Bass Tales by Kelton

How to Get Dialed in

It is hard to compare the feeling you get when you are dialed in on the fish during your outings. Well, maybe catching them can, other than that, it can be just as satisfying. Figuring out the puzzle is how we grow as anglers. It’s like knowing your opponents next move in a chess match. And predict when the fish will bite. Most of us go fishing to catch a few, regardless of the size. But some go out to catch a bunch with a few good ones included. How? Because they have the ability to get dialed in. Understanding bass behavior plays a big role in your success rate. Bass will always relate to certain depths, structure, cover and position themselves accordingly. Establishing some sort of pattern is the key. But there can be in different patterns throughout the day. It is not uncommon to have another angler be on a totally different pattern than yours. The key is the find the one that produces the quality fish rather than the quantity. Use your experience that you gained during your past outings. Maybe just a simple color change, a bigger bait, a smaller bait or your presentation and so on. Getting onto a good pattern is not sometime you stumble upon, but one has to consider so many factors. You need to know why the fish is relating to certain structure, cover and depth. Are they deep because of boat traffic, fishing pressure? Are they shallow or are they roaming around due to low light conditions. Why and when they move to deeper water or why they move up shallow. Once you determine the overall picture of the situation, sometimes, you can actually know how your approach will be even without wetting a line. You’ll have a good idea on what will work and what the fish will be doing just by looking at the water and making a general assessment of the current conditions. You will have things narrowed down a bit. We all heard of guys who like to fish deep, and those that like to fish shallow. Fact is, bass are not always deep or always shallow. We are talking about catchable fish. Always remember though, that not all of the fish will be doing the same thing at once. But those anglers who uses their versatility in their approach will be the most successful, whether bass are deep, shallow or both. Just look at the top pros, sure all of them will fish to their strengths most of the time. But the ones who are always at the top of the leader board are the ones who are versatile in their approach, whether it’s deep or shallow and during any types of conditions. Making the right adjustments during the day and execution is what makes them successful. They can do it all. Deep, shallow or both. Basically, you have to find the fish first or have a very good idea where there should be at any given time. Then, it’s a matter of fine tuning your presentation when you do find them. Eventually a pattern will form. Soon, you will be dialed in on the fish. You will know what, when, how and why you’re catching them and what is working for you. Lake Wilson isn’t a large body of water, so in theory, it shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out, but at times, the bite can be slow. So use your abilities the best as you can and the next thing you’ll know, you’re dialed in on the fish. It sure doesn’t get any better than that, well, almost.

Kelton 1/5/12

Casting Accuracy

Being accurate in your casting abilities plays a big part in your success on the water. Many times it can be the difference between that one or two strikes you need. The more accurate you are, the more strikes you’ll get. So how do I become more accurate in my casting abilities? When I first started to learn about bass fishing, I used to practice baitcasting in my back yard and at a park. I practiced pitchin, flipping, side arm casting, under hand roll casts, over hand and skip casting. I sneaked into the community pool on some nights to practice my skip casting. I also used my weaker hand. And when I’m on the water, I would only use my weaker hand all day. In a matter of time, I was able to be a proficient caster with either hand. The importance of using either hand is to be able to cast next to objects whether its on the left or right side, ( it will save you time by not having to position your boat all the way around just to make that cast ) you’ll have the correct angle to place that bait exactly where you want it. So your efficiency on the water increases. Here is a brief summary of the different casts you may want to learn. You really need to be able to pitch your bait an inch away or dead on from your intended target without creating any disturbances. From a distance and with a quiet entry. A seven foot or seven 1/2 foot rod is a good choice. Flipping is easy to pin point targets, you sort of get into a rhythm when your flipping. Get a flipping stick. Side arm casting is the best way to cast on windy days, or when there is another fisherman in the boat. Its also benefit’s the guys in the boat if either one of you can cast with either hand, because when making a cast, your rod will be on the other side from each other, thus making it less likely to hook someone. You can also be very accurate or cast for distance. Any length rod will do, but for distance, use a longer rod. Under hand roll cast are perfect for short accurate casts and to cover water quickly. Its best to use a six to six and a half foot rod for more control. Over hand casting is more for distance. You can cast a country mile with it. So a seven to eight foot rod is perfect. The most difficult is to skip cast, it’s a lot easier with a spinning outfit, but with a bait caster. It takes a lot of practice. Sure you will get a backlash from time to time. We all do. Try braided line, it is a lot more forgiving on backlashes than mono. And also faster during your casting delivery. A six and a half, seven foot, eighty-twenty rod works for me. Use both hands to make your cast, you will have complete control. Not unless you’re doing a photo shoot. So to be a lot more accurate in your casting abilities, you need to practice, whether you’re in your back yard or on the water. Being an accurate caster is one of the most overlooked aspect in bass fishing. We all know that the rod is an extension of your arm. A fishing rod is just a tool, you just need to apply it properly. Using the right rod will greatly increase your accuracy. And make every cast count. So practice, practice and practice. You’ll be amazed on how many more strikes you will get.

Kelton 12/19/11

How to improve your angling skills

Fishing can be fun and rewarding. But catching fish is what its all about. Catching fish is a blast. So how can you catch fish instead of just going fishing? How do I improve my angling skills? There is many ways to do so. Try to be a student of the sport. Learn more about their (bass) behavior. How they react to seasonal, weather conditions and etc. Obtain as much information as possible, such as, reading materials on bass fishing. Bass Masters, FLW Outdoors magazine and other publications has so many informative topics that covers and also answers most of your questions about bass fishing. From knot tying to advance techniques. And on the weekends, there is a bunch of fishing shows that show cases specific techniques. From flipping to finesse rigs. You can watch the top pros on what, how and when in there approach on any type of lakes or rivers. There is one thing they have in common that makes them successful on the water, it’s the ability to make the right decisions at the right time, based on current conditions. Whether its bait choices, areas they fish and etc. Its the key element that equates to a great day on the water. Its their on the water experience that dictates their decisions. You can also learn a lot from other fisherman. But remember that what works for one angler may not work for you. We all have our own style on how we present certain applications. On your outings, you can try to apply the knowledge you gained from the publications you read, television shows you watched and what you learn from your peers. The more knowledge you acquire, the more well versed you will be on the water. But nothing compares to having experience on the water, its time well spent. So try to spend more time fishing. Fish as often as you can. Learn to read the water you’re fishing. More so on Lake Wilson because of the fluctuation of water levels. Whether you caught fish or not, learn from it. Be attentive to your surroundings ( I have seen busting fish ten feet away from boats, they don’t have any idea on what just happened ). There is a reason why that Blue Heron is perched on that bank. Boat positioning is critical, you never want to be over the fish unless you’re vertically fishing for them. Be a more proficient caster. Fine tune your casting mechanics. Experiment with rod and reel setups, use different lures and presentations. Fish structure and different types of cover. Learn to master each bait. And expand from there. In time, you will be proficient in what lures to use and when to use it. Never just use one or two baits all the time, on every outing, use a variety of them, each one has a time and place. We all have our favorite lure we like to use most of the time, but it can also be detrimental in a way of limiting the effectiveness of proper lure choices. So forget about a favorite lure, your favorite is the one they're biting now. Choose baits to suit the current conditions. A good way is to fish the entire day with one or two lures. You’ll learn how and why the fish bites it, how the bait feels during the retrieve ( you need to know exactly what your bait is doing down there, if its going over a stump and so forth ), and what rod, reel and line works best . Next time out, use another bait. And continue to use different baits. In time you’ll be familiar with a wide range of lures and techniques. And which baits are suited for a variety of conditions. And which rods, reels and line to use. Whether it’s a bait casting or spinning rig. Learn what works best for you and what you have confidence in. Gather as much information about bass fishing and absorb it. I’m sure if you employ these basic insights, your angling skills will improve. Thus, you will be catching fish rather than just fishing.

Kelton 12/19/11

About Lake Wilson

Aloha and welcome to beautiful Lake Wilson. Commonly called Wahiawa Reservoir. This impoundment is 7 fishable miles long ( depending on current water levels), with various types of structure and cover. Which provides excellent habitat for a variety of game fishes and exotics. There are two river arms that flows down to meet at a dam, Its deepest area is around the dam area, but a word of caution. There is a “no fishing” area close to the dam, so please be aware. This lake doesn’t fish big, nor does it fish small, it’s a little in between. I would consider this lake to be a highland type of reservoir, with steep banks, main lake points, dropoffs, laydowns, grassbanks and areas with shallow flats. Water levels is fluctuated constantly, as a means of controlling excessive pressure on the dam. So the fish moves a lot and position themselves according to lake levels. There is an abundant amount of forage present here. Techniques that work anywhere in the states, will also be productive here. Flipping, crankbaits, spinner baits, carolina rigs, texas rigs, finesse, you name it. Most bass run in the 1 - 2 lb range, but its not uncommon to catch 3 - 5 pounders. My best was a 8.5 lb. So there is big ones that inhabit this lake. Bass will relate to structure, cover and roam in or even suspend in open water. Depending on current conditions, time of year, forage present and other variables. Although Hawaii’s seasonal changes isn’t as severe as the mainland, largemouths do respond to them. Peacocks can be caught deep or shallow, on just about any type of minnow plugs, spoons, etc. Using live bait is popular here ( not allowed in HFFA tournaments). You can really tear them up with live bait. But lures will test your skills for them. Peacocks seems easier to catch than there counter part, the largemouth bass. Peacocks are very aggressive by nature, but yet they can be also be very finicky at times. Both species also school on threadfin shad in open water or push them up in small pockets. So being versatile by mixing it up at times, whether you’re fishing for bass or peacocks will increase your success. Peacocks will be in little wolf packs most of the time. When they are in this mode, they can be very aggressive. Depending on the type of lures you use will have an effect on the quality of peacocks you catch. But there is some trophy peacocks swimming around. But at times, both species can be in there neutral mood. Covering a lot of water and finding the aggressive ones are the key, just like anywhere else in the country. This lake is an outstanding fisheries. Tons of fish in it. Fishing is excellent year round. So fish with an open mind, be attentive, use your best judgment in lure presentations/ boat positioning, learn from your on the water experience and you should do well here.

Bass Tournaments

You can achieve a lot out of bass tournaments. For instance, you’ll have a ton of fun, meet new people, gain sportsmanship, learn conservation and just about anything you can think of. We all fish tournaments for different reasons, whether at a club level like ours or on the tournament trail fishing for thousands of dollars. Although money is not at stake here, we all have a few things in common. We all love to bass fish period. Being in the outdoors is priceless. And a great way to unwind. We all have that competitive feeling inside us, some may not be as intense than others, nonetheless we have it. By fishing HFFA tournaments, were actually supporting the club in a big way, not because it’s a tournament club, but rather its participation of it is just one aspect of support. But what drives the HFFA members to me is sportsmanship. Its not a big thing who wins or loses a tournament. But rather how well we fished against the fish. We have known each other for years and its nice to see guys once a month for tournaments, seeing guys every week may not be a good idea. With all kidding aside, tournaments for me is fun, exciting, a learning experience and very challenging. Sometimes mentally and physically draining, cause you’re thinking a strike on every cast so you need to be ready, you also have to be very focused and your concentration level is at its peek. There is a whole new approach to tournament fishing. I never use a net to land any fish. And I don’t fish against anyone except the fish. ( I’ve seen former club members fish for other reasons, its sad, some of them still fish on this lake, small limits or not weighing in a fish, out to prove something, but not to themselves, the list goes on ). I know that club members fish against the fish also. We all want to improve our angling skills. Its very healthy to have that competitive edge in us, we use it every day in our lives whether we realize it or not, its there. Once in a while a big one will get unbuttoned right at the boat, yes you’re bummed, but it happens, its not the first time, its just a part of fishing. As long as we know that we gave it our best is all that matters. If we channel that energy in the right and positive way. Keep things in perspective. Then tournament fishing will be fun in the years to come. That’s why this club been around for over 30 years, that’s just my opinion.

Lure Selection

Lure selections can be difficult or confusing at times, but it really shouldn’t be. There is no such thing as a secret lure, magic bait, etc. So lets keep it simple. We all know the basic lure types out there. I wont get into them for that reason. But some are not aware of the term “moving baits” or “slow baits”. Moving Baits can be crankbaits, spinner baits, buzz baits, REACTION type of baits. SLOW baits can be senkos, worms, get the idea? Most of the time, the bass will prefer one over the other, but not only committed to one on any given day or even by the hour, depending on current conditions, water level, time of year and many different variables. But what works anywhere in the country will also work here. So basically, they can be in different moods throughout the day or even by the hour. Sometimes they will be hitting any types of baits you throw at them, but not to often, most of the time, they will prefer a certain type of bait. Unless you are zeroed in on what there biting, you would need to use a variety of techniques/lures till you make contact with the fish. Let the fish tell you what they want. It takes time, patience, reading the water, etc. And try to establish some sort of pattern. They may also be caught on several different patterns during the day. Or you will need to resort to “junk fishing”. Lets say you’re catching a bunch of small bass on a worm, try casting maybe a crank bait and speed up the retrieve, a hawg may just hit it out of reaction. Sure, our bass don’t push shad up creek arms off the main lake during the fall, but they chase them in open water on the main lake. If you’re targeting them in open water then a moving bait will be your best choice. And during the summer months, you can catch them fairly deep. So a slow bait will produce. But there will be occasions when they will bite both throughout the day. As for me, I always have several moving baits/slow baits tied on and are able to key in fairly quickly. So fish a variety of your moving/slow baits that you have confidence in and your outing might be a memorable one.

Junk Fishing?

What is junk fishing? It can defined as fishing without a pattern. Establishing a pattern is the key to your success on the water. There will times when you cant seem to find one, other guys on the water may get one but you cant, for you, the fish seem to be scattered, then you need to resort to junk fishing. Lets say you’re working a stretch of bank. This stretch has laydowns, big boulders, a point, grass cover and a steep bank. Reading that stretch is critical to your success fishing that bank. As you approach the laydowns, you determine that it extends out to just eight feet of water, you ease your boat into fifteen feet. You parallel cast a med diving crank bait all the way out to the end of laydowns, Boom, a bass crushes it, you lip it. You move down to the boulders, you can tell by the size of them there about five feet round, therefore not more than five feet deep. You pitch a jig to the shady side. As soon as it hit’s the water a fish nails it, Bam, you lip her. You’re feeling pretty good now. You know that the point goes all the way out to the creek channel, and it’s a bare point, no cover on it. The boat sits in twenty five feet of water, you are casting a worm onto the point in twelve feet and bringing it back to twenty, midway through the retrieve you detect a tap, Booyah, you swing it aboard. Now the grass is a little patchy, but there is a patch thats tightly grouped. And its sits in three feet of water. You pull out your flipping stick, a quick flip of your crawdad into a cluster of grass, crawdad falls to the bottom, nothing, a little twitch of the craw on the bottom, the line jumps, Bingo, you lip her grass and all. Now you’re oozing with confidence. You cruise to the steep bank, its has a secondary drop on it that’s ten feet down and extends out about four feet. A cast of a shaky head onto the secondary drop. The line feels heavy, Baby, you lip her with a big smile on your face. You have just caught fish in situations that presented itself, on different baits, in different depths and presentations. This is junk fishing at its very finest. I love junk fishing. When I’m fun fishing , this is how I like to fish, I will go down a bank and fish everything. Even during tournaments it can be effective. But tournaments require a different approach to it and strategies.

Pattern, within a pattern

Establishing a pattern can be challenging at times. But to the seasoned bass fisherman, it becomes second nature. Finding a pattern within a pattern can be quite rewarding. First of all, you need to establish one, secondly, there will be certain things the fish will relate to. Lets say you caught a bass throwing a crank bait on a slow tapering point, the fish bit in seven foot of water, it also hit on the down side of the point. You now arrive at another slow tapering point, you cast in all directions and angles, as soon as your cast reaches to the down side of the point in about seven foot of water, your crank bait stops in its tracks, another bass. Now your pattern seems to be on slow tapering points. The other pattern is there on the down side of it. That’s where the term, pattern within a pattern comes from. The fish is relating to very specific spots. Maybe the current is moving over that point and on the down side or it could be baitfish present and other variables. So you move from slow tapering point to the next and always focusing your retrieve on the down side but not limited to because they can change in a second. Another example is you’re flipping grass cover and just caught a good one, you notice that the fish bit on the inside edge of the grass, not only did it hit on the edge but there was a little cut in it. As you continue flipping, there is another cut in the grass, you are now focused on that cut, dissecting it with precision, it pays off, another good one comes aboard. The pattern seems to be the flipping bite in the grass is on, but there keying on specific spots in the grass, those little cuts are where there holding. And you try to duplicate what is producing. It takes concentration. Not all downside of points and cuts in the grass will produce, but you will be that much more zeroed in on there position. The next time out, find a pattern within a pattern, give it a try. Its just another way of expanding your angling skills.