changing patterns coming out of winter.

[merc1997 Bo]

well, here we are pretty much at the next change in fishing patterns.  when water temps bottom out for the winter and begin an upward trend, usually the bait comes up and so do the bass.  the shallower bass are often now the best ones to target because of being a bit more active than those that are still deep.  now, how to decide what technique might catch them?  one of the ozarks' best bassers by the name of glen andrews offered this advice to me many years ago, and that was the fact that most of the time, these bass will be slightly suspended and that is why lures in the crankbait, jerk bait, and now, the a-rig, all tend to be very effective.  all of these lure groups are great at catching bass that are both suspended and still lethargic.

true, there are always going to be days when rules will get broken.  as i remember champ mentioning one time that bass some days bass are looking up, and others, looking down.  water temps of 43 to 48 always gives me fits in figuring out anything that will consistently work.  seems as though i can get them below 43 and above 48, but in what i have termed to be the bs range of 43 to 48, it is always tough sledding for me.

way back in the day, this time of the year, we would go to the creek and get some nice creek chubs and sit out on the main lake flats and just wear them out.

warmer temps are not far off, and now all of those that have been faithfully slinging in the shallows all fall and winter will begin to reap more rewards for their efforts.  with me, i am waiting for the water temps to hit 50 and start to hand pick some nights to go prowl around in the dark and get them before the next wave hits the lake the next morning.

bo 

[m&m]

Bo, words of wisdom. I would love to see a steady rise in water temp as we go through spring but the weather has to cooperate. 

Mike