Try Something Different

  In past articles and with the fishing shows in full swing, you must have heard suggestions of fishing a new lake, trying a new lure or bait and maybe fishing for a new species of fish. We wish to share some ideas and things that have worked for us.
  Let’s start by talking about Fishing Unfamiliar Water. If a productive area of your home lake is a creek channel on the south side, then start by going to an area that matches this on the new lake. Make sure to also fish the points, which can consistently produce fish, and work all areas and edges of these points. Next we like to try riprap, such as around dams or bridges which hold food that attracts fish. Fish those spots where the rock sizes change and where the rocks end.
  One of our favorite areas are weedbeds as they attract baitfish and even panfish, which in turn attract Bigger fish such as bass, catfish, walleyes, crappies or about anything that pray on the baitfish. The edges of these weeds are ideal spots and remember to fish around those boat docks that are a sanctuary for all fish.
  When looking for new waters to try fishing, do not overlook a river system that can be productive due to the current. This is mainly because current keeps oxygen levels high, which fish do not find in main lakes during the summer, and these waters tend to be cooler. Remember, fishing in current requires caution along with a need to position your boat so your bait will go with the current, as most fish will be facing into the current.
  Next we suggest trying a new lure or bait this year, like topwater lures this summer by just working it slow over or near some cover. Maybe attempt to bring up some deep water late winter/early spring fish with a jigging spoon, or if you have never fished with plastic worms, rig one weedless so you can fish directly in the weeds where the fish are. Even go a step further and learn to pitch or flip under overhanging trees where other people don't fish (this really works). Crickets will catch big panfish, leeches can be used to catch bass, walleye or catfish and if you want to catch a lot of nice catfish, try Hoss's Hawg Bait dip bait. Spring bass fishing is a good time to try the dead stick method. When using Suspending Jerkbait or Fluke type bait, get your bait down where you want it and make long hesitations and during this dead period, just make slow twitches to trigger strikes.
  For a real Adventure, try night fishing this summer to get away from the heat and crowds. Just stay out an hour after dark or start fishing an hour before sunrise. We personally like night fishing during the full moon while there is more light adding more enjoyment to the sport.
  Going after a different or new species of fish can be interesting. This could be just bobber and worm fishing around weeds for panfish, try jigging a minnow or trolling a crankbait near the bottom for walleye, fish a small twister tail jig or roadrunner around tailwaters of a dam for whitebass and stripers or just kick back and shore fish for catfish. You may or may not be able to take a day off mid-week, but we really enjoy fishing when there is less fishing pressure and having the whole lake to ourselves.
  Keep in mind, fishing is great during this coming spring and we are sure if you Try Something Different or new, it will keep your fishing interesting and FUN.
  As we help organize the 2nd Elmwood All Outdoors Show set for March 5-6th we can say it will be bigger and better, more fishing vendors, new fishing seminars, a boat & gun raffle with lots for the whole family such as a fishing pond, an archery range for youngsters and live deer. There will be plenty for you hunters, with more deer head displays and also a turkey calling seminar. Check www.elmwoodalloutdoors.com for more show details and for fishing reports, how to get our Fishing Calendars and more, visit us at www.larrysfishinghole.com
  Till Next Time, GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING.!