Photos and story by Bill Vanderford

Many anglers look at some recent conditions and cringe! High blue skies, bright sunlight, and hot days are not considered “text book” times to catch more than 40 bass per day. Add to that the fact that most spotted bass seem to be scattered along “nothing-looking” banks in less than 15 feet of water and are attacking a very small lure as though it had magical qualities.

All of these conditions go against the standard thinking of most bass fishermen, but that’s exactly what is happening. The best part, however, is that these feisty bass will continue being aggressive in the same general areas until the morning surface temperature exceeds 80 degrees. A little more understanding of this prolific bass can help all anglers be more productive.

The spotted bass was first accurately identified in Kentucky in 1927, and for many years, it was believed to be the only state they inhabited. Because of that mistake, they were called Kentucky spotted bass. Since they have been found in certain areas from coast to coast, however, the Kentucky has been dropped and they are referred to simply as spotted bass.

The coloration of the spotted bass is similar to that of the largemouth bass, but contains a little more brown. The section between the dark upper back and the lateral spotted line appears to have diamond-shaped markings, and the lower side of most spotted bass has several lateral lines that appear gold in color, while the largemouth is usually white. Additionally, with the mouth closed, a spotted bass’s lower jaw only comes even with its eye, while the largemouth’s extends all the way behind the eye. The spotted bass’s tongue contains a small patch of teeth that looks like a black spot in the middle of the tongue, while the largemouth bass has a slick tongue.

Spotted bass lived in the river systems until major reservoirs were impounded. They are a much hardier and faster spreading fish than the largemouth bass, and are more active than any of the black bass
Despite heavy fishing pressure and boat traffic, spotted bass grow quickly and in great numbers. Even when big weather changes such as major fronts occur, the spotted bass continue feeding, especially during spring and early summer.

The spawning ritual of the spotted bass is very similar to that of the largemouth. They tend, however, to do it later and at greater depths. In fact, spots prefer 5 to 20 feet, but can often be seen spawning with the largemouth bass in the 2 to 5 feet of water. Also, spotted bass usually seek out clay banks rather than the sand chosen by largemouth.

The most fun way to catch spotted bass during April and May is by casting 1/8th ounce Pro Series Swirleybirds from the shoreline or from a boat near shallow stumps, rocks, and other debris along red clay or rocky banks. These practically invisible structures can be seen by using polarized sunglasses and looking for darker shadows. After one is spotted, throw the Swirleybird several feet past the target and swim it slowly near the object. If a male spotted bass is nearby, he’ll nail it!

From now until all of the spawning activity is over can be the most productive time of year for spotted bass or smallmouth. A bad day for me during this period is less than 40 bass each day. All that is needed is a little knowledge of a lake, and a few Swirleybirds. These lures are deadly both during the spawn and in the tougher post-spawn period. Anyone who can cast will become an expert with this lure immediately. Since the tiny blade turns from the time it hits the water until it reaches the rod tip at the end of the retrieve, the action is extremely tantalizing to spotted, smallmouth, or largemouth bass and many other fish.

These lures can often be as effective from the shoreline as they are from a boat. From the bank, look for deeper rock or rip rap formations, blown down trees, docks, or over brushy areas.

Fly fishing enthusiasts may also capitalize on this prime time of year for spotted bass by using the new, much smaller, flyrod-sized Swirleybird. Regardless of how one goes about it, by thinking small and slow and making plenty of casts, a day of fishing is guaranteed to leave every angler with wonderful memories!

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?p=4531964

Door prizes will be awared, food will be available and they will also have a raffle drawing.

Entry fee for the tournament is $65 per boat.

For more info, and to register, contact mikefoster@yahoo.com

 Bass fishing may be fun and enjoyable while you’re your sitting beside the lake as you spend your spare time with your family and friends but if you want you may plan a charter for all of them and experience the thrill and excitement of watching a school of bass fish run after your baits.

Below is a list of the things that you should be reminded of when you plan to have a charter. See for yourself.

1. You must have a fishing license so that you will be authorized to take or possess either saltwater or freshwater fish and have a chance to participate fishing games but you should be mindful that we are consistent with the state and federal regulations. Securing a fishing license also contribute in ensuring the future of fishing in the state where we have the activity. •

2. It is also advisable that we wear a soft soled shoe for our comfort. Boots, especially those that are intended for work, are big NO-NOs. • Bring with you seasickness pills if you that it is needed. It is important that you pack up enough of it for the whole trip. You should make it sure that you are physically fit before going into a charter for you to enjoy every minute.

3. Being on a charter means being exposed to the sun so you should not forget to have your sunglasses with you for protection. • Coolers should also go with the trip. This is intended for the fishes that are going to get caught. It is one of the vital things that we should not fail to remember for the reason that it would help retain the freshness of the fish. You do not want to have a spoiled-looking fish right?

4. Check the weather forecast of the day. You would surely want to go out if the sun is up right? But you should always bring with you rain gear for special purposes. You should always expect for a sudden change of condition. Well, what else should you bring? Food, of course. You will be out there in the middle of the sea or lake so you better bring enough food and beverage for all of you because, for sure, you do not want to eat raw fish or gulp the salty water when you get hungry and thirsty, right?

To add up, have your camera, video cam or the like so you will have something that would remind you of your trip anytime you want. Be sure that you have all of these things to have a really pleasurable trip while you are in the fly fishing charter.

There are a lot of bass fishing guides that could offer you great charters. You may check their websites for information or you may also ask some friends of where’s best, if they are also into bass fishing. Find a charter now and go with bass fishing, it is one way of comforting yourself and have precious time with your loved ones.

Visit our page on Fishing Guides for a list of suggestions when visiting Lake Lanier.

Bass: Not a lot of anglers have been braving the cold but if you do the bass are still biting. I fished a couple of days this week when the high air temperatures were in the lower 30’s and we caught limits of bass both days.
There are several patterns that will work but we have been sticking with three methods.
The first thing we try is to cast jerk baits around steeper banks and in the creek and ditch channels. Work you jerk baits with a pause and twitch retrieve. Most of the time in cold weather you will want a very slow retrieve with long pauses. We found that even with the cold weather this week the bass have been hitting these lure pretty aggressively. I also use a trick to get my SPRO McStick down deeper. Add a small 1/8th or 1/16th ounce tungsten drop shot weight to the front treble’s split ring. This small weight will cause the lure to get down deeper and it will also make the head slant downward.
The second method that has been working is finesse fishing with a drop shot rig or a jig head worm in deeper water from 20 to 45 feet deep. You can often see these deeper fish and baitfish on your fish finders. Anytime you find the bait the fish shouldn’t be very far away. Target from the middle to the backs of the creek channels.
The third method is to stair step a jig with a double curly tail trailer. Find the steeper banks with rock and clay in the pockets and creeks and work your lure slowly down the drops. Most of your strikes will be a distinct “thump” so when you feel this set the hook. If you are having troubles felling bites than make sure you are using fluorocarbon and invest in a quality fish rod that has high sensitivity. I use 12-ound Berkley Fluorocarbon with a Denali Custom Rod (www.denalirods.com).
Other anglers have been catching bass with spoons and striper anglers are catching some magnum bass on flat and down lined blue back herring.

Stripers: The stripers are biting well even with the cold weather. These large game fish are use to cold water and they actually get more active in shallow water in winter. Keep an eye out for gulls and loons because they will give away the best locations to fish. The stripers have been both deep and shallow so both flat and down lines will work. Watch your electronics closely to determine which method to use.
Trolling umbrella rigs at around 3 miles an hour in the creeks and up in the rivers has been working very well. Stop by Hammond’s Fishing Center and they will hook you up with everything you need for striper fishing. Shane Watson also says to cast buck tails and flukes to any rolling fish on the surface.

Crappie:  Crappie fishing has been slow and the slabs are down deep. Fishing with a Crappie Spoon or crappie jigs has been coaxing a few bites. Tip you jig or spoon with a small crappie minnow to increase your odds. These fish have been relating to deeper docks.

Trout on the Chattahoochee: Trout fishing is a little better as the river clears up. Make sure to check generation schedules if you fish below the dam because the CORP has been pulling a lot of water this past week. The small minnow imitating lures will work well because they mimic a threadfin shad that was been sucked through the dam. Use a pause and twitch retrieve.

Bank Fishing: Two types of fishing are working OK from the banks. The first would be to go below Buford Dam and fish live earthworms on a bottom rig for trout. The second choice would be to fish for stripers with live blue backs or shad below a slip bobber. When looking for a productive area for stripers keep a close eye on the gulls and loons. If the birds are present than it’s a good sign that stripers will be close by.

Check out Eric’s website at www.aldrichfishing.com or lakelanierfishing.info
Eric Aldrich is a part time outdoor writer, bass fisherman and a member of Humminbird’s, SPRO, Gamakatsu, Tru Tungsten and Hammond’s Fishing Center Pro Staff. Reports are based on personal experience and permission from a close network of friends. If you would like to email me please do so at esaldrich@yahoo.com.  Remember to take a kid fishing!

This is a prestigious honor as only 56 people have been recognized as a Legendary Guide since 1992. There are only 2 to 3 people inducted each year worldwide. I

Inductees are selected by a national committee of peers including Legendary Fisherman Forrest Wood. Inductees are selected for their contribution, dedication, and service to the fresh water sport fishing industry.

A statement from The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame reads, by induction to the Hall, Shane Watson’s pioneering spirit will always be remembered. The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is located in Hayward Wisconsin.

Want to fish with Shane? Visit his website and get hooked up!
Go to http://www.lakelanierstripers.com/

Excerpt below from Kevin’s blog…
My 10 year old son has been fishing with me for Striped Bass on Lake Lanier for many years. We use nothing but lures and catch them by trolling and jigging. His biggest till this year was a 26 lb’er. This summer he really got into jigging and in this clip you’ll see him hook and land a 31 POUND MONSTER which is his biggest so far. He got it to bite a Daredevil while using 20 lb test Spider Wire. Since this line doesn’t stretch, he got to feel all the raw power of this fish and it was about all he could handle but in the end we were able to boat this giant. I was so lucky to have the camera on and actually caught the whole event from when he got the bite to when we pulled it on the boat!

Watch Jonathan catch the monster bass here!!!