Gypsyboy932 wrote:
Can't wait! What rigging do you recommend to start the season?
Bob in Poway, CA.
Gypsyboy,
I can only speak to Lake Dixon, not knowing how Poway Lake may compare.
What most guys and gals are looking for in the upcoming weeks are the very well defined bass spawning beds, most in less than 10' of water. Tons of them all along most shorelines. They are not there yet. This requires sight fishing (i.e. seeing a bass, often male; but sometimes the big girl sitting on the bed or near it coming back to it occasionally). I don't much like sight fishing; but here's what I think I know about it.
Lures:
1. small to medium white jigs with maybe a white trailer.
2. drop-shot may work with a small plastic (RoboWorm, Senko, usually green pumpkin).
The approach:
1. Slowly approach a target bed, not getting too close and hold your boat in that position. You're gonna be there a while.
2. Cast your lure a bit past and right in line with the bed center.
3. Quite slowly, work your lure into the bed and
4. STOP IT RIGHT THERE.
5. Trying not to advance the lure more than an inch or so, jiggle it to keep it in the bed as long as possible.
6. Once your retrieve comes out of the bed, reel it in and repeat.
Why it works:
1. The bass' job it to keep that bed clean. If anything ends up in the bed they are protecting, they are obligated to pick it up and remove it in preparation for the spawn. They're not interested in eating much during this period and will just vacuum it up and start to move it off the bed. When you see it in their mouth, set the hook.
Rules of Thumb:
1. If you're in or near the bed and you suddenly can't see your lure, set the hook.
2. If you are able, NEVER ON A WEEKEND.
Since I don't spend a ton of time targeting the beds, I always throw my drop-shots out deeper.
I don't care what time of year it is, I always pack some frogs to throw into the tules.
I'm sure some other Stagers will contribute more.
Stephen