Page 23 - Discover Summer 2021
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place.The term “drop baits” signifies that these or medium tip, with 8 to 10 lb test line when
lures are design to do just that, “drop”, and we fishing drop baits.
should fish them that way to get strikes when The most common mistake is to use
fishing shallow-to-deep. bait that is too heavy. Remember, the idea is
If you’re from the midwest or the to make the bait fall as slowly and enticingly
coast, where flatland reservoirs or natural as possible, not sink to the bottom as fast as a
lakes prevail, you may have never fished hilly rock.
country before. Those lakes often feature very My favorite artificial drop bait is the
few sloping banks or hillsides. You may also lead head grub. And there are many ways to
just never have fished a deep body of water. dress this lure. There is nothing wrong here
When fishing here, where the topography with following your personal preference as to
Shallow Water Fishing is more varied, you must pay attention how you like it. Always start with the lightest
grub that you can get away
to the contours of the
surrounding hills. The same
big bow in you line or you are
contours will exist in the with. If the wind is blowing a
water where your lure will fishing deeper than 20 feet,
be. go to heavier lure, and keep it
A hillside is seldom as light as possible. You can’t
smooth like concrete. fish a lure that is too light in
Rather, there are countless a heavy wind; you won’t see or
bumps, ledges, and other feel the strike.
irregularities. In a highland Fishermen have a
reservoir, the same thing tendency to get impatient.
occurs. There might be an Always remember to fish very
outcropping or boulder slowly, and remember that
15 feet down or a branch most strikes come on the fall.
growing out of the hillside in six feet of water.
Invariably, the sloping banks with the 1. With the boat in deep water, cast very close
most irregularities are the ones that hold the to the bank. Keep the rod between 10 and 11
most and biggest smallmouths. o’clock and engage the reel handle as soon as
Many of these irregularities are visible the lure hits the water.
to the naked eye; they may be in 20 or 30 2. With the rod remaining very still at 10 - 11
feet of water. Experienced anglers will use o’clock, allow the lure to “drop” or sink on a
our lures to probe the banks, noting where tight line. Watch your line as the lure falls.
the irregularities are. For this, I like to use a If you detect any tell-tale bumps, ticks or
by Bob King 5 ft. 8 in. to a 6 ft. spinning rod, with a fast unusual movements in your line, set the hook
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