection varies each trip and he changes colors regularly until he finds a color the crappies prefer. Generally, he uses natural colors but in stained water he opts for darker colors.

Tony’s advice for an angler not familiar with Spanish Lake is to target points where cover is present. There are many trees lying on the bank of the lake as well as some submerged brush piles. He said. “During the coldest and hottest months I target the deeper submerged cover but during the spring and fall the shallow cover is the most productive. My lure choice remains basically the same throughout the year.”

Spanish Lake Park rules restrict the use of gasoline engines. However, as long as they are not started, it is acceptable to use boat with them attached. The lakes are small enough that an electric motor is plenty of power when fishing these lakes.

Fishing Lessons

2010-11-08T00:53:00.002-06:00

Over the years I have been blessed with many fishing partners. Some have become regular partners while others were just a one-time event. All of them have shared knowledge while on the water and I have learned something from every one of them. A few have become a fishing hero of mine..

Many years ago a gentleman took it upon himself to become my mentor and take me fishing at every opportunity we had available. He made time during my spring and summer vacations to teach me everything he knew about fishing for many species but he concentrated on my desire to catch bass. It was this wonderful man, my Uncle Larry, who built the foundation for my love of fishing.

Prior to him making it his job to educate me on tactics and techniques my limited experience of bass fishing had been approached using simple means. Live bait was the best way I knew of for catching bass even though I knew there were many reasons anglers spent hard earned money to buy artificial lures. My knowledge was lacking on how to use anything but live bait and my confidence in using artificial lures was extremely low. I had caught very few bass with lures and looking back it was due to lack of knowledge and confidence in them.

At approximately the age of ten years is when my fishing lessons began. My Uncle Larry took me on many outings and continued to keep the fishing simple using techniques I was comfortable with. While doing so he slowly added information on using many other techniques and was so subtle in doing so I did not realize he was conducting a class.

My most memorable lessons were given on a lake in Georgia that was surrounded with a golf course. If my memory is correct the lake was about 200 acres. The lake had a channel running through it at a depth of about 20 feet. The channel was very pronounced for such a small body of water and had shallower water on both sides creating a drop of about 10 feet into the channel. It was the middle of March in Georgia and the bass were ready to move into the spawning areas. The bass were in the pre-spawn stages and starting to feed heavily. The bass’ first stop on the way to the spawning areas were the edges of this channel and Uncle Larry was ready to teach me how to exploit them.

For over a year I had been carrying two bags of Culprit plastic worms in my tackle box. Both bags were still full but Uncle Larry convinced me to open them. He taught me how to use a Texas rig worm that day and the technique was very productive. We caught many bass that day and kept some for our meal that night. The lesson on that private Georgia lake started something that has still not ended.

My confidence in using plastic worms caused my curiosity to lead me to using many different types of lures. The confidence my uncle helped create kept me using them while in the past I would make a few casts with each and set them aside for more simple techniques. Slowly I began getting better and more confident with every lure type

It was not long before I was not satisfied with walking around a pond or fishing from a rented johnboat. My first boat purchase was a 14-foot johnboat with a 7.5 horsepower motor and I rigged up a mount on the front for a trolling motor. This first watercraft was not a high performance machine but it did widen my opportunities for fishing.

Not long after my first boat purchase I joined a bass club and began competing in tournaments with the other club members. Because my boat was slower and not suitable for tournament fishing I competed as a non-boater. This is where I also learned a lot about bass fishing. Everyone in the club shared information and techniques and I soaked up all the information they were willing to share. This lead to my second and third boat purchases so I would be equipped to compete as a boater in the club and many open tournaments.

Many years and tournaments later I was blessed with the first of two little boys and once again I began learning more about fishing. While I did enjoy the competitive fishing these two little anglers took me back to a time of walking the shores of farm ponds. My years of getting fishing lessons from others made me a better teacher for these two little anglers. While teaching my sons to fish I immediately started them fishing with beetle spin lures small enough for eager bluegill to take. They did not have the patience to watch a bobber float on the pond surface and wait for the fish to come to them so I took advantage of this weakness. Also, this rig made it easier on me by not having to bait hooks. Not only were the bluegill eager to eat these tiny lures some bass up to 14 inches also attacked them. A 14-inch bass on a kid’s small rod gets quite exciting for all involved.

Now my fishing lessons have started all over again from learning the basics to the latest techniques and back to teaching the basics again. I learned two very important lessons from these three anglers. Great relationships develop between anglers regardless of age when they share fishing time together. Also, fishing is just as much fun whether covering a lot of water in high powered boats or walking around a pond with young anglers eager to learn more on each outing.

Simpson County Park bass fishing in St. Louis County

2010-10-12T04:07:00.000-05:00

On a recent fishing trip to a local St. Louis County Park lake it was clear that fall fishing has arrived. The bait-fish we cursing the surface and the bass were feeding heavily on them. Top water lures and spinnerbaits were very productive for the schooling bass and a brush jig was effective for the bigger bass holding in the shoreline cover waiting to ambush prey.

During just two hours on the water my partner and I boated approximately two-dozen bass on top water and spinnerbaits and had three nice bass fall victim to a brush jig. The jig bite was slow and our presentation had to be exact.

Floating cover near the spillway of the lake is where the bigger bass were found. The water falling over the spillway produce a slight current and it seemed to concentrate the bait-fish and bass. The smaller bass were following the bait-fish throughout the lake and were eager to smash a Rebel Pop-R. A spinnerbait moving about two feet deep also took several of the smaller bass.

The lake is located Simpson Park in southwest St. Louis County. It is a 72-acre lake with a boat ramp. Gasoline motors are not allowed but bass boats can be used with a trolling motor. The ramp is shallow and launching bigger boats can be difficult and have to be winched back onto the trailer when loading.

This was my first outing on this lake and I have heard complaints from anglers fishing it from shore. However, much of the lake is not easily accessible from the shore. The most productive areas found this day were also not available to shore anglers. St. Louis anglers with a few hours and access to a boat should consider this lake.

Catch bass in overlooked waters

2010-07-25T01:06:00.000-05:00

The Midwest is the home to numerous small creeks that most anglers overlook. Many of these creeks have springs feeding them water during the often dry summer. The water remains cool and Smallmouth Bass thrive. The best feature of these small creeks is most anglers do not give a second thought about fishing them.

Many anglers drive across these creeks everyday during their daily travels but fail to realize their fish producing potential. In Missouri there are countless waterways that intersect state highways and county roads. Some run through private land while others have several public access areas. The public access areas often times become popular swimming holes.

Just up or down stream from these swimming holes the water becomes home to many species including Smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass often grow to trophy size in these tiny streams and become quite aggressive when chasing prey. This aggressive nature makes them extremely fun to catch, especially on light tackle.

To take advantage of these opportunities finds you a good map of your area and mark highways where they are intersected by creeks. Use a satellite map service and locate these areas for a better view of the waters above and below the roadway. If you find a steady supply of water in the basin chances are good the creek will be the home to Smallmouth bass and/or Largemouth bass. These areas should be explored to determine the fishing potential they offer.

Very basic tackle is required for creeks and small rivers. Often times a pocket full of lures and one medium action outfit is all that is required for a fun and productive day on the water. Wading these waters is the easiest way to learn the waterway and its fishing potential. The best time to wade creeks is during the hottest months of summer. The cool water is necessary for the Smallmouth bass and keeps the angler cool as well.

The most productive lures are soft plastic crawdads and worms. Stand up and shaky head jigs are ideal to rig these lure for a natural presentation. Small spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are also productive for creek bass. Pumpkinseed and green pumpkin are good color choices for soft plastics in clear creeks. For spinnerbaits and buzzbaits white, chartreuse and chartreuse/white skirts have been my most productive for many years.

Get out and explore the waterways while staying cool fishing during the hot summer season. While there are many public accesses to creeks most do, at some point, cross private land. Always seek permission before entering private land.

Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig

2010-07-21T23:22:00.001-05:00

Now available is the Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig.

The Change-Up Jig features a full silicone skirt, Mustad 5/0 Hook, powder coat finish and a screw lock keeper.

The Change-Up Jig allows anglers to have a Texas Rigged plastic trailer.

Trim the top of the skirt to create a finesse skirt.

Remove the skirt to create a screw lock shaky head.

The Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig is available exclusively at Midwest Fishing Tackle

Evolution Gorilla Pliers

2010-07-15T15:08:00.000-05:00

Recently I had the opportunity to try the Evolution Gorilla Pliers and was very impressed with this fishing tool. The features include a tungsten coated (replaceable) cutter designed to cut leaders, line and light wire. The cutters cut braid, mono and fluorocarbon line easily and quickly without leaving frayed end on the braid.

These 6.5 inch pliers have a split ring nose, a crimp and hook holder. I didn’t use the crimp but found the split ring nose and hook holder work great for changing hooks on lures and the hook holder grips most common sized hooks very tightly.

Most pliers I have used in the past were too heavy to carry on a pair of shorts using a sheath. However, these aircraft grade aluminum pliers fit nicely and securely into the included nylon sheath. The light-weight of these pliers created no issues with pulling on my shorts and I often forgot they were on my waist band. The included lanyard was a perfect length for use and also made of light-weight material. I never once was left looking for them on the floor of the boat when I needed them. The sheath features a Velcro strap for securing the Gorilla Pliers into place and it is easy to release when the pliers are needed.

Gorilla Pliers are now available online at www.MidwestTackleShop.com and at www.Gambler-Bang.com.

Gambler Big EZ

2010-07-15T15:07:00.000-05:00

The Gambler Big EZ combines the features of a soft plastic swimbait with a soft plastic jerkbait. The lure features hook slots on both top and bottom, a swimbait paddle tail. Also, the segmented design of the body allows for plenty of side to side swimming action. This lure can be swam like a swimbait or twitched like a soft plastic jerkbait.
The Gambler Big EZ is made with soft, yet durable plastic. It is cabable of holding up to several strikes but soft enough to feel natural and create plenty of action in the water.
I used it with weightless, weighted and jig heads. All three riggings worked great. The hook slots on the body kept the hook weedless but allowed for easy hooking of striking fish.
The Big EZ comes in 11 attractive colors for any conditions. It is available online at www.MidwestTackleShop.com and www.Gambler-Bang.com

The Fishing Trip

2010-04-22T10:38:00.004-05:00

The fishing trip has been planned for several weeks and the anticipation is growing harder to handle for the young angler. Several weeks may not seem like a long time to a seasoned angler but to a four-year-old several weeks is an eternity. Every morning the questions start about when the weather and water will warm enough to encourage the fish to become eager to entertain a young boy. A two-hour fishing trip to a farm pond can be an insignificant event to an older angler but for the youngster it is similar to an exotic trip to a far away land.

This particular destination is only a 25-mile drive from home for the young angler but the small pond is filled with pan fish and bass that create nonstop action. The fish are eager to eat anything from live bait to almost any artificial offering. The bass are always willing to explode on small topwater offerings and provide acrobatic displays once hooked. The visual excitement of watching a topwater offering and the bass’ willingness to display themselves in such fashion create an exciting outing for any youngster.

This excitement will not hold the attention of a four year old for long. However, the outing is nowhere close to over once the angler’s interest starts to fade. The area is full of open fields and forestland along with two ponds. Walks through the fields and forest are an adventure in themselves. Short walks through the woods provide the sounds of last fall’s leaves crunching beneath little shoes and one sweeping motion of a tiny foot opens up an opportunity to explore the many insects that call the forest home.

The blooming plants provide many colors to explore and an opportunity to pick some wild flowers to present to Mom upon returning home. Some can be identified when discovered while some samples are taken home for further examination and identification. The wild Violets, Dogwood and Red Bud Trees provide wonderful colors in a wooded area still quite thin in vegetation. Stopping to smell them excites the nose and indicates that Mother Nature is coming back to life.

Finding a fallen tree branch provides the youngster a toy as well as a walking stick while on the forest adventure. The toy reminds me of times when toys were simple and did not create entertainment without some imagination. Rocks, another readily available toy, are an excellent choice for the child to ward off the creatures lurking just over the next hill. Any natural noise heard while on the adventure becomes a potential enemy to be dealt with and the sticks and rocks make great tools for this job at hand.

Leaving the shaded cover of the trees create a transition of interesting animals including horses, cattle and one lonely mule. The livestock are huge animals in the eyes of the youngster who just minutes ago were the world’s best angler at the nearby pond. The first question will be “can we ride them?” The next is “can we pet them? Finding that the huge horses are quite gentle and friendly, and like the attention eases some of the uncertainty during the first moments of their discovery. Once the petting has been done we now have several new friends willing to follow us through the field during the next step in this adventure.

With still some uncertainty about the large animals that have just befriended us, the youngster regularly looks over his shoulder keeping a close watch on the horses. Proud of his newly established friendship and not wanting them to lose interest in following us, he is still wondering about their motive for wanting to follow so closely. He does not yet understand that these animals are just a curious about him as he is of them.

We near the pond again where our fishing gear is leaning against a tree waiting for our return. One more attempt to make the water’s surface erupt with excitement is a success. Another eager bass explodes on the topwater presentation offered by the young boy and he again is the world’s greatest angler. His attention is beginning to fade once again and it is time to gather our belongings and embark on a journey home so he can share the fresh picked flowers and the story of him once again confirming his ability as a great angler.

While this short adventure into the outdoors may seem insignificant for some it is one not forgotten by the boy. It is part of the building process that will create a life-long love of the great outdoors. All of the boy’s senses have been subjected to some sort of stimuli and he has had the opportunity to use his imagination. These sorts of situations do not often occur while inside a building, and if they do, certainly not to this degree.

Customize Jerkbaits

2010-02-06T02:33:00.001-06:00

New article on how to customize jerkbaits by Table Rock Lake Guide, Chris Tetrick now available on Bass Fishing Midwest

The Defining Moment of an Angler

2009-12-04T04:26:00.000-06:00

Most avid anglers can recall a moment in their life when the interest in fishing escalated to more than just a way to pass time. This moment usually takes place over a full fishing season and not just a few seconds of time one day on the water. This moment for me happened at the age of six years.

While growing up in Southeast Missouri I was fortunate to have lived within walking distance of a stream that held eager panfish. Also, a resourceful mother who encouraged my love of the outdoors. Digging worms for bait was my favorite fishing technique and our yard was full of back-filled holes to prove it. Many times during the dry summer the ground had the texture of sandstone. This made digging difficult for a skinny kid that didn’t weigh much more than the shovel. When faced with this situation mom would give me a couple slices of bread or bacon to supplement my lack of live bait.

Fishing equipment was simple and designed by my mother who was a great outfitter when resources ran low. I would choose a stick that met my standards for a fishing rod and she somehow always came up with a good length of line and some sort of hook. At times mom would fashion a safety pin as a hook and a small length of stick tied onto the line made a great bobber. She would wish me luck and send me on my way. This was back during a time when parents didn’t have to worry about someone running off with their kids and it was perfectly acceptable for a neighbor lady to discipline a kid that she felt needed it.

During these adventures I would be gone for hours catching fish and playing in the creek. This creek was not anything big or dangerous. There was not to many places that an adult could not step across it with much trouble. However, to a seven year old kid it might as well been one of the Great Lakes. It did have a couple of waterfalls, areas of flat limestone where the water fell almost 18 inches into the next pool. This was a waterfall to a kid and the lower pool was a great place to catch huge four-inch panfish.

Fishing until dark, or until the bait ran out, was a standard practice. Many times as dark approached I would wedge my “fishing rod” in a secure place in hopes of having caught a fish upon my return the next day. Looking back I now realize this is why a store bought fishing rig was out of the question for me. If my fishing rod survived the night without being pulled into the water I often found a fish attached to the end of the line. However, many times it was gone the next morning and I often wondered about the record sized fish that was required to dislodge my gear.

The next year my family moved to an urban area and left the creek behind but my love of fishing just grew more intense. I was blessed with neighborhood ponds for many years after the move and a bicycle to haul all of my gear. Bicycle handlebars make great rod holders but one must be careful when passing nearby trees and mailboxes because the rod was much wider than the bicycle. Equipment damage and bodily harm could always be found just one mailbox away.

My mother always provided the resources for the essentials to chase fish and encouraged me to spend time outdoors. There is not doubt in my mind her intentions were genuine in encouraging outdoor activities but I am sure she enjoyed some peace and quite time at home while I was fishing.

A lot has changed in the almost forty years that have passed since my “defining moment”. My equipment choices have become more high-tech but the basics remain the same. Spending time fishing is more about the experience than anything else. If I had to give up all of the new equipment and use that old stick with a safety pin hook I would still go fishing at every opportunity.

For Fishing Tackle please visit Midwest Fishing Tackle and for more Bass Fishing Information please visit Bass Fishing Midwest

Gambler KO Hangover Skirt

2009-11-29T23:06:00.016-06:00

Gambler Lures has recently introduced a new product called the Gambler KO Hangover Skirt. This new skirt allow anglers to make any soft plastic a weedless jig. The new skirt has a unique ring that allows the skirt layers to be tied to it. This creates a jig skirt that slides on the line above any Texas Rigged soft plastic lure.

Anglers can then "peg" a sinker above the skirt holding the entire rig together. The key is the skirt's ability to be placed above the bait and below the sinker. There are many techniques to peg a sinker including the Gambler Ratt'lin Florida Rig Goop Weight.

For our illustration we used a bullet type slip sinker. The pegging was done with a line threader and living rubber skirt material. However, the Ratt'lin Florida Rig Goop Weight makes the process much easier. This weight has a soft material already made into the center of the weight and the line is threaded through the center with a line threader. Thus eliminating the need for the living rubber skirt material.

This first photo shows the items we used for rigging this new product. They include a Gambler KO Hangover Skirt, Gambler Paddle Tail Worm, worm hook, bullet sinker, line threader and two strands of living rubber skirt material.

This second photo shows the rig almost completed. The steps to get to this point included sliding the bullet sinker onto the line, sliding the Gambler KO Hangover Skirt below the sinker and tying the worm hook onto the line. The Paddle Tail worm was then Texas Rigged onto the hook. Once these steps were complete the line threader was inserted into the sinker opening and used to pull the living rubber skirt material through the center of the sinker. The excess skirt material is shown protruding from the sinker and needs to be trimmed off.

This last photo shows the rig completed. With the sinker pegged on top of the skirt and the skirt resting on top of the worm the rig becomes a truly weedless jig. It is ideal for using in heavy weed and brush cover. These skirts are available at Midwest Fishing Tackle. We will be adding the Gambler Goop Weight soon. For a complete line of Gambler Lure Products visit Gambler-Bang.com

Bass Angler Does Some Surf Casting

2009-10-29T13:50:00.001-05:00

The low tide made for some very calm surf on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Surfcasting was quite enjoyable and wading into the water without getting pounded by the waves added to the pleasure. Because I have little knowledge of this type of fishing I chose a simple rig. A silver spoon provided a compact yet heavy lure and made the presentation quite easy.

The fish were plentiful and I was able to catch several each time out. However, identifying the species was difficult for me due to my lack of knowledge. Since all of my catch was released knowing the length limits for the fish was not of any concern. All of my fishing was being done on the beach where there were condominium buildings side by side as far as I could see. Most of the residents were retired people and when not fishing themselves, they enjoyed watching others including me.

One afternoon I was blessed with several fish hooking up with my spoon and my lack of ability to identify them is what caused an issue. Walking down the beach was a lady who happened by about the time I hooked a good fish so she stopped to watch the ensuing battle of angler and fish. Once I subdued the fish and released it within her plain sight she proceeded to give me a lesson on fish identification.

To someone with my lack of knowledge a Carvelle Jack looks identical to a Pompano. The Pompano is regarded as one of the best tasting fish while the Jack is one of the worst. The one sided conversation with the lady on the beach made it perfectly clear to me that she could tell the difference. She wanted the fish for a meal and was forced to watch it swim away after I released it.

She used some words to describe my stupidity that I would never use in the presence of my mother and they are of similar age. In a very detailed manner she informed me how to tell the difference of the two species and where she lived so I could save for her any further Pompano caught. Also, she gave me specific instructions not to attempt to clean the fish as she had her own favorite technique and didn’t want me “messing up the fish”.

What she didn’t realize was there was no way I was going to save any of the Pompano for her because she had scared me with her behavior. I did not dare approach her home as fear of doing something “stupid” may put her over the edge and there would be no witnesses to my death, near or in her home. I did, however, watch closely the people walking on the beach from that time forward trying to identify anyone who looked similar to her. Once I thought I saw her in the distance and I immediately quit fishing until I could confirm the lady walking on the beach was not the lady who I feared.

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Three Anglers on an Adventure

2009-10-01T18:02:00.003-05:00

This adventure began on a late summer night in August many years ago. Three young men loaded a pick up truck with camping and fishing gear to try their luck at a newly impounded reservoir. This particular lake didn’t have a lot of traffic on the weekends and even less on the weekdays. Therefore reservations for a rental boat and camping site were not necessary. Their travels began on a Sunday evening. A major consideration when planning an excursion outdoors is weather. None of the three seemed to remember or pay any attention to this detail.

About one hour from home the severe thunderstorms began and didn’t let up the entire trip to the lake. During the drive all of the gear including tent and clothing was soaked. Somewhere during this time they realized they had made no plans for food or drink and stopped at the only store they could find open. Actually, it was closed but the lights hadn’t been turned out yet. When asking the attendant where they could buy food and drink they were given their only option. There was a bar and restaurant about 15 miles out of the way that sold carryout beer on Sundays but food wasn’t available.

The three of them made the decision to settle for beer and followed the directions to the establishment. Upon arriving it was obvious it was the only place open at 9:00 pm on a Sunday night in the whole county. The parking lot was full but they headed inside to place their order anyway. Just inside the door was a rather large man who dressed like Charlie Daniels playing shuffleboard by himself. With a closer look it was clear he was upset about something as he was crying and talking to himself.

At this point they approached the bar and ordered one case of beer to go. It was very expensive but the laws of supply and demand were in full effect. The beer would later become worth every penny they paid. While leaving the three of them did their best to act like they didn’t notice the gentleman at the shuffleboard table. They made out of the bar and back on the road without any bad luck.

On the way to the campground the owner of the truck informed the others he was concerned about their fuel level. He said he had an additional fuel tank that was full but the switch was not working to change them. They finally made it to the campground where there were only two other sites being used. After retrieving the wet gear and setting up the tent they started drinking the beer but were quite hungry. One of the young men took it upon himself to coin the phrase “drink up, there is a pork chop in every can.”

By the time they reached the campground the rain had stopped and the skies began clearing. Camping without a campfire isn’t any fun so they set out to collect wood in the near by forest. Once they got a good supply and positioned it in the fire pit (the wood was soaking wet as well) they realized they had no matches or lighter to start the fire. A camper close by noticed the troubles and gave them a book of matches then wished them luck as he was going to sleep.

After many attempts they had no luck with getting the wet wood to burn. The only thing they had to assist in the starting of the fire was located behind the seat of the pick up truck. It was octane booster for the fuel and very volatile. (Please take my word for this when I say never try to start a fire with this stuff.) With just a light sprinkle on the wood one of them lit the last match and threw it at the wood hoping for a fire. However, what they got was a serious blaze about 15 feet high. It did however dry the wood and get it burning. While tending to the fire they drank all 24 beers and had to sleep in the next day before fishing.

After securing a rental boat with a small outboard they set out to catch some fish. They had little success and one of them continued to get his lures caught in the standing timber. On one particular cast the lure went up further than it went away from the boat and wrapped about four times around a over hanging tree limb some 20 feet above the water. The angler had enough so he decided to climb the tree to retrieve the lure. He was six feet-four inches tall and weighed in about 225 pounds. While the limb that held the lure was about 10 inches in diameter the trees had been dead for about three years.

He made it up the trunk and onto the limb. He had to walk out the limb about 10 feet to reach the lure and didn’t have much experience playing monkey. However, he made it close enough to reach the hanging lure when without warning the limb broke causing him and the limb to come crashing down. When he disappeared into the water his hat was left floating on the surface. A few seconds later he surfaced with only a hurt ego and it was a good thing as the two left in the boat later said they were laughing so hard they could not have saved him had he gotten hurt.

This took place several hours into the day and was a showstopper for the anglers. One was soaking wet and the others were almost sick from laughing so hard. I can still show you the exact tree that stands within sight of the dam on this lake. However, it is missing one rather large branch.

Copyright 2009, Marc Rogers, All Rights Reserved

More Articles available at Bass Fishing Midwest

Managing Small Waters for Great Fishing

2009-08-11T12:42:00.002-05:00

There are countless opportunities throughout North America for anglers to pursue fish in small ponds. Many of these waters are ponds consisting of one acre or less in size. They are located on farms, golf courses and subdivisions that keep the access private, allowing only select individuals to use them. The ponds may have an abundance of fish lurking beneath the surface because of minimal usage. However, the total population of fish is often not as great as it first appears.

Because the ponds hold such aggressive fish the body of water is sometimes over-harvested. A pond of ½ acre of surface water that contains Large Mouth Bass generally only accommodates a small number of harvest-sized bass. An angler who keeps bass on a regular basis can quickly deplete the population and by doing so will allow species such as bluegill to over populate the pond. Without the bass’ presence to control the population of bluegill the pond becomes home to many small, non-harvest sized bluegill. The small bass left behind have to compete with the bluegill for the limited food supply and a popular food source of bluegill is bass eggs. Once this cycle is put into motion it is hard to reverse.

Another detrimental occurrence in small ponds is for the owner to make them easier to fish by removing weed growth along the shoreline. While doing so makes the access to the water much easier, it also eliminates the major source of cover for the fish. Vegetation along the water’s edge produces oxygen for the fish during sunlight hours and allows cover for small fish to hide until they can reach adult size. If chemicals are used to kill off the vegetation, the dying growth consumes oxygen that the fish population need for survival. Removal of vegetation can be just as harmful as over-harvesting for the fish population.

Pond owner should consider keeping records of catch and harvest data to better understand what is happening below the surface in their ponds. Good record keeping is key to knowing the growth and harvest situation in any given small body of water. Owners should record the specie and length of each catch and note if it was consumed or returned to the water. Because pond owners do not generally have access to electro-shocking equipment like state agencies use, this is the next best way of knowing what is happening in their pond. Good record keeping means the fish must be measured exactly. Guessing at the length is not good enough to be successful in this approach.

Ponds generally cannot be managed to produce great size and numbers of several species of fish. The owners should make a decision about what specie they want to produce. Good bass fishing ponds will not have great numbers of big bluegill available as the bass eat most of them prior to reaching a few inches long. The ones that do survive to grow large can quickly be removed with one outing if an angler keeps them for the table.

On the other hand, if big bluegills are abundant bass generally will not reach large sizes because the bigger bluegill will compete with them for the limited food source. Both of these scenarios become clear with good record keeping of the catch from ponds.

Fish can grow bigger and more abundant if supplemental feeding is done in a pond. The drawback is if and when the feeding is discontinued. The extra feeding will produce more fish than the carrying capacity of the water and when the feeding is stopped all of the fish will suffer from malnourishment. When considering supplemental feeding a pond owner must remember the feeding will have to continue indefinitely for this approach to have a lasting effect.

Harvesting fish is a good way to keep a pond healthy and productive. The Missouri Department of Conservation has a great resource for pond management available on their website called the Missouri Pond Handbook by Ken Perry. This publication covers everything from the design and building of ponds to maintaining them as a fishing resource.

Missouri Pond Handbook

More articles available at Bass Fishing Midwest

Bass Fishing Tackle available at MidwestFishingTackle.net

Copyright 2009, Marc Rogers, All Rights Reserved

THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide

2009-07-29T00:43:00.001-05:00

Recently I had the pleasure of reading THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide written by John Neporadny. This book is a very informative guide to catching fish on Lake of the Ozarks and covers several species including bass, crappie, catfish, white bass and spoonbill.

In the book John presents tips and techniques for all of the popular species found in Lake of the Ozarks. The information was gathered from local fishing guides, regional tournament anglers and professional tournament anglers. Also, John possesses extensive knowledge of Lake of the Ozarks due to time spent on the water as a guide and angler.

THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide is a well-written, easy to read book. Any angler planning to fish at Lake of the Ozarks should read this book. The information provided is a great learning experience for any angler, regardless of their experience on the lake.

John’s book is available from his website at http://jnoutdoors.com and http://midwestfishingtackle.net.

Bass Fishing Indiana's Patoka Lake

2009-06-09T02:09:00.003-05:00

Bass Fishing Indiana’s Patoka Lake
By Marc Rogers

The Army Corp of Engineers completed Patoka Lake in 1978. It is the second largest reservoir in Indiana containing 8,880 surface acres of water at normal summer pool. At normal summer pool it has a maximum depth of 52 feet and an average depth of 22 feet. The Army Corp of Engineers controls the lake’s water level with a spillway for flood control purposes. The lake also provides drinking water for the surrounding areas. Patoka Lake is located approximately 10 miles from French Lick, Indiana.

Patoka Lake was formed by the impoundment of the Patoka River and there are 11 named and unnamed tributaries throughout the lake. The dam is located at the west side of the reservoir. The normal summer pool level is 536 feet above mean sea level. This level is normally stable but can fluctuate between 506 and 548 feet above mean level. The Army Corp of Engineers control over 17,000 acres of land surrounding the lake. The land is leased to the State of Indiana and managed for recreational purposes including hiking, hunting, camping and fishing. Most of the shoreline is wooded and there is little development close to the water.

The lake receives heavy fishing and boating pressure. Therefore, some areas are posted with skiing restrictions and speed limits. The areas are clearly marked with buoys. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources close some areas of the lake during waterfowl hunting seasons because they are designated as nesting areas. The areas include portions of the Patoka River arm, Little Patoka River and Lick Creek arms. Bald Eagles have been known to use the area around the lake for nesting and these areas are also posted as restricted areas.

During construction many trees were left uncut around the shoreline in most of the tributaries. This has left many large areas of standing timber in the lake but boat lanes were made for navigation into the main lake area. Patoka Lake is a lowland lake with the bottom consisting of mainly mud and clay. There are areas where the bottom is gravel and rock near some of the channel bends as the wave action has washed away the mud and clay. There are still many areas of deep water where stumps and broken limestone can be found. These are areas where anglers should concentrate when fishing the deeper water of the lake.

The dominant fish specie in Patoka Lake is the Largemouth Bass. The lake also has a good population of Bluegill and Redear sunfish. The sunfish provide good angling opportunities and a good forage base for the Largemouth Bass. Northern Pike and Tiger Muskie were stocked just after the impoundment filled but failed to reproduce.

Bass Fishing in Patoka Lake is popular due to the catch rates and sizes available. There is a 15-inch length limit on Largemouth Bass. This length limit has helped the fishery produce many 3 – 5 pound Largemouth Bass and the catch rates are above the state’s average. I have personally taken many legal size bass from this lake with the largest weighing in at 7.5 pounds.

During the spring (March and April) anglers should concentrate on shallow water first. Many legal size male will be preparing for the spawn during this time and are eager to feed. When the surface water temperatures reach the middle 50-degree range this shallow activity will begin. If shallow water bass are yet active the bigger females can be found preparing for the spawning activity in depths of 8 – 12 feet. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are a good choice for locating these bass. Anglers are advised to use a slow presentation during this season, as the bass will generally not chase a fast moving lure. Once bass are located, a jig is ideal for taking bigger bass. Jigs can be presented in shallow water by flipping and pitching or with a deep slow approach.

As the water temperatures reach the low 60’s anglers should try jerk baits and flukes for shallow water bass. Again, start with a slow presentation and speed up if the bass are active. Site fishing for spawning bass is popular among anglers at Patoka Lake because the water is generally clear in the spring. Anglers should always be looking for nests and bass when fishing in the shallow water along the shoreline. When fishing beds, shaky worms, tubes and lizards are always a good choice. Bass immediately released will generally return to the bed and little harm is done to the fishery.

Bass do not all spawn at the same time. The larger females can still be found in the 8 – 12 feet of water near spawning areas throughout the spawn. With water temperatures in the 60’s slow rolled spinnerbaits and crankbaits are a good lure choice to target these bigger bass.

When the water temperatures reach the middle 70-degree mark, the spawn, for the most part, is over. There may still be some males guarding nests but they will be few and far between. The females have moved off into the deeper water near the spawning areas. Crankbaits running in 10-foot depths are a productive presentation for the post-spawn females. In the clear water of Patoka Lake bluegill pattern crankbaits will be the best producers since the bass rely on the bluegill for a food source. However, if water is heavily stained to muddy fire tiger patters seem to work better. Also, chartreuse spinnerbaits with double gold blade are a great produced in dirty water conditions.

Once the water warms into the 80’s bass will hold in and near deep water. The river and creek channel ledges with deep water in close proximity can hold large schools of bass in tightly concentrated areas under these conditions. The areas most productive are channel swings close to the shoreline. These steep banks allow bass to move up to feed and back down to more comfortable water temperatures and oxygen levels. Anglers should concentrate on the ends of the channel swings where broken rock and timber is often present. The Thermocline in Patoka Lake develops between 20 and 25 feet deep. The area just above this is often the most productive depth for summertime bass fishing. Large plastic worms of 10 – 13 inches will be productive on the larger bass holding near the Thermocline.

Fall fishing on Patoka Lake can be phenomenal. Bass chase the sunfish, shad and golden shiners that are abundant in preparation for the cold winter ahead. The first indication for these circumstances is the large schools of baitfish swimming just below the surface. When the baitfishes start jumping above the surface it is due to predators chasing them. Shallow running crankbaits, flukes and top-water lures are most effective at this time. However, a lipless crankbait left to flutter below the schools of baitfish will produce the bigger bass. The bigger bass will suspend below the baitfish and take the injured baitfish that fall through the water column. Spoons like the Johnson Silver Minnow allowed to slowly descend after the cast is also very effective. The best way to find fall bass is to keep your eyes and ears open for feeding activity while on the water. Also, birds diving at the water will indicate where the baitfish schools are located.

Winter at Patoka Lake is quite slow for bass fishing. There are times when the lake freezes enough to allow ice fishing. When the water falls into the 40-degree range I use a jig and work it slowly along the bottom in and near deep water. My most productive presentation is a slow crawling motion to mimic a crayfish. The water is usually clear during the cold months and crayfish colored jigs are the top producers. The steep shorelines are the most productive during cold conditions.

Anglers that are not familiar with it often overlook Patoka Lake. It is located off the beaten path relative to other popular reservoirs. However, a trip to this lake is well worth the drive for an avid angler.

Copyright 2009, Marc Rogers, all rights reserved

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Get The Twist out of Spinning Reel Line

2009-06-05T03:05:00.003-05:00

When spooling line onto a spinning reel is it difficult to keep the line from twisting. There are two ways to reduce the twisting of line on these reels.

First, when spooling the reel lay the new line spool on it side and rotate it if twisting occurs during the line installation. Once the reel is full find grassy area to completely stretch out the new line. Grassy areas will keep the line from getting nicks in it during this process. This can be done without assistance by placing the rod in a secure spot and walk the line out. Be sure to tie a good know to the spool so it stay attached when it reaches its limit. Next, lay the line on the ground and wind all of it back onto the spool, while allowing it to un-twist upon retrieval.

Second, remove terminal tackle or lures from the line and pull the line behind a boat. Allow all the line to be pulled off the reel spool and continue pulling it behind the boat. This will allow the twist to straighten. After these steps are complete wind the line back onto the reel spool.

This Tip Brought to you by MidwestFishingTackle.net

Fishing Pomme De Terre Lake

2009-05-13T00:49:00.003-05:00

Fishing Pomme De Terre Lake
By Marc Rogers

Pomme De Terre Lake is located in South Central Missouri approximately 50 miles north of Springfield Missouri. The impoundment is approximately 7,800 acres at normal pool with over 100 miles of shoreline. Pomme De Terre Lake was created in 1961 when the Army Corp of Engineers completed the dam on the Pomme De Terre River. A major tributary of the lake is Lindley Creek. The normal lake lever is 841 feet above mean sea level but water levels change as needed to control water flow below the dam. It is common to see lake levels from 838 to 852 feet with maximum flood levels of 874 feet above mean sea level. At the full flood control level the lakes expands to over 16,000 acres.

There are many homes and cabins built above the elevation of 879 feet because the Army Corp of Engineers owns the land below this level. However, there is little shoreline development due to fluctuating water levels. Several marinas operate on the lake offering fuel, boat rentals and food service. Floating private docks are allowed with permits required from the Army Corp of Engineers.

The shoreline consists of mostly forested land with irregular features. Shoreline is a mixture of gravel and clay with limestone cliffs and outcroppings in numerous areas. Large boulders and rocks are plentiful close to cliffs and sharp shoreline areas. Along the shoreline there is still standing timber present while the main lake was cleared during lake construction. Also, smaller creek arm coves have numerous areas of standing timber still left in the water. Limited areas of vegetation are present in some areas.

The water is generally clear in the main lake with murky conditions occurring in the upper ends of the river and creek arms during times of rainy conditions. It is not uncommon to see visibility in the main lake of 6 – 8 feet.

There are many local businesses providing services for lake visitors including restaurants, camping supplies, marine service and lodging. Clearlight Inn and Lake View Lodge (417-745-6485) provide ample boat parking and electrical hook-ups for visiting anglers. Both are located near Carson’s Corner with a store, fuel and restaurant located close by.

Pomme De Terre is home to numerous species of fish. The most popular game fish are the bass, crappie and muskie. Muskie stocking began in the lake in 1966 and has continued ever since. Many consider the lake the best muskie fishery in the Midwest. There are several muskie tournaments held each year on Pomme De Terre and a local Chapter of Muskies Inc. (Pomme De Terre Chapter) host most of these events. They have a website that is designed and maintained by the Regional Vice-President, Earle Hammond. The site address is http://www.missourimuskies.org. Earle is also a guide on Pomme De Terre specializing in muskie fishing. His muskie fishing guide service web address is http://www.pommemuskieguideservice.com.

Muskies do not reproduce naturally in the lake and require regular stocking for the fishery to produce trophy fish. Most of the muskie stocking in Missouri is done in Pomme De Terre but several other waters do receive limited stocking of muskie. In fact, the state record came from Lake of the Ozarks in 1981. Up until 1981 the records all came from Pomme De Terre. However, in 1967, 225 muskie were stocked in Lake of the Ozarks and few were ever caught. The state record came from this stocking and was 49 ½ inches long. It tipped the scales at 41 pounds 2 ounces.

Walleye have also been stocked in Pomme De Terre and they have developed a loyal following of anglers. Bass anglers catch most of the walleye accidentally. Walleye are the most active during night in the spring but many anglers drift jigs and live bait in an attempt to catching the walleye that lurk in the lake.

Bass fishing at Pomme De Terre is very popular among anglers. The lake is home to an abundant population of Large Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Small Mouth Bass. There are many bass tournaments held on the lake each year. From spring through fall an angler can find a tournament to compete in on most weekends. Several tournament circuits have monthly events on Pomme De Terre including Joe Bass Team Trail and Anglers in Action. It is not uncommon for the winning weights of these one-day events to push the scales to 20 pounds or more with a five bass limit.

Bass fishing is good year round for anglers on Pomme De Terre. The largest bass are generally taken in the spring when the females are in the pre-spawn to spawning stage. The largest bass I have taken from Pomme De Terre was just over 6 ½ pounds but there are many bigger ones swimming in the lake. There have been numerous tournaments when the big bass award was won with a fish over eight pounds.

Midwest Fishing Tackle Pro-Staff members Aaron and Alton Hunter are regulars on the lake. They compete in about 20 tournaments each year on Pomme De Terre. They report that spring is the best time to catch a trophy bass but the lake is a productive bass fishery year round. The father/son team has caught numerous trophy bass in Pomme De Terre and report “the best lure for the big bass is the All-Terrain Tackle, Football Jig”. Aaron says, “Jig fishing is a slower presentation but produces the bigger bite.” Alton reports “the textured head design of the All-Terrain Tackle Jigs allow me to feel the bottom better.”

When the bass are aggressive both prefer to fish soft plastic jerk baits like the Zoom Super Fluke. Their color of choice is watermelon and they dye the tail chartreuse. Aaron says, “An off-set worm hook is the best hook for this lure.” “I have tried all the styles of hooks available and this hook gives me better hook-set percentages than any. The most popular hooks are the wide gap style but these cause me to miss more bass because the lure fills the gap of the hook.” This duo once caught over 100 bass per day for two days straight presenting the Zoom Super Fluke in shallow water to aggressive male bass preparing for the spawn.

On an April weekend in 2008 Aaron and Alton won back-to-back tournament on a Saturday and Sunday. During the two days they caught three bass over seven pounds from the same submerged bush. During the two days their combined weights of five bass limits were pushing the 40-pound mark. All of these bass were taken on a football head jig from All-Terrain Tackle. Aaron said “we fish our jigs a little different than most anglers” but he would not elaborate with any further details.

When water temperatures break the 50-degree mark the two best choices for bass are a jig and jerk-bait. Anglers should present the jig slowly to entice bass to bite. As in most bodies of water the jig and trailer will generally produce larger fish. The second choice is a jerk-bait worked slowly beneath the surface. My favorite jerk-baits are the Lucky Craft Staysee 90 in shad colors and the Rapala X-Rap also in shad colors. The Staysee 90 will reach greater depths than the X-Rap and will suspend better in colder water. However, the X-Rap with two Storm Suspend Dots placed just behind the bill makes this lure very comparable to the Lucky Craft lure. Main lake and secondary points are always the first place I look for bass during these conditions.

When the water surface temperatures approach the 60-degree mark the smaller male bass will become very active near the shoreline cover. Again, jerk-baits and jigs will catch these fish. However, the larger females will most likely be found in 6 – 10 feet depths and crankbaits are the most productive. Crawdad colored crankbaits should be the first choice of anglers trying to catch a trophy bass under these conditions.

At approximately 65-degree surface temperatures the bass will start to migrate to the post-spawn areas of the lake. The larger females will be harder to catch during this time while the smaller males may still be abundant in the shallow waters guarding the nests and young fry. Shallow running crankbaits, plastic worms or lizards and top-water lures are productive on the male bass. The larger females can be taken on Carolina rigs and crankbaits running in the 6 – 12 feet deep range.

As summer approaches the bass will move to deeper water near the Thermocline (usually about 20 feet deep) and hold there until the lakes starts its fall turn-over. The larger bass are generally not taken in water less than 10 feet deep during the summer months on Pomme De Terre. There are times when top-water lures will bring them up from the depths during the summer. A slower moving top-water, like the Zara Spook or Pop-R, is my choice for top-water during the summer. The most productive summer time bass lure at Pomme De Terre is a large plastic worm. My choice for big plastic worms is the Gambler 13-inch Ribbon Tail worm.

Once the water temperatures begin to cool in late summer bass can be caught at almost any depth. Anglers are wise to watch for schools of shad on the surface and target the bass following them. Numerous bass can be taken on top-water baits while the bass are feeding on shad but the larger ones are generally located several feet below the shad while feeding. A deep running shad imitator is my lure of choice for the bigger bass during this time. A lipless crankbait is also a good choice for anglers.

As in most lakes in the Midwest the winter season is the least productive for bass fishing. The bass’ metabolism slows with the colder water and they require little food for survival. Winter lure choices should include slow moving baits like the jig and trailer. The presentation should be slow and at depths of 10 feet or greater. Also, a suspending jerk-bait presented very slowly can be productive for Pomme De Terre winter bass.

Pomme De Terre Lake is a great choice for bass anglers because it is located between two very popular lakes that receive most of the tourism and recreational boating traffic. Lake of the Ozarks to the Northeast and Table Rock to the South attract most of the recreational boating traffic. Pomme De Terre Lake is seldom crowded with boat traffic and this makes angling much easier.

Visit Midwest Fishing Tackle for tackle in this article and Bass Fishing Midwest for more news and articles

Plastic Worm Basics

2008-12-31T17:14:00.001-06:00

Many anglers feel the plastic worm is the most versatile lure available. It can be fished from top to bottom and all depths in between. Plastic worms can be rigged weed-less, with an exposed hook and with or without any weight added. There are countless styles of plastic worms from straight bodies and tails to ribbon style tails for more action. The five major techniques of fishing plastic worms are Texas rig, Carolina rig, Split Shot rig, Shaky Head (fished with a jig head) and floating (top-water).

The Texas rig is generally the most used among anglers. It is a bottom bouncing presentation and can be worked at varying speeds. The rig consists of a hook, sinker and worm. There are special sinkers made for this technique which is bullet shaped and slide on the line above the hook and worm. The rig is fairly inexpensive for the basic components. However, there are specially made sinkers and hooks that do cost more than the basic set-up.

The Texas rig with a bullet slip sinker is great for most applications. However, if the angler wants to present the worm in heavy grass or timber a sinker that is pegged to the top of the worm head is best. This allows the sinker to stay in contact with the worm so the whole rig will fall together. If the sinker isn’t pegged many times the sinker will fall while leaving the hook and worm above the grass or over a tree limb.

There are two popular ways of keeping the sinker attached to the head of the worm. The first is to use a toothpick and insert the point into the hole of sinker “pegging” the link to the sinker. The sinker is then pushed securely against the head of the worm where it will stay. The disadvantage of this technique is it can cause line damage, thus weakening the line.

The alternative to this approach is use a screw in type sinker. This is often called the Florida Rig (Gambler Lures was the first to produce this type of sinker) where the sinker has a small spring molded into the bottom of a bullet sinker. The line slips through the sinker just as the regular slip sinker and then the sinker is screwed onto the head of the worm to secure the whole rig together. There must be about one quarter inch of the worm head above the eye of the hook for this rig to work properly. The disadvantage of the Florida Rig is it causes the head of the worm to be torn up more often due to the spring being inserted into the worm. An angler may go through a few more worms in a day but I feel the advantage is greatly worth the additional cost of a few worms. I use this rig exclusively when fishing the Texas rig worm.

The Carolina rig is a great way to present most any plastic lure and is very similar to the Texas rig at the hook. The difference is in the way the weight is attached to the line. With the Carolina rig the plastic worm (lizards are also a very popular plastic lure with this technique) is attached to the hook the same as the Texas rig. The angler then uses a leader of varying lengths (commonly from 12 inches to 48 inches) and ties it to a barrel swivel. The sinker is slid onto the main line (the line from the reel spool) and ties the other end of the swivel to the main line. The most common sinker for this application is an egg sinker of one quarter to one ounce in weight. My personal choice is generally a three quarter ounce sinker but I will change weights when conditions require. Also, I generally use a 48-inch leader when using this technique.

The Carolina rig is a great way to present soft plastic lures in deep water while allowing for a faster retrieve. The slowest presentation requires the angler to simply drag the sinker along the bottom, which allows the lure to sway behind. Many times the sinker dragging on the bottom will get the fish’s attention and the lure will cause the bites. The sinker kicks up silt from the bottom similar to the way a crawdad does while looking for food or escaping from prey.

If the fish seem to be active and willing to hit a faster moving lure I will use a retrieve where I lift the sinker off the bottom and allow it to fall on a tight line. The tight line is necessary to be able to detect strike when they occur. This retrieve allows me to cover more water and still have the advantage of the plastic worm. It can be worked much faster than a Texas rig worm.

A plastic worm can also be used with a split shot technique. This technique is a modified Carolina rig in that the swivel isn’t commonly used. Also, it is used when smaller plastic worms are called for with light line. It is a plastic worm rigged just like the Texas rig worm and the weight is added above the lure using a split shot sinker. There are now available some slip sinkers that resemble a tube shape and can be pegged at varying lengths above the lure and hook. The pegging can be done with a tooth pick or a special tool similar to a needle thread tool that allow the angler to pull some rubber skirt material through the sinker hole. The advantage to this is the angler can later adjust the length of line between the lure and the sinker.

In recent years the Shaky Head worm presentation has become popular. It is, for the most part, a new style of finesse fishing. However, this technique can be used with heavier equipment as well. Shaky worms are generally a straight worm from four to seven inches long with the most common length about five inches. This approach is a worm on a jig head made especially for the presentation. There are several styles of shaky head jig ranging from football shaped heads to round heads. There is some type of attachment point on the jig head for the head of the worm to attach while the hook point is inserted into the body of the worm to keep it from hanging up on rocks and cover. When using the shaky head presentation the Gambler Giggy Head is my choice due to the worm easily coming loose from the head during the hook set. When the worm comes loose it has less chance of covering the hook point and preventing a good hook set.

The floating worm is a great technique to fish with a top-water approach. Floating worms are nothing more than a worm and a hook usually fished on light line. Some anglers do add a swivel in front of the worm to avoid line twist as the worms does cause this during the retrieve. To avoid line twist while not using a swivel it is best to rig the worm so it lies straight with either an exposed hook or the point inserted into the worm body like a Texas rig.

There are many manufacturers of floating worms and some are made of material that is similar to closed-cell foam. Choose worms made for this technique as they will be the most buoyant and stay on the top of the water. Retrieve speed can be adjusted as needed but I always start with a slow retrieve and change it to a faster retrieve if the fish appear to be more active.

When choosing colors of plastic worms a good approach is for dirty water start with a dark color worm. In clear water an angler should use a lighter color similar to the natural forage. When fishing at night a long (ten inches or longer) worm is a great choice in dark colors. As with all fishing don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and styles of worms. Let the fish tell you what they are most interested in with the current conditions.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers, all rights reserved
Midwest Fishing Tackle

Fishing Buddies

2008-10-14T00:25:00.001-05:00

The Making of Life-Long Fishing Buddies

At the age of ten years old a young boy didn’t realize he was developing a relationship that would last a lifetime. He visited the home of a man who would become a life-long fishing partner while on a family vacation. The visit took place in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia in 1974.

The boy already had shown a strong interest in the outdoors while especially enjoying fishing. He had regularly fished in a small creek near his home happy to catch anything that would bite. Panfish and catfish were the most common catch in this small body of water that most adults could have stepped across in many places.

Fishing equipment wasn’t important as a tree limb and short piece of line were many times his only option. A regular fishing hook was great to have but at times a safety pin had to do. If a bobber was needed his mother would tie a short piece of tree limb to the line several inches above the “hook” for a strike indicator. It was a simple but effective way to catch the eager fish in the small creek.

The man who later became his fishing partner also started fishing with similar equipment about 30 years earlier. He grew up near the shores of the Mississippi River in Southeast Missouri during a time of what many later called rough times. He later joined the United States Air Force and it is rumored he lied about his age as he was too young to have joined. He served his country stationed in New York where he met his wife of over forty years. They moved to Atlanta and called it home for many years where they raised a family together.

The young boy also grew up in the same area of Southeast Missouri while he developed his love of fishing much the same way. On this vacation his family was in route to Florida for a vacation and stopped in to visit the boy’s uncle in Atlanta where the two talked about fishing.

They stayed with his uncle for a couple of days and went fishing together at a local “pay-by-the-pound” trout pond. The young man had such a great time they planned another trip together that was to take place soon. It just so happened the boy’s uncle visited his home in Missouri where the subdivision had a two acre pond and they spent much of the time together on the shore of this pond.

They fished for anything that would accommodate them and enjoyed the time together. The following spring the boy once again visited Atlanta for another trip. However, this time it wasn’t a family vacation. The boy flew to Atlanta alone where his uncle picked him up at the airport gate. They spent time fishing all over the states of Georgia and Alabama together for a whole week.

These annual trips continued for the next several years until the young man was old enough to drive. From that day forward he drove to Atlanta often times taking a friend to fish with his favorite uncle. They would fish any body of water they thought fish might hide.

One memorable trip was to Warm Springs, Georgia where the boy’s uncle had a friend who loaned them a place to stay on a private lake about 60 acres in size. Every trip was an adventure and this one was no exception.

When they arrived at the lake they made a temporary home in a borrowed mobile home on the shores of the lake. The place hadn’t been used in several years and was full of many insects that had also called the place home before their death. Needless to say there were dead bugs everywhere. However, eager to catch some of the big southern large-mouth bass rumored to lurk in the waters, there was no time to do much housekeeping.

They set out in a borrowed johnboat and an electric motor attached to the back. The two could not have been happier spending time together and sharing a boat. Many fish were caught that day and the boy caught his first large-mouth over seven pounds.

When not fishing together the two of them were talking about prior trips and those to come. During the years they fished together from Mark Twain Lake in Northeast Missouri to Lake Okeechobee in Florida and many places in between.

When this friendship began the “old-man” was teaching the young boy about fishing. However, due to these early lessons the young man became much better at fishing and was able to teach his uncle a few things as well. The pair has enjoyed many days on the water together over the last 35 years. They don’t get to fish much together anymore but not a fishing trip goes by that the boy’s uncle isn’t remembered to some degree.

Many stories are told about when the two shared the water together. The boy is now a grown man with a two sons of his own. He takes them fishing every chance they get and passes along the lessons he learned from his uncle. The stories are shared of the “old times” with his uncle and all the big fish they caught together. I know for sure the “boy” has been heard to say that this uncle has had the most influence on his fishing over the years. He always refers to him as his “favorite uncle” and this was no doubt because of the time they spent together on the water.

This story has been written for two reasons. To honor the man who spent much time developing the love of the outdoors and fishing of a young man and to encourage others to take a child fishing. Doing so can form a bond that will last a lifetime.

Special note: This story was inspired by the relationship I had with my mother’s brother. I owe a special thank you to my Uncle Larry for his fishing lessons over the years. While we lived over 600 miles apart he always made time to take me fishing.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers, all rights reserved.

Small Waters in Winter

2008-08-10T02:06:00.002-05:00

SMALL PONDS IN LATE WINTER CAN BE VERY PRODUCTIVE

By late February most avid anglers have had a severe case of cabin fever for several months. With spring just around the corner most of us can hardly wait until the fish begin to move into the shallow water to begin the spawn.

In the Midwest’s larger reservoirs the pre-spawn can begin in early March. However, most years it begins in late March to early April and the spawn can last through the middle of May. However, there is a way to fish waters where the spring transition occurs earlier without having to travel very far from home.

Most anglers that fish the larger reservoirs began their love of fishing on small lakes and farm ponds. These same small waters are the very ones which warm the fastest in the spring and cause the fish's activity level to accelerate accordingly. While the big waters have surface temperatures in the fifty degree range it is possible to find ponds and small lakes with water temperature in the sixty degree range. That ten-degree difference can be the difference between having a very productive day and very few fish landed.

Those anglers fortunate enough to own a big bass boat and high powered outboard will have no advantage over the angler who walks the bank in search of his/her fish. This type of fishing can be the most peaceful angling outing you can have. I suggest you leave your boat at home and walk the bank because very few small lakes and ponds have boat ramps and those that do have very conservative horsepower limits.

Most anyone can afford the equipment needed to effectively fish small waters. One medium action rod and reel and a small tackle box filled with a variety of basic lures is all that is necessary. Lures called favorites on the big lakes are usually just as effective on the small ponds. However, smaller versions of these are sometimes necessary depending on the size of the fish in the pond you choose. If a list of favorite pond lures existed it would have to include the four and six inch plastic worms, one quarter ounce spinner bait and buzz bait and small top-water baits like the Pop R and Zara Pooch.

The ideal ponds for productive fishing are private farm ponds. These usually receive very little fishing pressure and have the potential of holding a few large fish. If you have permission to fish private ponds make sure to treat the land and water better than if it were your own. Leave behind no sign of your presence and release all fish unless the owner gives you explicit permission as to the kind and number of fish you are allowed to keep. Also you should never return to the pond without the owner's knowledge and never take anyone with you without first discussing it with the owner. Always remember that because a pond holds good fish doesn't justify your trespassing to fish in it. To show your appreciation you should offer to share the fish you keep with the owner.

For those anglers not fortunate enough to have access to the private ponds do not overlook the community lakes and ponds in local parks. Few seasoned anglers fish these public waters and while not as common, many large fish have come from such waters in the past. To locate these public fishing areas contact your local conservation office or parks department. These offices are always willing to help with information on the species of fish available and area regulations if they differ from statewide laws.

Late this winter when all of your tackle boxes are organized and your hooks all sharpened you too should try pond fishing. In the Midwest region late February is not too early to get started refining your angling skills for the up-coming fishing season. You just might have one of your best fishing days ever and even if it proves to be not very productive, it still beats watching someone else catch fish on television.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers
www.midwestfishingtackle.net

Game Plan for Fishing

2008-08-10T01:59:00.001-05:00

DEVELOPING A GAME PLAN FOR UNFAMILIAR WATER

Your fishing trip has been planned for many weeks. You and your favorite fishing partner have gone over every detail to assure nothing has been forgotten. The night before leaving you will find it hard to sleep. The thoughts of where and how you will catch the fish have been filling your mind most of the night. The reasons for the meticulous planning are because you have limited time on the water and you have never been on the body of water you are about to visit.

When most anglers arrive at an unfamiliar body of water they have already obtained as much information about it as possible. Anglers are notorious for knowing what the fish are being caught on before they ever leave home. We will have our whole weekend planned around how others have caught fish at our destination. However, the information we receive may not be current or even correct. The information may have come from a newspaper fishing report that is only as good as its source. While I was on a guided trip in Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, the guide told me when the local newspaper and radio stations contact him he will either tell them the productive lures or the areas, but never both. The best way to avoid the problems of other angler's information is to listen but remember it is not etched in stone. Fishing is a very dynamic sport where productive methods can change in a very short time.

Many anglers feel that most productive fishing days are the result of a systematic, analytical approach. The best way to get started is to eliminate as much water as possible; break down the whole area into many small areas; eliminate water considered very deep for the particular body of water. Bass are generally more active when positioned in shallow water. The most important things to consider when developing a game plan are the type of water you are fishing, the time of the year, water condition, and weather condition.

The type of water will play a major role in the areas and lure types I begin with. When I refer to type of water these questions arise. Are you going to fish a shallow lake or river where anglers consider deep water ten feet or more; are you visiting a mid-land reservoirs where there are lots of small creek and a few large river channels present; or is your destination a high-land lake where there are sheer bluff walls and deep, clear water? The answer to this question is the first step in a series of items you must consider. The others, though they seem simple, are major pieces to the puzzle.

The time of year must be considered. Fish will behave certain ways during particular seasons. During winter months the water temperature is cold and the fish are lethargic. In the summer fish tend to be the most active but can become lethargic when the water temperatures rise to extremes and the oxygen levels fall. Water condition, particularly temperature and clarity, must be thought about carefully. Bass are a cold blooded creature and their metabolism is directly affected by the water temperature they live in while water clarity dictates how well and far fish can see in the water. All of these things play a part in the sport we call fishing. When you arrive at your destination consider all the things mentioned and use past experiences to get started. Also, look for areas like points, roadbeds, ledges and breaks, underwater humps, and ditches. These types of structures have proven to hold concentrations of fish.

Points have long been a productive place for anglers. Bass use them for migrations routes and staging areas when traveling between deep water. As air and water warm in the spring bass move up from deeper water into shallow areas to spawn. During the summer they will often travel from deep to shallow water on a daily basis. They will move to the shallow areas at night as the surface water cools and return to deep water as temperatures began to rise during the day time hours. Points have long been a favorite of both the bass and the angler.

Roadbeds are used by bass as migration routes and they are also easily found by anglers. A good topographical map is an excellent tool for finding roadbeds, but a keen eye on the bank of most reservoirs will most often do just fine. These areas will offer cover to the bass in the form of broken asphalt and concrete, gravel, ditches along the side of the old road, and an occasional bridge. The flat area of the roadbed becomes an avenue for both bait fish and the bass. Furthermore, roadbeds are prime spawning flats, especially the old gravel roadbeds.

Ledges and breaks are similar to points that extend into the water. They are a prime area for the angler interested in structure fishing. The drop offs may be in increments of only a few feet, but can also have vertical drops of twenty feet or more. When approaching these areas watch for bait fish, if present the bass will most likely be close by. Drop offs and ledges are perfect locations for vertical presentations like bouncing a jig or working a spoon.

Under water humps and ditches will quite often hold bass. Humps give a bass an area to locate in water shallower than the surrounding water and the security of being away from the shoreline where anglers often prowl. Ditches are usually found a short way from the shoreline and often create the subtle depth changes bass are looking for.

In your search for areas to fish don't overlook obvious targets like man made brush piles and fallen down trees. These targets are bombarded with lures every day but if you fish them thoroughly they can pay big dividends. Also, don't pass up a boat dock that has good cover or deep water close by. On many older lakes docks are a major source of cover for the fish.

Current and sun, or lack of, can influence the way a bass will hold on a particular piece of cover or structure. In most situations when current is flowing bass will be facing into the current for a better position to ambush bait fish. Therefore it is always a good idea to present your offering with the current. Bass have a tendency to swim around more when current is not prevalent. Sun light, in most cases, will cause bass to hold tighter to cover. For a long time it was thought this was true because bass don't have eyelids and the bright light hurt their eyes. However, now it is believed the reason is due to the fact it is much easier to ambush prey from a darker area looking into the more lighted area.

There are a lot of conditions to consider when putting together a plan of action on unfamiliar water. All the above-mentioned conditions play a major role in the way a bass will behave. The areas mentioned are by no means a complete list of areas to locate concentrations of bass. However, if you will take a close look at both water and weather conditions as well as the time of year when considering these areas, it will make you a better angler. Fishing is a thinking game and bass will generally react the same way as in the past when conditions repeat themselves. Bass are creatures of habit and anglers should count on the oldest and biggest ones to usually follow the same routines to get that way.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogerswww.midwestfishingtackle.net

Flipping and Pitching

2008-08-10T01:55:00.001-05:00

FLIPPING AND PITCHING ARE KEYS TO BIG BASS

There are many fishing techniques used to catch big bass. Most anglers, if asked, would have an opinion on the most effective ways of taking big bass on a consistent basis. Most professional anglers would agree the most productive means of catching big bass is to use the flipping and pitching techniques.

While both flipping and pitching are great ways to fish, pitching is the most efficient because you can cover water faster. Tournament pro Tom Biffle prefers pitching because he can not only cover more water, he can make longer casts which results in less chance of spooking the fish.

Biffle uses a Quantum seven and one half foot rod with a high speed Quantum reel for most of his pitching. At times he will use a slower reel for the added power necessary to pull big fish from heavy cover. His reel is spooled with clear line in 25-30 pound test. Biffle seldom loses fish because he uses a long rod, heavy line, and ties the Palomar knot.

The rubber-skirted jig is the most popular bait for flipping and pitching. It is usually rigged with a plastic crawfish or pork frog. Traditionally the pork frog has been used for cold water condition and the plastic crawfish for warm water. This is beginning to change among anglers. Biffle says, "I have caught a lot of bass using a plastic crawdad trailer in cold water." He prefers the crawdad because it doesn't turn on the hook and cover the point like the pork frog sometimes does. Many fish have been lost due to this problem. Also, he prefers compact baits because it penetrates the cover better than large bulky bait.

When flipping and pitching with a plastic worm, I recommend using a paddle tail worm. They will fall through heavy cover better. Ribbon tail worms are the worst choice for heavy cover because the tail will wrap around a small limb or weeds and hang up. They are easy to shake free but will not fall at the intended target when you shake them loose.

After you choose your target make your presentation to the thickest part of the cover. Do not start at the outside edges and work your way into the heavy area. Biffle says when bass are holding on buck brush and brush piles the big fish will always be in the middle of the cover. When fishing heavy cover you can use the limbs to your advantage by hanging your bait over one to get a vertical presentation. This allows you to slowly move the bait keeping it in the strike zone longer.

Finding the fish is most of the battle of fishing. Once located, you can try different presentations to confirm the most effective. When looking for fish in the heavy cover you should first consider water temperature. In the spring and summer when the water is warm I look to the back of the coves and creeks with heavy cover. According to Biffle, the buck brush holds more fish in the spring when the bass are spawning. In the summer the willow trees are more productive. During late fall through early winter concentrate on points close to deep water. When fishing points concentrate on areas of the points where submerged brush piles are present. You will find the brush piles will concentrate bass and will greatly increase your success.

While fishing heavy cover treat each piece as a miniature lake, by doing so you can create a pattern within a pattern. After finding the primary pattern, (type of cover, depth, area of lake or river, etc.) I concentrate on what I was doing when a fish was caught. This involves paying close attention to things as whether the fish was taken on the outside or middle of cover; near a small point or cut in the cover; was I using a vertical presentation with aid of a limb, etc... These little differences can make the difference between success and failure.

If you have trouble with backlashes while pitching you are probably loading (flexing the rod by pulling the line tight) when holding the bait. What you should be doing instead is holding the bait in your hand and lifting the rod while releasing the bait. This will cause a pendulum effect and allow for longer and more precise casts. The faster you raise the rod tip the longer the cast will be. At the moment the bait passes over the target you should lift the rod tip while thumbing the spool to a stop. This causes the bait to stop and fall vertically for a quiet entry.

There are a few common mistakes anglers should avoid when flipping and pitching. Flipping requires the angler to be close to the target and in clear water conditions the result is often spooked fish. Pitching allows you to make longer casts to avoid this problem. With both techniques the goal is to have the bait enter the water quietly. A low trajectory on the cast will provide a quiet entry. Also, while flipping, many anglers are still holding the line after the cast is made. Since most bites will occur on the initial fall, by holding the line they leave themselves in a position where a good hook set is impossible.

During seminars Biffle stresses the importance of learning to flip with your less dominate hand. He says since most of the strikes occur on the fall a right handed person will be changing hands to crank the reel when the fish picks up the bait. By learning to pitch and flip with the less dominate hand you will become much more successful.

Next time you are on the water try flipping and pitching for big bass. They are slower than many other techniques but day in and day out they will consistently produce big bass.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers
http://www.midwestfishingtackle.net/

2008-07-21T22:10:00.001-05:00

Fishing Vertical Edges Can Be Very Productive

Many anglers pass by some very productive areas in lakes while traveling to their fishing destinations each and every day. Some head off to shallow flats while others prefer long extended points in deeper water. To some extent the type of water available in each lake determines the type of areas fished. In Florida most waters are shallow due to the make up of the surrounding terrain. Lake Okeechobee has common lake level at 14 feet above sea level. However, Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri has a normal summer pool of 915 feet above sea level. Anytime bluff walls are available in a body of water anglers should give serious consideration to fishing them.

Bluff walls have most any type of situations anglers may be looking for when fishing. Bluffs can be fished shallow by targeting the areas where the surface water meets the bluff as well as fished deep by presenting a lure in a vertical presentation. Many submerged points and rock edges (shelves) are also available on bluff walls. Furthermore, they generally are located on an outside river channel swing, which is sometimes an ideal area to catch fish.

Most bluff walls don’t fall off into really deep water immediately. They have a stair step process down to the deepest water. This is where the edges are created and often time hold concentrations of fish. This allows the fish to move in the water column to their preferred depth without having to move long distances. They can move up and down while still having the luxury of maintaining a close distance to cover. Keep in mind that most bluffs also have submerged trees that once grew out of the sides of them before the lake was impounded. These trees are great cover for most any game fish.

A variety of lures can be used while fishing bluff walls. Both crank baits and spinner baits are ideal for retrieving along the face of a bluff while maintaining a preferred depth.
Allowing these lures to deflect off the submerged trees can often trigger reaction strikes from fish as well.

Jigs are also a great lure to use in these areas. Jigs can be cast perpendicular to the water’s edge and worked slowly out into deeper water while allowing the lure to rest on the submerged rock shelves. The most common mistake made when fishing bottom bouncing lures on bluff walls is an angler may take up to much line during the retrieve. With a jig resting on a rock ledge the angler will lift the rod tip and turn the reel handle while the lure is falling. This will bring the lure out into deeper water and often keep it from resting on the next ledge.

To eliminate this problem the angler should allow the lure to fall on a semi-tight line until it makes contact with the next ledge. A semi-tight line is necessary to allow the angler to feel strikes while the lure is falling. Also, it pays to be a line watcher in this situation. Many times a slight twitch in the line will indicate a fish has picked up the lure on the fall.

The draw backs of using any bottom bouncing lure on bluffs is the tendency for them to get hung up on the edges of rocks as well as lodged in the many crevices in the structure. I have found a football type jig head is the least likely to get stuck in these areas. A jig head with a 60-degree bend in the hook eye will also lessen the chance of your line and knot from getting damaged by the rough terrain. My jig of choice for this style of fishing is an All-Terrain Tackle Rock Jig. The All-Terrain Tackle jig also features a waffle type surface on the bottom of the head, which I believe creates better feel of the bottom.

A shaky head jig presentation has become very popular over the last couple of years. I have incorporated this presentation into bluff fishing as well. These types of jig head used in combination with a small worm or crawdad lure are excellent choices for bluff fishing. A spinning outfit is best used in this situation because it allows anglers to opt for lighter line and the bail of the reel can be easily opened to allow a lure to free fall along the bluff. Keep in mind that a shaky head presentation is really just a different form of fishing a more traditional jig.

My favorite shaky head is the Gambler Giggy Head with a Gambler Giggy Stick or Crawdaddy attached. The Gambler Giggy Head is designed so the head of the lure is pushed onto a barb, which is molded, into the head and then the hook is inserted into the bait. This design allows the lure to easily come free from the jig head when a fish strikes and keeps the lure from balling up on the hook point. This jig head has helped me to catch more fish where other jig heads would have had the hook point covered with the lure due to it sliding down the hook.

There are countless ways to present lures on bluff walls. Use your favorites and don’t be afraid to experiment with others. Bluffs can be fished on the water’s surface down to the dark depths. Just remember these area hold almost all of the type of cover and structure anglers like to fish but concentrate them into much smaller areas.
Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers

Fishing to Win

2008-07-17T02:02:00.001-05:00

Fishing to Win

There are countless fishing tournament circuits from the ones that attract the touring professionals to the small regional circuits that generally consist of avid week - end anglers competing for bragging rights and enough winnings to cover their costs. Many of the smaller circuits have “buddy” events where anglers compete for total boat weight. Almost all of these circuits conduct some kind of year-end event where qualifiers compete for money and prizes. To qualify the anglers accumulate points based on their finishing position in each qualifying event.

Points are generally awarded for participation in each event (10 points is common among most) and additional points for where the angler(s) finish. An example would be 100 points for a first place finish plus the 10 participation points for a total of 110 points for a win. Second place would be 109 points and so on down the list of anglers who were able to weigh in fish at the event. This is where many amateur anglers get caught up in catching a “points” fish instead of setting out to win each event. I am not suggesting that winning is easy but if the angler(s) don’t set out to do so they generally don’t bring a limit of fish to the scales at the end of the event.

Many anglers are happy with their first legal fish caught because it secures them a chance to accumulate points for the event. These points will certainly help them qualify for the year-end event and keep them in contention to win the points championship. After the first legal fish in boated it tends to take some of the pressure off the anglers(s). They will be more relaxed and then sometimes tend not to fish as competitive as they may have the ability to do.

Fishing for points generally leaves the angler(s) finishing in the middle of the pack at each event. They probably will not win the points championship and they will seldom cash a check at any event. I have watched fellow anglers allow themselves fall into this situation several times while fishing regional tournament circuits and had it personally happen to me as well. My partner and I led a circuit in points all the way until the last event only to end up in third place in the point championship race.

I must admit he and I spent a lot of time watching the point standings and relaxed after catching our first “points” fish. We only cashed a check in one event with a second place finish and big bass honors. However, the big bass was the only fish we caught during that tournament and just happened to be enough weight to also take second place.

This situation now makes me look at each tournament in a different way. My thoughts have changed and I now fish to win instead of worry about the points. When trying to win an event I know I will fish harder and be much more intense throughout the day. If winning is the goal I believe most anglers will finish higher in the standings at each event and the points will come as well. When the event starts anglers should count on catching a limit of legal fish and then start culling them with bigger fish. Make a limit your minimum standard and don’t relax until each one has been replaced with a larger one.

As it turned out the team who won the points championship and beat my partner and myself truly deserved to win it. They also had brought the most weight to the scales during the qualifying events. They even won the last event securing a one point lead over second place and three point lead over third place.

Learn from others mistakes and don’t get caught up in the “points” race in any tournament circuit. It will cost you at the end of the year in both the point standings and winnings.

Copyright Marc Rogers 2008, all rights reserved
www.midwestfishingtackle.net

Carolina Rig

2008-05-29T06:36:00.000-05:00

Carolina Rigs Are Not Just For Lizards

When the term “Carolina Rig” is said most anglers think of a soft plastic lizard on 3 – 4 foot leader behind a ½ to ¾ ounce sinker. The leader is usually 8 – 12 pound test line while the main line is 14 – 20 pound test. This presentation has been very effective for catching bass for many years but the Carolina rig doesn’t have to be limited to lizards.

The popular Senko style baits as well as tubes, worms, grubs, crawdads and flukes are very effective when used with the Carolina rig. Generally the presentation is the same with these lures as it is with the lizard. However, the Carolina rig gives these baits a different look than their regular presentations.

The Senko style baits on a Carolina rig allows the angler the dead-stick presentation in the deep water of extended points and submerged humps. A lift and drop presentation with the heavy sinker causes the bait to rise from the bottom quickly and slowly fall similar to a dead shad. Rig it on a light wire hook wacky style for a dead-shad look.

Tube baits are generally fished on a jig head for open water or Texas rig for flipping to heavy cover. Anglers should not pass on tube baits for the Carolina rig. I have had great results fishing 3 – 4 inch tubes on a Carolina rig on long points and flats. A light wire hook inserted in the head of the tube and brought back outside like a Texas rig has proven the most effective for this presentation. When fishing clear bottoms with mostly rocks I leave the hook point against the side of the tube but do not insert it back into the bait. If cover requires, I rig it weedless by skin hooking the bait just under the outside of the tube. For added action from a tube place a foam ear-plug (or small piece) inside the tube to add flotation to the bait. A tube rigged this way will move erratically when retrieved with a lift and drop motion. However, make sure the foam material doesn’t interfere with the hook finding its mark when a fish bites.

Many anglers think plastic worms are for Texas rig presentations. However, a small shaky style worm (the ones with a flat side create more darting action) on a Carolina rig is ideal for sluggish bass. This worm can be used with the lift and drop presentation as well as a slow-dragging motion for quick side-to-side action with this worm.

Grubs are also a great choice for using with the Carolina rig. A 3 – 5 inch grub is a great way to imitate a swimming shad. Again, a light hook and light leader will allow the bait to look more realistic to the bass. When using a grub I have found a lift and drop presentation has proven the most effective.

The fluke (soft plastic jerk bait) is very effective for imitating shad just below the surface. This same lure can be used on a Carolina rig and create the same action well below the surface. It should be rigged the same as traditional methods for sub-surface use but on a 3 – 4 foot leader for increased action in deep water.

The soft plastic crawdad is traditionally used as a flipping lure on a Texas rig. When swimming to escape from a predator the crawdad with jump off the bottom and swim a short distance with the claws up in the defensive position. The Carolina rig creates this exact action with the crawdad when used with the lift and drop presentation. Most strikes occur on the fall as soon as the sinker makes contact with the bottom.

If your choice is generally a lizard you should not forget about the floating lizard made by Gene Larew Lures. This special formula of soft plastic will float a light wire hook on an 8 - pound test leader well off the bottom. This particular lure is great where submerged weeds are present. You can adjust your leader length to keep the bait just above the top of the weeds.

I have even experimented with using floating jerk baits like the original floating Rapala minnows on a Carolina rig with some success. Once, I located spotted bass holding just above the bottom on an extended main lake point holding close to large boulders. The fish were too deep for a crank-bait to reach and I was having no luck on any lures that would reach the depth. This method is difficult to cast and can be dangerous if care isn’t used. This particular situation called for a quick dragging presentation but was effective in catching fish from the school in about 45 feet of water.

There are many advantages to using the Carolina rig but the best one is that an angler can cover a lot of water more quickly with soft plastic baits and greater depths than other methods. This isn’t to say the Carolina rig is the best soft plastic presentation, but when fish are scattered on long points and flats and are biting on soft plastics there isn’t a better way to cover the large areas quickly and thoroughly. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with the Carolina rig.

Copyright 2008, Marc Rogers; Midwest Fishing Tackle
www.midwestfishingtackle.net

Fishing The Busy Summer Time

2008-05-11T05:57:00.001-05:00

Avoid the Crowds of Summer by Fishing at Night

As summer gets into full swing the lakes and waterway become full of everything from large boats to personal watercraft. The waters get churned up and running a fishing boat becomes more trouble than it seems worth at times. When this change begins to take place it is time for the avid angler to resort to fishing at night.

Many bass tournaments are held at night during this part of the year due to the increased watercraft traffic during the day. When an angler uses good judgment operating their boat at night it is sometimes safer for them than operating a fishing (bass) boat during the day. Also, the catch rate can be better as well.

I personally take the time to plan my fishing trips during the nighttime hours in the early to late summer. I find this time to be more relaxing than trying to contend with the other recreational boaters that use the daytime hours for their enjoyment.

While bass fishing during the night I tend to rely on a large plastic worm of 10 – 12 inches in length as well as a jig. Most often the angler is more productive to fish baits that allow for a slow moving presentation. There have been times when a crank bait or spinner bait will be more productive but generally this isn’t the case. Spinner baits can be used in the ¾ ounce size with a large single Colorado blade to get great vibration and still work them slowly.

If I had to settle on one lure for all of my night time fishing it would be a 10 inch plastic worm rigged Texas style with a 5/0 offset hook and a 5/16 ounce bullet sinker. I always use dark green colored line but many anglers prefer the florescent blue line and add a black light on the side of their boat for better line visibility. If you were a line watcher during your daylight fishing it would be a good idea to try the black light and florescent blue line.

My second choice for a nighttime lure is the ¾ ounce spinner bait in dark colored skirts with a large single Colorado blade. This lure is best worked very similar to a jig with a more pronounced lifting action. I lift the bait until the blades can be felt turning and then allow it to fall on a tight line. Many times a bass will pick up the bait on the fall and the tight line is needed to detect the strike. This presentation allows the angler to gain the advantage of both the jig and spinner bait using just one lure.

The third choice would be a football head jig for nighttime bass fishing. I choose the football head jig design due to its ability to avoid getting hung up in the many rocks that make up the bottom composition of the Ozark lakes that I regularly fish. With the jig I will vary my presentation between a bouncing off the bottom to a slow drag along the bottom until the fish show which presentation they prefer.

Anglers prefer a wide variety of lures when fishing during these hours, but despite the lure, the best presentation is usually slow. While the bass can easily detect the presence of a lure at night the sense of sight is still less useful than that of the bass feeding during the day.

As long as good sound judgment for safety is practiced by the angler nighttime fishing in the mid-summer season is the best way for anglers to avoid them many crowded lakes in the busy recreational season. Furthermore, the fishing can be excellent as with many night tournaments the winning weight of a five bass stringer can exceed 20 pounds.

www.midwestfishingtackle.net

Copyright 2008 Marc Rogers

Post Spawn Bass Fishing

2008-05-11T05:51:00.001-05:00

FISHING THE POST SPAWN FOR BASS

The cold months of winter are only a memory while the spawn is just ending. Catching bass during this transition from spawn to post-spawn is one of the most difficult times for many anglers to catch fish. The female bass have moved off to deeper water while the males are just finishing up guarding the nests.

While the males were aggressive guarding the nests and some were caught on lizards and crawfish lures the females were somewhat less aggressive in the deeper water between spawn and summer patterns.

A very good starting point for catching post-spawn bass is to find areas where the fish will travel from spawning areas to the post-spawn areas. Submerged timberlines are great areas where fish travel from spawn to post-spawn areas. Midwest Fishing Tackle Pro Staff Member Aaron Hunter says “I watch for timber lines, ditches and roadbeds that will provide cover for the larger females while making their move from spawning areas to the post-spawning areas.” Aaron says he learned this technique from a guide while fishing the first time on Lake Fork in Texas.

In lakes void of timber the angler should concentrate on submerged ditches that offer a couple of feet depth change from the surrounding areas. I agree with Aaron because just this last year while fishing Lake Patoka in Southern Indiana I found the bass to be almost non-existent for the first day of fishing. However, on the second day I located an old creek channel that was about 8 feet deeper than the flat it ran through and was able to catch bass consistently.

The creek channel in Lake Patoka was about 1 mile long and meandered through a flat so I used marker buoys to mark the channel about every 50 yards and fished the drop of the old channel. A ¾ ounce jigs was the lure to produce the most fish this day in late May. This lure was heavy enough to allow me to stay in contact with the bottom of the lake and feel the drop in the creek channel.

Aaron says he prefers to use spinner baits in these areas so “I can slow roll it through the timber and hop it along the ditch line.” He reports he allows the spinner bait to free fall from the top of the drops into the deeper water while still maintaining feel of the lure. “You must be able to feel the blades spinning or you are not keeping the line tight enough.” Locating a good shad population in there areas is the key to success. While the females will use these areas to travel most will not stay there long if an abundance of food is not present. They are in need of food after the spawning process.

With shad present in the areas a white or chartreuse spinner bait is ideal. The white lure will be similar to the shad while the chartreuse will be a closer match of bluegill. The angler should let the blade color be decided by the water color and light conditions.

Aaron is a regular on a few tournament circuits including the Joe Bass Team Trail where his father Alton is his partner. The two of them will target the more aggressive males while first trying to fill a limit during a tournament. After they have caught their limit they will move out to the areas Aaron calls “highways” where the females travel to deeper water after laying their eggs in the nest.

The father/son team has found a tournament can’t be won on a limit of legal male bass. The winners must have at least one good kicker fish that is usually a large female. Aaron says “I don’t feel comfortable going to the scales without at least two good females in my live well at the end of the day.”

Copyright 2008 Marc Rogers,

Drop Shot Fishing Ozark Lakes

2008-04-30T01:53:00.001-05:00

Drop Shot Basics for Ozark Lakes

The drop shot presentation for bass fishing has really become popular during the last couple years. When drop shot fishing for bass began to gain popularity there was a lot of fishing articles being written on the subject. Now that this technique has been used for a couple of seasons there are even more variations of it being discussed.

Table Rock Lake fishing guide Don House has agreed to share his thoughts on the subject. Don uses the drop shot presentation while guiding clients on Table Rock Lake. He reports it can be a productive technique for catching summer time bass on the deep-clear waters of Ozark lakes.

Tackle used for drop shot fishing is generally a medium to medium-light spinning rod matched with an appropriate size reel. Don recommends a high quality graphite rod in a 6 ½ foot medium-light action. He says, “You need a light, fast-action tip along with a strong lower section just above the handle.” The light action tip will help to feel those light bites that are common with this style of fishing. Don also prefers a high-speed spinning reel to match with the rod. A gear ratio of 6:1 or higher is ideal to pick up line quickly when presenting a lure deep in the water. Don likes fluorocarbon line in six and eight-pound test paired with the spinning reel due to the increased sensitivity on this line.

The three most important parts of the drop shot rig are a barrel swivel, a #2 premium drop shot hook and a four-foot length leader of fluorocarbon line. The barrel swivel is attached between the main line and the leader. In the middle of the leader Don attaches a #2 drop shot hook. The polymer knot is the best knot to use for this application because it leaves a tag end to attach a sinker (1/4 – 3/8 ounce is ideal). Don tells me after tying the hook he runs the tag end back through the eye to make it stand out away from the leader and helps to keep the point in the up position.

High quality electronics are a must for this type of fishing. Electronics with a high-resolution screen with at least a 480 x 480 pixel count will allow the angler to watch their bait drop down the water column from five to 100 feet deep. The new color units allow anglers to tell where the fish are located by the color bars but color units are not necessary to be effective.

On Table Rock Lake and similar deep-clear impoundments the fish tend to suspend over deep water. They will suspend over many types of structure and cover including long gravel points, brush piles and deeply submerged standing timber. When schools of shad are present in these areas conditions are even better for holding fish near this cover and structure. The bass will stay just under the school or right in the middle of the shad while feeding.

The bass will suspend from 25 – 60 feet deep. The best way to find a starting point is locate the depth of the thermo cline using electronics. The thermo cline will show on the graph display and take up the whole screen but be just about 5 – 10 feet thick (depth). The thermo cline is where the warmer water with higher oxygen content meets the cooler water that is lower in oxygen.

Once the thermo cline is located the angler should search for cover and/or structure near the depth the thermo cline is located. Don says “I have found the bigger fish to be located just under the thermo cline and the smaller fish will be right above it”.

Once the fish are located Don says anglers will experience three types of bites. The slow pull down type occurs when the fish grab the bait and pull the bait straight down. An angler may also experience a “tap-tap” bite. This bite is from fish that take the bait very slowly to eat it. This type of bite makes catching the fish the hardest because they have to be given time to eat the bait. The last common type of bite it the collapsing line bite. This occurs when the fish move up to take the bait and continue to swim up after hitting the lure. If ever the weight of the lure can’t be felt it is a good indication that a fish has the lure and anglers should immediately pick up the slack line and set the hook.

Don recommends the following types of lures. Don says the small plastic drop shot worms in 2 – 4 inches are best. The best colors to use in the clear water are watermelon green, green pumpkin, brown/purple (commonly called Peanut Butter and Jelly).

Don adds a little personal touch to his presentation by tying his own drop shot flies. He takes drop shot hooks and ties on some feathers and flash ribbons to mimic shad in the water column.

When conditions really get tough Don suggests live night crawlers. He hooks them on drop shot hooks just through the head. This allows the worm to free float in the water to add to the appeal of the live bait look.

As with any type of fishing, this article gives the angler a good starting point. However, he/she should continue to experiment while drop shot fishing to find the most effective ways to catch fish in any particular impoundment.

Don House can be reached at http://www.bransonfishingguideservice.com/

Copyright Marc Rogers, 2008

Summer Fishing on Table Rock Lake

2008-03-30T04:10:00.001-05:00

Summer Fishing on Table Rock Lake

Fishing for bass on Table Rock Lake from early to late summer can be very frustrating for many anglers. This impoundment has very clear water and the bass seldom relate to the shallow water cover and structure this lake has. Even during the spawn bass often bed in water as deep as ten feet due the extremely clear water. It is difficult for many anglers to locate bass in Table Rock Lake because most of the bass relate to cover and structure that is away from the banks.

After fishing with a Table Rock Lake angler I have learned some tips to share on catching suspended Spotted (Kentucky) Bass when many anglers fail to get a bite most days. Neil Huskey has been fishing Table Rock Lake for the past 30 years and has competed in many tournaments on the lake. He has agreed to share his knowledge on how to better the chances of productive fishing days on Table Rock.

I have had the pleasure of being employed by the same company with Neil for several years and worked right beside him for much of the time before he retired a few years ago. Also, I had the opportunity to fish from his boat on this lake and learned enough to not have to suffer through fishless days as I did before Neil shared his techniques with me of fishing Table Rock. He can, more often than not, catch many keeper sized spotted bass by using the techniques he has shared for this article.

Neil reports he targets the suspended fish after the spawn when they have moved to deeper water to recover form the rigors of the spring ritual. The first place to look for the bass is in 15 – 20 feet around submerged trees. It is best to have a very sensitive graph to find this cover and possibly the fish around the cover. The sensitivity must be turned up high to see the detail and fish around the cover. At times the fish still will not appear on the graph display but they can still be caught by using a four inch worm or grub fished vertically around the trees. Neil says most of the time an angler will not feel the bite and recommends line watching for this technique because the only indication of a bite will be that the line stops before the lure has had time to reach the bottom.

As the summer progresses Neil suggests anglers should move out to the main lake points where submerged trees can be found at 80 – 100 feet deep with the top of the trees 20 – 40 feet below the water surface. These fish will also be hard to see with electronics because they blend in with the trees they are relating to. The most productive way to catch these bass is to make a vertical presentation with a four-inch worm just a couple feet above the top of the trees. With the sensitivity turned up the four-inch worm is visible on the graph as it falls.

Sharing the boat with Neil I have watched him just hold this worm and jig head combination still with only the movement of the boat causing any movement of the lure. When the fish are aggressive Neil says they will move towards the bait so fast it will created a line or streak on the graph display just before the bite occurs. However, many times the fish are not aggressive and will slowly move towards the bait and stay near it several minutes before finally biting. Usually when they are not very aggressive the bite is very light.

The tackle of choice for Neil is a seven-foot medium-action spinning rod with a large spool reel. He uses 6 – 8 pound test line and this rod and reel combination allow for a solid and quick hook set. He recommends the drag be set extremely tight so it doesn’t slip when setting the hook with 30 – 60 feet of line below the boat.

When fishing this way in deep water it is much better to back reel instead of relying on a drag system. Neil says “as soon as I hook a fish I bring it up about six feet and shift my anti-reverse to off in the process. When a fish makes a strong run I can back reel to keep from having the fish break off on the light line. When done properly a big fish can’t break you off in open water.”

During the middle of the summer when the water temperature on the surface is in the upper 80’s to low 90’s it is best to locate the shad that have began moving to the flats, bluff ends or channel swings. To locate productive water during these conditions Neil slowly runs his boat over these areas with the graph on looking for big schools of shad. The suspended bass will be either just under these shad or right among the school of shad feeding. There are two productive techniques for catching these fish. One is the vertical presentation with a four-inch worm or grub on a jig head and the other is using a heavy spoon. With the spoon it is best to move back from the shad and cast past them. The angler should count down the depth and use a lift and fall retrieve all the way through the area while keeping the lure at the depth the bass are holding. It is wise to use a medium heavy casting outfit with 14 – 20 pound test line when casting a spoon.

These techniques can be duplicated on most any deep – clear impoundment when the fish suspend. When beating the banks doesn’t work every angler should give this a try.

Special note: Neil is interested in purchasing spoons called the Dixie Jet (with the fish stamped into the metal) in the 5/8 ounce size. If you have any that you are willing to sell please contact us at MidwestFishing@aol.com and let us know how Neil can get in contact with you.

Copyright Marc Rogers 2008; all rights reserved.