Larry Whitely
Larry Whitely, Early Bass, Stubborn bird, Fishing 101, Twitching
FINDING AND
CATCHING EARLY BASS
In early spring, catchable bass may be scattered most anywhere in a lake. The highest percentage of the most catchable bass though can be expected to be found along the northern shoreline where the sun beats the longest each day.
The percentage is even higher in isolated back waters along the northern shoreline where water warms faster yet. Remember, the warmer the water, the more active the fish.
Even in these areas the bass aren’t going to be active all the time.
If an early season lure like a ¼ ounce white single spin doesn’t produce, try panfish baits like small jigs and in-line spinners.
Day in and day out, the single most productive presentation for early spring bass is to stop retrieving your lure and let it set. A tube bait works great for this as does a jig and pig or jig and grub. So does the little 4-inch long natural colored, baitfish shaped lures. But any small soft plastic bait that doesn’t have a lot of built in action will up your odds of catching early bass.
STUBBORN BIRD
I would like to have a dollar for every time a dominant tom refused to move toward my hen calls. Those stubborn old birds will usually fan themselves out and stay put, insisting the girls come to them.
When you’re faced with this situation, first of all you need to figure out his strutting zone and find an open spot in clear sight of where he likes to parade around. The next morning, get there early and put out a breeding-pair decoy setup or a hen decoy and then spike a jake on top of it as if they were mating. Then set up 20 yards from the pair, be prepared to do little or no calling, and watch that jealous tom come running at the decoys.
Occasionally, an old stubborn tom can’t be moved by love but he could be enticed into a good fight. In that case, set out a big, half-strut or full-strut gobbler decoy.
FISHING 101
If you want to become a better fisherman, fish as often as you can. Doing so will improve your grasp of the fundamentals. Also, fish with as many experienced anglers as possible. Always be observant and look and listen to what is going on around you.
Watch the water, listen for surface activity and concentrate on what your lure is doing at all times. When you catch a fish, pay attention to the type of structure and depth the fish came from and look for areas just like it on other parts of the lake.
Never become discouraged and keep a high level of confidence. If you lose a big fish or get “skunked”, so what? Remember, there’s a lot more fun to fishing than just catching fish.
TWITCHING
Jerkbaits, or twitchbaits as some people call them, are perfect for imitating an injured baitfish. Bass really like them when they are moved with little twitches followed by slight pauses.
They’re great as a finesse lure during post spawn when bass stick around flooded bushes for awhile before heading out to their summer haunts. They’re also the first surface lure you should try in the spring. Twitching your rod and then pausing will cause it to dive, rise back to the surface and then float motionless on top. Try different twitches and pause lengths until you find what they want.
On clear, smallmouth lakes, try twitching over the deep edge of a spawning flat when the water temperature reaches around 70 degrees. Smallies will swim a mile to hammer it.
FINDING AND CATCHING EARLY BASS
Article from March/April 2010 Issue
In early spring, catchable bass may be scattered most anywhere in a lake. The highest percentage of the most catchable bass though can be expected to be found along the northern shoreline where the sun beats the longest each day.
The percentage is even higher in isolated back waters along the northern shoreline where water warms faster yet. Remember, the warmer the water, the more active the fish.
Even in these areas the bass aren’t going to be active all the time.
If an early season lure like a ¼ ounce white single spin doesn’t produce, try panfish baits like small jigs and in-line spinners.
Larry Whiteley, Duck Calling, Cold Camping, Deer Facts - Big Sports
Ozarks Great Outdoors
Article from November/December 2009 Issue
COLD CAMPING
It’s hard for most people to overcome the notion that camping is just a spring, summer or fall activity. Cold weather and snow can add a few challenges but when properly prepared, winter campers can stay warm and comfy.
Summer tents can be winterized by adding a nylon fly that fits over the roof and sides to help keep heat in and protect against rain and snow. You can even put a smaller tent inside a bigger one for double-walled protection.
Larry Whiteley, Hunting Tips, Hunting, Conquering Fear - Big Sports
Article from May/June Issue of Big Sports
CONQUERING FEAR
Larry Whiteley
Most people have a real fear of getting hung up but you have to get over that if you are going to improve your flipping and pitching skills and begin catching bass in heavy cover. You will nearly always find that the thickest spots are holding the biggest fish so this is the spot that your first flip or pitch should target.
Larry Whiteley, Hunting, Camping, Time to Camp - Big Sports
Article from March/April 2009 Issue of Big SportsTIME TO GO CAMPING
Larry Whiteley
If you’ve thought you would like to give camping a try but don’t know where to begin, relax! It’s not hard to learn how to camp. Begin by seeking the advice of experienced campers, join a camping club, get some books and videos on camping, and visit camping stores to get advice on equipment.
Larry Whiteley, Hunting, Fishing, Dressing for the Cold - Big Sports
Article from January/February 2009 Issue of Big Sports
Larry Whiteley
Don’t be afraid to fish windy banks this spring. Many times, you’ll find that these areas hold the warmest available water on the lake you’re fishing. Baitfish will usually be found there, and bass are going to be there, too.
