Depending on your exact location on the bay you will find Smallmouth bass that have been done spawning for some time to other locations where they are all occupying beds right now. Not being one who likes to target fish that are on beds we have been searching out fish that are done spawning or are not engaged in spawning.
The past couple of days we have had decent success fishing with # 10 Rapala Husky Jerks in Tennessee shad color along with white Rapala X-Raps Throwing them on Suffix 832 Braid. After locating fish by covering ground with the jerk baits and catching the active fish we would then go back through them with 4 inch green pumpkin colored Trigger X tubes on 1/8th oz VMC jigs. Most of the active fish that we are finding are from 5 to 8 FOW.
Walleye fishing has also been going good with lots of fish from 17 to 22 inches. We have been both casting and trolling for the Walleyes using both Rapala Rippin Raps in the size #7 along with both casting and trolling Storm Smash Shads. The best colors this past week have been gold and also Purple Pearle.
We have been casting the Smash Shads in water depths from 3 to 6 FOW and throwing the Rippin Raps in depths from 8 to 12 FOW. We also have been finding decent numbers of fish in deeper water any where from 16 to 22 FOW. When we have been trolling deeper water I have been finding success trolling the Smash Shads anywhere from 50 to 80 Feet back. Good Luck and be safe.
Paul Delaney
www.lateeyessportfishing.com
Good Stuff Paul, I love the rippin rap for its versatility have been starting to implement the clackin rap as well in the same situations. Awesome bait, – Q
Hey Paul:
What style jig-heads are you preferring for the bass? I’ve been a fan of the flat-black mushroom style jigs for years, curious as to what you’re using and if it matters. Thanks!
Joel
I have been using the 1/8th oz and 3/16th oz VMC tube jig heads with the tube jigs.
Paul Delaney