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| Take
A Time Out ...by Johnnie
Crain |
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When you are fishing and simply can not catch any bass, try
giving yourself a five minute time out. Often, we get caught
up in making good casts to good looking spots and become too
mechanical. Sit down and don't cast for a few minutes. Take
a break, drink a warm or cold beverage and eat a snack. Look
around you, see if there are any tell-tale signs of surface
activity, if not, the fish are probably not feeding on or near
the surface. What is the wildlife doing, are their numerous
birds flying around and singing. This can aften be a sign as
to good or poor fishing. If there is a lot of wildlife activity
then the fish are most likely actiove as well. Maybe you've
been dragging a worm rig when you should have been ripping a
crankbait. If there is little or no activity, maybe you're fishing
too fast and need to alter your retreive. How is the water color?
Are you using a color combination condusive to that water color?
Maybe a color change is all that's needed. Try larger or smaller
lures, speed up, slow down, make some adjustments. Now get off
your duff and catch those bass. Good luck! |
| River
System Topwater Fishin ...by Brian
Ritchie |
A lot of myths are commonly associated with topwater fishing.
We've all heard that the technique is just something you do
in early morning or late afternoon hours. Or they only work
in the spring or fall. Or that, because of increasing fishing
pressure, bass simply aren't fooled by topwaters like they once
were. Forget these myths.
A topwater can pay off for you if you give it the chance and
put the typical misconceptions out of your mind. Topwater baits
can be dynamite during all hours of the day and are more versatile
than most realize. I agree that early, late, spring, and fall
are the prime times for the surface lure. But anglers who believe
this is the only time are really limiting their ability to catch
bass.
Rivers are excellent for topwater fishing because in this swift
environment bass live in less than 5 feet of water. When fishing
current with a topwater plug there are a few things to think
about. The position of the fish and the angle in which the current
will move your bait. Always through 3 feet or farther past your
target, so you won't spook the fish, and move the bait with
the current as close to the target as possible. Lures of choice
are the Zara Spook Jr., Spitting Image, Cotton Cordell's Crazy
Shad, and the Tiny Torpedo.
So the next time you're on a river system and the bite is slow,
tie on that old topwater plug. You'll be surprised |
| Fishing
in a crowd: What do I do? ...by Brian
Ritchie |
With the amount of fishing pressure today, someone must really
use ever trick in the bag to catch fish.
Weekend tournaments are popping up all over the country with
a lot of mixed fillings. Some guys welcome the new circuits
while others just mumble with discuss. While everyone cannot
take time off work to fish through the week, the weekend angler
must incorporate a method for catching fish in a crowd.
First of all, find out where the fishing pressure is the greatest,
you can eliminate a lot of water with this first task. Second,
learn the seasonal patterns on your home waters, ask questions,
study maps and devise a game plan before you get to the lake.
Third, find out what most of the fish are biting and try something
just a little bit different. You may downsize and try the finesse
approach, but don't be afraid to do the opposite. Going bigger
may be the key to catching those fish.
So the next time your caught in a crowd, get in there and rub
some elbows |
| Confidence
is the key ...by Brian
Ritchie |
I encounter anglers, all over, who think that pros rely upon
some deep, dark secret for catching bass on the tournament circuit.
Well, there are no magic potions or quick-fixes for catching
bass, but there are systems and methods that we use to consistently
catch fish.
Because we're on the water so often and fish such a variety
of water, we're confronted with a new challenge nearly every
tournament. Through these experiences, we've learned to adapt
quickly to water conditions and the mood of the fish. In most
cases, we still work within traditional systems and methods.
But paying close attention to details is what enables us to
refine our fishing efficiency. This has helped me be successful,
and it's an aspect that will help you improve as well. You have
a tremendous advantage by fishing local waters year in and year
out. Through experience, you learn the seasonal patterns, traditional
hot spots, and techniques that work. You have the opportunity
to learn these characteristics and refine them in the process.
This is a big advantage.
Wherever you are, keep in mind that balanced versatility is
critical to consistently catching bass. It's crazy to assume
one method will work for all fisherman under all conditions.
Still, you shouldn't go overboard. Developed your own style
and build self-confidence in that style. Continue, of course,
to try new methods and explore new tactics. But if you expect
to catch fish regularly, don't clutter your mind with allot
of theories and techniques. I have become a better fisherman
by keeping my fishing simple. I often remind myself to K.I.S.S.
( Keep it simply stupid ). I rely upon things that I do best,
and increasing my level of concentration on the business at
hand. Pro's get lucky, too, but consistent winners put themselves
in a situation to be "lucky." If I'm in control of
my equipment and have confidence in the lure and technique I'm
using, I'm going to be a lot more successful. The same holds
true for you |
| Pre
Spawn ...by Brendan
Cucinello |
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Fishing 4-8 weeks
after a lake thaws out after the winter freeze. Look for shallow
coves or bays that are protected from the wind, with dark bottoms,
located in the north, west, or northwest corners of the lake.
These Coves and Bays will be the first to warm up, because they
receive the most sunlight at this time of year. In these areas
insect activity will begin earlier, which will attract baitfish,
which in turn, will attract BASS |
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