More on the Vermont Trip (structure fishing)
TightLine 06/14/2009 - 10:47 Basics of Fishing Articles Essays Impoundments
As Duane and I were trying to locate the big fish that had apparently dissapeared, it got me thinking about the situation with which we were faced. When the wind and sun cooperated, the big fish were pulling up on the shallow flat just sunning themeselves. Beleive it or not, the fish were pre-spawners. We only saw one bed at the trophy lake, and all of the fish we caught were still full of eggs, and had no evidence of fanning the beds with their tails. These shallow fish were caught on poppers or twitch baits. They were in little pods of three to five fish together.
When conditions weren't quite as good, they seemed to be relating to the first or second drop off. A suspending jerk bait was deadly on these fish. There was emerging grass beginning at the first drop (6 ft) and continuing down to probably 15 ft. One day of our trip saw fish running baitfish (smelt, most likely) up against the first drop, usually a top water or slowly sinking bait (fluke) would do the trick on these actively feeding critters.
When conditions weren't quite as good, they seemed to be relating to the first or second drop off. A suspending jerk bait was deadly on these fish. There was emerging grass beginning at the first drop (6 ft) and continuing down to probably 15 ft. One day of our trip saw fish running baitfish (smelt, most likely) up against the first drop, usually a top water or slowly sinking bait (fluke) would do the trick on these actively feeding critters.
BASSMASTER Article
Reel Lunker 12/15/2007 - 10:40 Basics of Fishing Articles Roll Your Own
Thought some of you might be interested. There is an interesting article in the January issue of BASSMASTER about fishing for smallies using a catfish rig. The article was written about fishing the James River using this style rig in moving current. Case Plastics even got a plug at the end of the article. If any of you do not have a subscription and are interested, let me know, and I can scan it in and have MDFishing post it.
BAITCASTING 201
smalljaw 03/10/2005 - 23:30 Basics of Fishing Articles
I’ve been limited to shore fishing for the last few years because of heath problems and this makes distance crucial in my situation. Whether trying to reach that clump of roots that’s way out there in a lake or trying to work the maximum surface in a river, any extra distance I can achieve is always a big plus for me. I’ll readily admit that distance is nowhere as important when fishing from a boat, where it comes in as a poor second to accuracy. Then, my “fishing” elbow requires that I use the smallest amount of force possible to achieve a given distance. This combination of factors explains why I’ll concentrate on what’s more valuable to me in my circumstances.
I’ve been limited to shore fishing for the last few years because of heath problems and this makes distance crucial in my situation. Whether trying to reach that clump of roots that’s way out there in a lake or trying to work the maximum surface in a river, any extra distance I can achieve is always a big plus for me. I’ll readily admit that distance is nowhere as important when fishing from a boat, where it comes in as a poor second to accuracy. Then, my “fishing” elbow requires that I use the smallest amount of force possible to achieve a given distance. This combination of factors explains why I’ll concentrate on what’s more valuable to me in my circumstances.
Baitcasting 101
smalljaw 03/10/2005 - 23:28 Basics of Fishing Articles
Whenever a beginner asks for help in learning how to use a baitcasting outfit, everybody says "Practice, practice, practice!” But while practice cannot be overemphasised, if you don't know where to start, all you're doing is getting more and more frustrated. Trial and error may be OK for some people, but I think making all the possible errors before you figure out the right way to do it really stinks! I just hope the following material can help cut down the amount of time required to learn to use a baitcaster and maybe save a few reels from a watery grave.
Whenever a beginner asks for help in learning how to use a baitcasting outfit, everybody says "Practice, practice, practice!” But while practice cannot be overemphasised, if you don't know where to start, all you're doing is getting more and more frustrated. Trial and error may be OK for some people, but I think making all the possible errors before you figure out the right way to do it really stinks! I just hope the following material can help cut down the amount of time required to learn to use a baitcaster and maybe save a few reels from a watery grave.
The Six Seasons - Spring Issue
smalljaw 03/05/2005 - 00:36 Basics of Fishing Articles
Spring temperatures should be categorized as from about 50 degrees to about 60 degrees. During this time the bass are generally in the pre-spawn or spawning stage.
Spring temperatures should be categorized as from about 50 degrees to about 60 degrees. During this time the bass are generally in the pre-spawn or spawning stage.
The Six Seasons - Early Spring Issue
smalljaw 03/05/2005 - 00:34 Basics of Fishing Articles
Early Spring starts as early as late January in the deep South to right after ice out up (April or even May) in the North East. Early Spring temperatures should generally defined as from 32 degrees to 50 degrees.
Early Spring starts as early as late January in the deep South to right after ice out up (April or even May) in the North East. Early Spring temperatures should generally defined as from 32 degrees to 50 degrees.
Spinnerbaits For Bass, A-Z - by Vernon Summerlin
smalljaw 03/05/2005 - 00:29 Basics of Fishing Articles
The extreme versatility of spinnerbaits is well-known among bass fishermen, but few anglers take true advantage of this bait.
The extreme versatility of spinnerbaits is well-known among bass fishermen, but few anglers take true advantage of this bait.
Bass Fishing's All-Purpose Bait: The Grub - by Bruce Ingram
smalljaw 03/04/2005 - 12:46 Basics of Fishing Articles
They may not look like much, but soft-plastic grubs are among the most versatile and productive bass baits you can carry. Your imagination is the limit with these little gems.
They may not look like much, but soft-plastic grubs are among the most versatile and productive bass baits you can carry. Your imagination is the limit with these little gems.
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Understanding bass forage: Crawfish - by Peter B. Mathiesen
smalljaw 02/23/2005 - 21:03 Basics of Fishing Articles
Knowing crawfish and its habits will give you the upper hand when using imitation baits.
Understanding Smallmouth Bass
smalljaw 09/13/2004 - 11:32 Basics of Fishing Articles
Known for its aerial acrobatics and never-give-up determination, the smallmouth bass has a welldeserved reputation as the fightingest freshwater gamefish. After a smallmouth strikes, it usually makes a sizzling run for the surface, does a cartwheel in an attempt to throw the hook, then wages a dogged battle in deep water.
