Fishing Articles
From Our Pros!
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by Gerry Gostenik
This is the time that almost every bass fisherman from the Great Lakes region looks forward to.
The spring smallmouth frenzy. As the water begins to climb from the 30’s into
the low to mid 40’s Great Lakes smallmouth bass begin their move from deeper water
towards shallower water. The fish are not actually in the shallows at this time but
are feeding actively and are getting ready to make that move shallower.
On Lake Erie some of the techniques that I use to catch fish during this time of the
spring include using blade baits (cicadas, jigging spoons). Using the drift and drag
method with tubes is also a very effective method during this early phase of the pre-spawn
period. The fish on Lake Erie are typically located in the 25-18ft. depth
range.
As the water continues to warm from the mid 40’s into the low 50’s fish begin
entering shallower water. By this I mean the 10-17ft. Depth range. They are here to
seek out food and to possibly start scouting for nesting sites. Techniques that are
effective during this period include the drift and drag method again. Fish also are taken
using deeper diving crank baits, blade baits, and suspending jerkbaits.
As the water approaches the mid 50 degree mark the smallmouths start feeding heavily. They
exhibit very aggressive behavior and are located anywhere from 10 ft. and shallower. This
is the time of year when the jerkbait and crankbait bites really are at their peak. It is
not uncommon to boat 100 fish in a few hours fishing time. I believe the smallmouth will
literally eat anything you throw during this short-lived period of activity.
It is very important however to practice catch and release during this time. The
fish are aggressive and easy to catch. Great fisheries can be demolished very quickly.
These are the good old days on our Great Lakes. Lets try to keep them that way as long as
we can. Good Fishing
Gerry Gostenik
Professional Guide/Tournament Angler
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Gerry Gostenik
Gerry Gostenik is a touring pro with B.A.S.S. and has a
professional guide service. His charters include Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and
Saginaw Bay.
You may visit his Home Page by clicking below:
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