Awareness is the doorway to fishing success

It is in the months of February that an angler can take advantage of warming trends that we will have. During these spells we can find winter and late winter bass a little easier to catch. The warm weather will move the fish up out of the deeper depths, to absorb the heat that is penetrating into the upper levels of the water.

Fishing the main lake bluffs and bluffs in major creek channels are key locations at this time of year. I will try to concentrate on the lower sections of the lake (the area closest to the dam). I focus on bluffs that have the main river and creek channels swing next to them.

There are a few lures that you should use here in order to really capitalize on these fishing opportunities. My first choice is jerk bait, I prefer one that suspends. I will fish it on 10lb test line, spinning tackle or bait casting will work with this lure. As far as my color choice I use blue and chrome, and clown colors the most.

You will want to experiment with the retrieve. My most common is to give the bait two quick jerks and then pause, I will usually count the seconds between each pause, so that I can figure out how long I need to let the bait set, I count the seconds between pause so that when I get a bite I will know how long I need to let the bait set. This is very important in establishing a pattern. Also make note of what section of the bluff the fish was on, up stream, down stream, or somewhere in between. This will also end up being part of the pattern. Fish will hold in certain sections of the wall, this is also part of their migration.

Anther bait that I will use is small crank baits. These baits are very small, about 1 to 2 inches in length. I like a blue and chartreuse and a shad pattern. You will need to use 10lb line with these baits so that you can cast them. A slow retrieve is best. Remember that the fish are cold blooded and it takes longer for water to warm than it does the air.

One last bait is the float and fly technique. It has been around for a few years now and has proved to be productive technique on cold water bass. Thisis an excellent way to catch smallmouth bass.

Awareness is the doorway to fishing success,