Posted by Eric S. from gateway1.platinum.com on March 22, 1999 at 19:35:04:
I figured out what I'm doing right. I'm fishing the northeast side of a lake, and I guess this is the most sheltered side from the cold winter north/northeast winds. Fish tend to gravitate to that sheltered side in spring as the water warms. This side also has shallow spots and a dark bottom. With the lake being low right now, I'll bet the sun is warming the shallow water nicely.
I fished today starting at 5:30 PM, with the same lure as Saturday, a 1/4 ounce chartreuse Strike King spinner-bait with a gold willow-leaf blade. By 5:40, I caught, photographed, and released three largemouth ranging from 15" to 19."
The first two were within eight to twelve feet of shore in 2-3 feet of water. I think they were warming and feeding on bluegills, because several smaller fish spooked as I approached. The third and largest was hooked about 25 feet from shore over what I think is a drop-off. I noticed swipes and boils behind my spinnerbait on the first two fish, and I think they had to be enticed into aggressively slamming it with a few passes. All three fought hard, and the first one (15") even jumped and tried to shake the lure.
If this is what the largemouth are doing, and they prefer warmer water, imagine what the smallies are up to! I can't wait to fish the Fox.
I'll send the pics to Ed to post. Good Fishing.
Eric S.