This month bass will most likely be spawning, so always keep your eyes to the shallows looking for beds. If you’re not into sight-fishing for bass, you’re in luck, because even the ones not spawning will be shallow looking for something to eat.
It’s really hard to beat a stickbait, like a Senko, Gambler Ace or a Yum Dinger, rigged weightless. I use a 5/0 EWG hook and 15 pound test fluorocarbon line. The trick is to target shallow bass in spawning areas from a long distance away. Long casts and fluorocarbon line come into play here by presenting your lure to fish that aren’t aware of your presence using line that they cannot see. The weight of the line is important as well. For me 15 pound test gets big fish to the boat regularly and ensures more bites than heavier lines.
For those looking to target bedding bass, Texas-rigged lizards, creature baits and craws will get bed-guarding fish to bite. I like to go with 20 pound fluoro or 50 pound braid depending on water clarity. I nearly always use a 3/8- to 1/2 oz. weight and heavier wire hooks. The weight keeps the bait on the bed better and allows you to impart shaking/jiggling action without moving the bait away from the bed. This action is needed to elicit fish to strike.
As far as I can tell, the storm didn’t appear to have a negative impact on the fishing here. There’s been times when the fishing was very tough, but I and many others have had some very good results. Take advantage of the low water during the drawdown because it makes fish so much easier to find.
Good fishing and God bless.
CAPT. RANDY “C-NOTE” CNOTA
C-note Charters
Panama City, FL
cnotecharters.com
(229) 834-7880