Tournament stop 1

[InEccess]

Sun, April 2 Shenango (PA).

I've never fished there, but I hear it's a collection of 4 lakes. I'm taking 3 rods with me. 1 for jigging, 1 for cranking, and 1 for plastics. I figure it's too early for topwater in PA, so I'll save that set up for May tournaments and later. If I'm fishing shallow, I feel my targets will be prespawn bass. Possibly a Texas rigged tube/beaver or a Carolina rigged lizard would work for bedding bass, a jig for structure, and a rattlin rogue for any active bass near points or drop offs. That's my game plan going in to a lake I've never fished, with a boater I've never met, and in an enviroment I'm not used to (competitive fishing).

What I want to know is this. Has anyone here ever fished any of the Shenango lakes? What structure could be holding bass this time of year there? What's the bottom of the lake structure (i.e. rock, grass, dirt)? Is there any offshore hot beds for early spring bass?

[JB]

I'd target the warmest water I could find, and your plan sounds ok to me, however don't over look medium size crankbaits fished slowly, also spinnerbaits and jerk baits should go well with your tube and other arsenal.
You need to ask the boater what the water temp is each time you move around, if its 50 ish, these lures will produce...timber holds heat, fish could be tight for warmth..

[Fishie]

Concentrate on areas where bass can possibly move up from that are deeper before they spawn....one of the things I remember from last year was IKE in a tournament where he had this spot where there was a deep 45 degree bank that was off a dock with a flat back from it and he got a couple of nice keepers off it....someone might remember???

[zooker]

i have fished this lake -for trout- i would work the points and chunks of rip rap. but this is just my opinion.. your jerk bait is your best friend right now..

zooker

[bass kicker]

try get get a hold of the boater you are fishing with and ask him for some tips on the lake

[lizardsrule]

Spawn in PA, I don't think so LOL. Wait a little while for that. A c-rig can put you in the money though.

Lizards

[bass kicker]

when does the spawn happen in PA

[bassguy2004]

You might look up the area online and see if a phone number is available. You could then call some local tackle shops to see what is going on. I wouldn't tell them you are fishing a tourney, they may give you some bad advice, and then maybe not.

[InEccess]

Good tip Bassguy, I hadn't thought of that. Still, I'm at the mercy of the boat owner, whom I am fishing against... If I end the day with a bigger bag then him, I feel I'll be swimming my next tournament.

My goal for my first season is to finish higher in the standings then any other non-boater. I'll worry about winning a tournament AFTER I buy my own boat. But a house with a garage, and the "ring" will come before that.

[bassguy2004]

I didn't know you were a no-boater. Just a little advice. Depending on what you are fishing, keep an eye on the boater. If he starts catching fish then use what he's using. I know that sounds lame, but do it. If he isn't catching fish, be sure and fish the area he fished if possible, sometimes the fish won't react to the first bait. I could be presentation but if he doesn't cast back to the spot he just tried, then drop yours right back in the same spot. It does work. Just try a little different approach, a little different retrieve, just something a little different. I fish as a no-boater in my club and it is really nice to spank the guy you're fishing against in his own boat. It really ticks them off. I love it. Anyway good luck, not that you'll need it.