Category: Fishing
Plan B – Fish the Farm Ponds
Written by Ed Harp
Monday, 25 April 2011 10:00
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OK guys, I’ve written enough about the glories of fishing the creeks and the backwaters at this time of the year. Given the weather — it’s horrible — I’d suggest something else. In truth, they’re a mess and not likely to get any better for awhile, especially if the weatherman knows what he’s talking about.

Besides, you’re likely to get stuck just trying to get back into those places. So, let’s go to Plan B. Try the farm ponds.

Every single one I’ve looked at over the last week is overflowing its banks. The water is up into the grass almost everywhere. Believe it or not, this will give you a shot at catching a monster bass, the kind of fish you can brag about for years.

Here’s the thing — flooded grass and shoreline bushes draw insects. The insects draw forage such as minnows and tiny game fish which, in turn, draw the bigger predators. It’s not uncommon to catch bass over 5 pounds in less than a foot of water under conditions like we have now.

You can throw a buzzbait or a trick worm and catch them. The very best bait of all, however, is a frog. Toss it right against the bank, or even right up on it. Bring it back slow at first. Speed it up if that doesn’t work. Two of the best frogs on the market for this technique are the Dean Rojas Bronzeye 65 and the Ish Monroe Phat Frog. (The Phat Frog is made by Snag Proof, a Cincinnati based lure company.)

Be quiet and careful when you approach the pond. Shallow fish spook easily.

As I write this I’m aware that the reservoirs are in the same shape as the ponds. And, I know that the bass are moving and feeding shallow in them just like they are in the ponds. But, I also know that there’s a lot more shoreline around the reservoirs and that your — and my — chances of catching a giant bass are better in a pond.

 
Enjoy the Experience
Written by Ed Harp
Thursday, 21 April 2011 10:00
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Fishing — the art of trying to catch a fish — is very different than catching — the act of landing a fish and having it under your care, custody and control. Smart anglers know the difference. They appreciate both and never confuse them.

Recreational anglers would do well to learn to enjoy fishing. It’s difficult to consistently catch fish, no matter the species. Fish move, they go dormant, they eat different things even when they’re active and, most of all, they have an extraordinary survival instinct.

They may not know what fishing line is, or what a hook does, but they know it’s not supposed to be there if they see it. They’ll shy away every time. Even the best anglers on the planet fish more than they catch.

And so, as spring warms and we all spend more time on the water we should learn to enjoy the experience. It isn’t all about catching fish. Sometimes it’s about watching a raccoon wash his food on the riverbank or a spying on a snake as it slithers along looking for a small rodent, its tongue flicking in and out with a rhythm that would make a drill sergeant jealous.

One time I saw a buck swimming across the river just below the power plant discharge at Aberdeen-Maysville. I’ll never forget seeing his head and rack above the water as he slowly made steady progress towards his goal — the other side of the river.

I watched him for well over a half-hour and had a wonderful time doing so. I was out several hours that day without a bite. Nevertheless, I still remember it years later, and smile every time I think about him.

To the day I die I’ll wonder what was in Kentucky that he couldn’t find in Ohio. It must have been important, to him anyway. The river’s wide at that point. It’s a long swim, especially for a deer propelling himself forward with nothing but skinny legs and tiny hooves. They can’t possibly move much water.

You don’t have to catch to have a good day fishing.

 
5 Great, Fish-Catching Lures for River Bass
Written by Ed Harp
Thursday, 14 April 2011 10:00
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For those of you who want to do some bass fishing this year here’s a list of five baits that’ll get you through most of the year. As you can see it isn’t necessary to spend a fortune. You can fish and catch on a budget.

  1. A Trick Worm – River bass are notorious for holding shallow. At times they move up in the creeks into less than a foot of water, sometimes into as little as 4 or 5 inches. A wacky rigged — just run the hook through the egg sack — will catch them all day long. Circle hooks are the choice of top anglers. They make a secure hookset and rarely snag on slime and debris. Just remember, you don’t jerk on them to set the hook. A slow, steady pull with you rod tip works best.
  2. A Small (1/4-ounce) Popper – Work it along slow at first. Just make a few rings in the water every time you move it back towards the rod tip. If that doesn’t provoke a strike try speeding it up.
  3. A Buzzbait – Throw this lure as far back into the shallows as possible and then bring it back with a steady cadence. There are clackers and there are squeakers. Most guys have a preference but the truth is that both styles have caught a lot of bass. Carry a couple of each.
  4. A Square-Bill Crankbait – Toss these fish-catchers up against the bank and bring them straight out, towards the boat. You can also flip and pitch them. Bright colors seem to work best — maybe because they can see them better in the stained water. Tip: Some of the best are made by Ima. That should come as no surprise. They were designed by Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Bill Lowen, from North Bend, Ohio.
  5. A Big Creature Bait – Pick anything you like. Texas rig it with a big hook, a fairly heavy sinker so you can punch through the debris and toss it on a heavy rod and reel with stout braided line. Work every target from every angle.