DUST OFF THE HARDBAITS

By Terry Skipper

With only weeks away from some of the best bass fishing, it is time to pull out the crankbaits, jerkbaits & spooks, dust them off and replace any of those rusted hooks.

Bass will start schooling anytime and schooling bass are an absolute blast to hunt and catch. At this time of year these fish form schools according to size, so if you catch one 3 lb. Bass, then chances are you will catch multiple 3 lb. Bass in that area. For fall tournament anglers, this opportunity is rarely targeted; we tend to get caught up in the typical targets rather than the bounty that cruises behind us searching for their next meal.

The schooling formation allows these fish to corral baitfish for a fast and furious feed before the water temperatures drop too dramatically.

The key to schooling bass is their activity. Schooling fish do not quietly go about their business. It seems they work themselves into a frenzy, corral and then bust on all sorts of game, whether it is baitfish or trout, keep your eyes peeled for erratic baitfish jumping out of the water in fear of being eaten. When you see this happening, cruise over and start casting you lipless or diving crankbaits, jerkbaits or zara spooks. Make well placed casts trying to lead the school. As soon as your lure hits the water start reeling, pumping your rod tip and get ready. When these fish hit, it is for keeps!! This time of year produces more multi fish strikes than any other. It is not uncommon to catch two or more fish on your hard bait.

Have a number of rods set up: One with a 2” or 3” lipless crankbaits for burning, one with 3” or 5” Jerk (Minnow) Bait and another with either a popper or zara spook.

In clear water, it is important to wear good polarized glasses so you can see all the other fish following the one you just hooked. They will follow that hooked fish right to the boat, when that happens quickly drop down another lure, this should produce another strike.

It is also a good idea to have a 4” or 5” Soft Bait rigged on a spinning outfit just in case the bite slows down. Having this available as a follow up baits for missed strikes on your hard baits, can prolong a fading frenzy. This wonderful opportunity lasts into the fall or until the water temperature starts to consistently drop.

Get geared up and get out there!!! Because you can’t catch ‘em from the couch.

Another Article