(published in Bass Angler’s Guide)
By Jerry Fournier
Its spring and I just motored up to one of my favorite big fish haunts. I have been waiting for this perfect full moon day. Today I am looking for GIGANTOR the monster of monsters. I reach down and look at the deck of my boat where I have four swim baits tied on to four different rods. I always like to start off throwing large and dark colored swim baits at the very first light of the morning. I like to concentrate on staying tight to the bank starting out shallow then moving out a little at a time all the time drawing the fish to the shallows. Then I go back to the shallows again trying to give the bass a different angle and or a different view. You just don’t know how the fish is sitting and by moving around and drawing your swim bait back to the same location you can draw fish to you. My thought is always big fish eat shallow and so my presentation has to be perfect. I also believe that a big bass likes to trap his prey against something like the bank or even the surface of the water. I believe that a big bass knows that his prey can’t go any where or get away, that is why they are called predators. I approach the bank by quietly and slowing moving into the bank. Most of time if I can drift with the wind I will do so. When fishing in the spring and fishing shallow, you always have to be aware of your boat sounds transmitting through the hull of you boat, down into the water and spooking the fish. You also have to keep in mind your trolling motor can give you away when stepping on and off the pedal. Remember your not making noise in shallow water will make the difference between a good day and a bad day of fishing. Think of it like hunting for a big buck, or a big bull elk. You are not going to make all kinds of noise walking loud, coughing, banging into trees, or stepping on all kinds of trash, The Deer and Elk use the sense of hearing, smelling, and eye site to keep away from their predators just as a big bass.
Read More >>
