Hello, Anglers. We have been challenged by rapid changing weather this past week with snow as well as days with temperatures in the upper 70s. Both actually occurred within a 48 hour period. Such often - changing conditions makes it interesting when trying to figure out fishing patterns. We have had some days where we found fish on both shallow patterns as well as deep ones. There have also been days when they seem to be basically on neither. Actually, while we have been catching fish in shallow grass, moderate depths from 12 to 25 feet have also produced some fish. We've also had to, at times, slow down our presentations.
LAKE CONDITIONS: At midweek the lake level was at 168.42 feet with one generator running 24 hours. Water temperatures range from 54 to 56 degrees with the north end stained, mid-lake is clear/slightly stained and south Toledo is clear. All major feeder creeks have stained conditions in upper portions.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS: Shallow patterns seemed to have prevailed for weekend tournaments winners. One of the successful patterns was lipless crankbaits, such as Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'r, Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and Yo-Zuri Rattl'n Vibe worked over depths of 2 to 8 feet with grass. The best grass currently on The Bend is hydrillia since much of the pepper grass is dying as water temps have fallen. Pepper grass will return in the spring.
FISHING LIPLESS CRANKBAITS: When we are speaking of lipless crankbaits, we are talking about a rapidly growing family of baits with endless methods of presentations that anglers have discovered will catch fish. Almost every major bait company now has their own version of a lipless crankbait whereas 30 (plus) years ago there were few choices.
One of the first was Cordell's Hot Spot which was successful and caught lots of fish. However, it was not until a Louisiana angler/bait designer named Bill Lewis added his ideas did the entire angling world take note. Lewis, in one of the most successful marketing moves ever, decided to name his new rattling bait after his old Ford station wagon....Rat-L-Trap. As they say, the rest is history....20 million baits later.
Lipless crankbaits have been given the name 'idiot baits' in some fishing circles. You just throw it out and reel it back and it catches fish. Hey, works for me! However, those anglers who consistently catch fish on this lure have learned subtle, various methods to present these baits to bass so when the chunk n wind technique fails, they are still catching bass. Anglers will use various sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ounce) as well as endless color choices. In addition, not all brands perform the same. Some companies build the baits to have sound chambers where the rattle is high pitched and loud while others are low pitched and more subtle.
Select companies even offer both. Furthermore, various baits have a different shape which makes them sink and run in a unique manner. The angler can use a fast, medium, or slow retrieve as well as a stop n go and a yo-yo presentation. The choice of line will also impact how the bait works or falls through the water volume and how it looks to the fish. A heavy line will slow the rate of fall while a lighter line will increase it.
Fluorocarbon line will allow the bait to fall much faster than braid. Some days the fish want it falling fast, other days slowly. Some days the bass will be on open flats and other days you have to make your lipless crankbait hit grass or you will go fishless.
These are only a handful of variables related to fishing lipless crankbaits which can impact how many fish will come into the boat during a day on the lake. Idiot baits? Maybe so, maybe not. The only dumb thing an angler might do would be to neglect the use of these very effective fishing tools.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. His sponsors include Skeeter Performance Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lake Charles Toyota, Red River Marine/Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Bill Norman , Daiichi, Extermatrim Exterminating, Inc., Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com