Special Presentations Some conditions demand added consideration. Water color,
for instance, is a characteristic that makes anglers plow through their tackle boxes
searching for that "just right" offering. Here's a good starting point to make choices
simple, yet effective: In clear water, use silver or metallic blue plugs; in stained water,
try gold or fire tiger patterns. Special situations include times when schools of bass
are chasing baitfish on the surface. In this instance, Rebel's Pop R in bone or silver
colors can produce bass throughout the feeding frenzy. In flowing water, one basic
rule stands out: Because current dictates feeding opportunities, bass face upstream.
Any lure should be cast above the bass holding area and retrieved with the flow.
Topwater casts that are made above cover and allowed to float past are often
attacked by bass eager to abandon a favorite haunt for an easy meal. Farm pond
bass blast surface lures with the same gusto as fish from bigger water bodies. Use a
quiet approach and silent baits, like a minnow lure, first to keep from disturbing the
wary shallow water bass. Another sound idea: Start by fishing parallel to the
shoreline, then place follow up casts at 2 foot intervals toward the center of the pond.
Known as "fan casting" this is a good way to cover all available water. If subtle lures
are used without luck, switch to a stickbait, then a popper or buzzbait. After sundown,
a new world of fishing opportunities is opened. Lakes, rivers and ponds come alive in
the darkness, and predatory bass leave deepwater sanctuaries with a healthy
appetite, easily susceptible to offerings that skim the surface. When fishing at night,
dark colored lures work best, and they should be retrieved slowly and steadily so
bass can target the offering for a solid strike. The advantages of fishing at night are
obvious: light winds, no waterskiers and few anglers on the water. "After hours" bass
fishing also requires additional caution, however. Bring, and wear, a Coast Guard
approved personal floatation device. Make sure all boating equipment is in good
operating condition and leave your navigational lights on at all times, even when
fishing.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: