Have the confidence to HOOK 1

We all know that its hot across the nation. Temperatures are starting to cool in some areas, while other areas are not. As we approach the next few weeks you will need to be on the top of your game. Fishing during the heat is hard work, the sun beating down on you and the water is warm. When I am fishing this period of time, I start out with a go to bait or confidence bait as well as a bait that has possibilities or test bait. I will throw my go to and the test lure to the same spot and work the water column from top to bottom.

A pattern will start to develop sometimes rather fast, it is important to take note of what it was that you were doing when you hook up. Its completely possible for multiple techniques to work at the same time, however I go by the rule that small fish tell lies. By this I mean small fish tend to bite rather quickly for a fast meal as they are closer to the bottom of the food chain. The size that I consider to be small is always based on species and body of water I am fishing.

Large fish will observe and pick their pray based on many factors. With so many factors playing a part it is sometimes hard to have faith that you are doing the correct thing. I try my best to stick to a game plan for the species I target, usually changing only depths, speed, pattern, and color for my confidence lure or go to lure and then using another rod for changing test lures. I find it more difficult to change the patterns of hard lures, and spinners than soft plastics.  For this reason, I tend to throw 90 percent soft plastics.

I am not saying that this is the only way of doing things, its just my way. I am a Southern California guy, soft plastics just work in So. Cal. One of my favorite ways of fishing is using the Senko worm. With so many colors and patterns the Senko can be used for, its easy to entice even the “lock jaw”  fish without running through your whole lineup of tackle. The two main ways that I use a Senko is with a Owner hook designed for the Senko worm in a 5/0 or with a extra wide gap 3.5/0 worm hook wacky rigged. For those that have never heard of a wacky rig all you do is stick the hook threw the ring (center flat spot)  in the Senko or like brand stick bait.  See below:

The weather will be changing again, and with the cooling weather will come extra water and new places to land hiding fish.  If your home lake has low water levels, take advantage of the ability to see the bottom. This will give you a real look at cover and  structure that could be in 10 ft. of water or more for the rest of the year. Mark these spots and observe the detail to them so that you can plan your lure presentation accordingly.

Times get rough and when the fish are not biting its natural for you to doubt what you are doing. Do your best not to get away from your confidence bait, change depths and patters before switching from a confidence color. Use past patterns, and depths as a reference for season and temperature. Usually these things will be productive across a region, as species have similar waters, structure, and climate.

Confidence is the key, stick to what you know works most days. Changing lures too often will be counter productive as you may have not given the lure enough water time. Take your time, be thorough and  have the confidence to HOOK 1.