Since this is the first installment of my new online column, I have decided to give you all a taste of the two angles from which I approach things. One is the "Tip and Tactic" format designed to help anglers of different skill levels increase their overall fishing knowledge. The other approach is a little brasher and sometimes misinterpreted. On occasion, it may come off as me being a self-righteous, arrogant jerk, but that is not how I intend it. I believe to call it as I see it, without sugar-coating things to please someone else.
With all that being said, I would like to thank all of you for taking part in the first issue of my column. It should be a lot more fun than published in a magazine. The choke chain isn't nearly as tight, and I can be "me" a lot more frequently. So fasten up the kill switch, and let's go for a heck of a ride.
Get creative with the Drop Shot rig for spawning bass.
When most anglers hear the words "Drop Shot Rig," the last thing they think of is sight fishing for spawning Bass. The truth is, in lakes all over the country, anglers are putting big limits on their boats using this killer technique. When sight fishing, certain factors will significantly affect the outcome. If you can accomplish these objectives, you will be much more successful at putting these big pigs in the boat.
Approaching the fish with your boat and bait in a stealthy manner is probably the most critical element in sight fishing. During the spawn, these fish are very gun-shy and spook very easily. When moving into position, keep your trolling motor on low. Constantly switching the motor off and on will usually scare the fish away. Once you are within range, quietly pitch your bait a few feet past the bed. This will allow you to slowly and quietly sneak the bait into the strike zone.
While bait selection is essential, it is far less complicated during the spawn. Bass are not in the mood to eat. Therefore, selecting baits that mimic predators rather than prey is a more logical choice. Using lures such as Lizards, Senkos and Jigs will be far more productive. The reasoning behind Lizards and Jigs is pretty apparent, but to most anglers, Senkos don't look like anything. With the proper color selection, a Senko on a Drop Shot rig does an excellent job imitating a Bluegill. As we all know, Bass hate Bluegills, especially during the spawn.
As I previously mentioned, Bass are not mood to eat during the spawn. To get these fish to hit a lure, you have to make them mad. When they strike, the fish tries to kill the intruder rather than grab a quick meal. Using a Drop Shot rig gives you the ability to slide your bait into the strike zone and continually move it, all without pulling it from the bed. The reason is the weight stays stationary, while the bait moves in an erratic action on a semi-slack line. This technique gives you the ability to move the bait up and down or shake it a few inches off of the bottom for as long as you want. Even the most laid-back fish will be forced to obliterate a trespasser that has been in its bed for too long. Be sure to watch your bait closely because these fish will hit hard and fast. If you are daydreaming, your bait will be placed five feet from the bed before you even have time to set the hook.
Until next time, Fish Hard, Fish Often and Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game.
