Think it took longer to get this pic together than it will to write this report. First I will explain the pic. Since we have a lot off mud and high water in a lot of places now covering more water with artificial baits and some noise might just outfish the live bait.
Top left is striper topwater with a blue back chugger worked fast spitting water coming straight in. Under that is a big swim bait that you can let sink down then bring in fast like bait swimming; middle top is a big white stump bumper, as with a bucktail jig you can let sink down and bring in fast or pull a couple feet and let drop while reeling in slack line fast or slow.
Under the swim bait is my best topwater the big Zara spook with the Redfin under it. Most lures work best bringing in with rod tip down close to the water at a angle except the Redfin, you can hold the rod tip high to keep on top making a V wake slow or hold low and bring in faster as you do the Spook with little snaps and pauses so it twitches right and left.
Below that we go to trolling with any big-lipped baits taking you below 18 ft. Now to right starts with this double broke tail shad that sinks sideways on the fall, then swims up when you reel in. Play with it next to the boat and if you’ve ever seen a shad die, this is it. Below that is what I like throwing on my lighter tackle for bass, crappie, walleye and trout. Yes, walleye. Dear old Chuck Levering from here at the Island loved his walleye and did best with a small crappie jig tipped with a minnow or a split tail swimbait pictured in the middle. Bring it with slow pulls letting it go down under boat close to the bottom and just let your wrist twitch it like you need a drink. This works good moving the boat as slow as possible.
Next week – the other half!
Johnson Guide Service www.fishofexcellence.com (479) 253-2258