Found A Creek To Wade Fish, Need Lure Advice

[drew03cmc]

I assume it has spotted bass and largemouth as the predominant species of the black bass family present in the stretch that is on state land, correct? That is a definitely must try as soon as I can.

[Al Agnew]

Drew, one important piece of equipment you need is a water thermometer. Water temps tend to tell you what to use. If you have good hair jigs, by all means take them, otherwise small tubes (2 to 2.5 inches) will do. Might also take some finesse type plastic worms, 5 or 6 inches, straight tail. And if you happen to have some 4 inch Senkos or similar fat worms, they can be good, too. Other than the slow, deep type stuff, you simply need a few jerkbaits (not soft jerks like flukes, suspending hard baits) and a few deep diving crankbaits of whatever type you like. If the water temps are over 50 degrees, the hard baits will probably work, if 45-50 degrees, they might work, if under 45 degrees, they probably won't. If the water is very clear, the jerkbaits are more likely to work than the crankbaits, if it is murky the opposite is probably going to be true, but the cranks will work better if the water is pushing 50 degrees. The other stuff will probably work no matter what the water temps are. Avoid stronger current areas, but if the water is up around 50 degrees or more, look for sheltered spots just off the main current as well as the slower water. If the water is colder, look for larger areas of slow current (or backwaters off the channel for largemouth). You don't necessarily have to be fishing in deep water--as long as it's deep enough that you can't easily see the bottom the fish might be there--but your best bets should be close to areas of deep water. The spotted bass will likely be in a little more current than the largemouth.

[Buzz]

They got crawdads over there in Kansas don't they???? Soft craws and tubes would be a good start. Work them slow, even let it set for 15 to 20 seconds before you move them. Then only move them with a small lift. If they are cold they won't likey chase anything, but if it looks good and you are in the right area you will probably get bit. Afternoons on the sunny sides of the creek will be the most likely spots. Heck, if I was going to Shoal Creek this weekend I would be throwing a spinnerbait too. LOL

[drew03cmc]

Yeah, we have crawdads. I will be trying some stuff and seeing what I can figure out.

[dgames]

you simply need a few jerkbaits (not soft jerks like flukes, suspending hard baits)

would a countdown rapala be considered a jerkbait?

[Wayne SW/MO]

would a countdown rapala be considered a jerkbait?

Most consider baits that suspend as jerbaits. They aren't perfect because some suspend better than others and water temperature affects them all, but the goal is for them to hover at the depth where they are stopped.

If you like Rapalas, the X Rap is a good jerkbait and seems to do as well as some of its more expensive competitors.

[BlueWave]

dcmc

It has been many many years but I hit most all of the major flint hills creeks . Before I went strictly to flyfishing used only #3 mepps with squirrel tail. One silver and one gold would last a season. Just fish it slow as it will turn this time of year.

[drew03cmc]

Plans have changed, I am staying the KC area, hitting a wading sized stream that runs through Overland Park. I have it on good information that it holds some good sized largemouth bass. I am trying to stay close to home due to a medical procedure and this being my first physical activity since surgery. These lures will all work here as well, so thank you everyone! I will take the Flint Hills recommendations to heart as the year progresses and I get to hit a few of those streams.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Indian creek?

[drew03cmc]

Hush Wayne...yes, Indian Creek. I could have chosen any number of creeks in the area, but Indian is the biggest of them. You know anything about it?