Wheeler on Northern Smallmouth

[Bill Babler]

"Just cause you can see them doesn't mean you should fish them."

"You can't make them bite."

"There are a zillion fish in here but you must target active feeding fish."

I've never had opportunity to fish up there but when I do go I'm following that advice. 

I think a lot of guys are finding fish but they just won't bite and they stay with them way to long. 

[WWM]

12 hours ago, Bill Babler said:

"Just cause you can see them doesn't mean you should fish them."

"You can't make them bite."

"There are a zillion fish in here but you must target active feeding fish."

I've never had opportunity to fish up there but when I do go I'm following that advice. 

I think a lot of guys are finding fish but they just won't bite and they stay with them way to long. 

Mr. Bill, once this stage is over I’ll give everyone a rundown of my days on the water. It’s been VERY interesting to see how guys are catching them… I weighed the big bass of the day today!

[Bill Babler]

Thanks much, WWM.  We are all really looking forward to your thoughts. Really appreciate them.  Just heard Jonathon VanDam, say don't waste valuable time on fish that won't bite. 

This hammers Wheelers thoughts home. Also these guys are saying 10' deep and shallower or 25 feet and out. 

Dead zone filled with perch, walleye and non-biting bass in the 10' to 25' range. Full of fish, but waste of time. 

This had been a derby of runs, the guys that are doing well are fishing fish that will bite a gold unbaited hook, they are actively biting fish. The guys struggling are the ones switching baits and trying to make fish bite that aren't feeding. The guys that are doing well are using one or two baits. I don't think its about the bait, its totally about the mood of the fish your fishing for.