11-19-2009, 10:00 AM
Slipped out on the lake about 11:00 to try some new spots. First stop was a bluff area and hooked a good fish that dove for the bottom pulling drag. I use a longer rod on bluffs and blow downs with 6# line so I thought I could land the fish. Pretty sure it wasn&#39;t and crappie, lol. After a good fight netted a spotted bass that weighed 3 1/4 # on my scale. Just short of 18&quot;. Very solid fish and a good fighter. Left the bluff after a bit with no crappie and hit a dock. Was using a 1/32 jig with BG Shad. 10 minutes and nothing. I was doing the usual slow retrieve with occasional twitch. <br /><br />Hmmm says I, time to try a different approach. Changed to 1/16 jig with different color BG Shad. Changed retrieve to a slow steady turn of the handle with total dead stops. Boom, that was the ticket. Caught 16 keeper crappie and 3 or 4 small ones. Water was from 8-12&#39; deep and most hits came on a dead still bait. Most bites were very subtle, some no more than a slight loss of weight on the line. The wind had died down and I was able to really follow the line and watch for any little difference in movement and feel. Color change was from Chartruse/white belly to Patriot sparkle. I think the difference maker was not color, but the presentation, a deeper and slower retrieve with dead stops. I learned to be flexible and try another way of presentation when you think fish are there but not biting. <br /><br />Drumking is very good at this. When he starts off for the day, he is analyizing what presentation works, and concentrating on his line. He usually finds the pattern that works very quickly. So rather than just toss a jig out, it helps most times to try to think about what you are doing. And if that isn&#39;t working be willing to experiment with a different method. Most of the guys here know this, but sometimes if like me we forget and kind of get in a rut. <br /><br />No pictures today, too much trouble when by yourself, unless something exceptional.<br /><br />Regards, Norman