Stan Fagerstrom
07-31-2004, 08:38 AM
“Small Ponds Sometimes Bring Big Bass”
Part Two
By Stan Fagerstrom
In the first portion of this three-part column on farm ponds I talked mostly about small lures that are a good bet for small water fishing. This trip let’s look at certain larger lures that can also be dynamite on occasions.
A lure that has served me especially well on small waters, especially in Washington State, is a 3/8th-ounce red and white wobbler. I've not done worth a toot on this lure on larger lakes. In some of the sloughs I've fished, especially those that are formed by backwaters of the lower Columbia River, they have been among my best bass baits.
If you decide to use these wobblers, try to find those that have a red and white exterior and a copper inside. Take a look at the way the treble hook that comes with the lure is attached to the split ring. One of the hooks will point down. Cut this hook point off. What you'll have left is a double hook and the points of the two hooks should ride upright as the lure is retrieved. It will help you avoid hanging up all the time.
http://www.ifish.net/sfredandwhitew.jpg
Fished in the right way, a red and white wobbler like this can be an excellent lure for bass in the sloughs of the Columbia River. Note that I've clipped off the bottom barb of the lure's treble hook.
http://www.ifish.net/sfredwhinside.jpg
If you decide to try a red and white wobbler for Columbia River largemouth, by all means attempt to find those that have a copper finish on the inside of the lure. I've had by far my best success with this red, white and copper combination of colors.
Altering the hooks is important because the most effective way to fish this wobbler is to cast, let it sink, then fish it back with little flips of your rod tip. The lure should hop up, then flutter back down. Be sure it ticks the bottom between flips. Take my word for it, bass knock the bejabbers out of this bait once you get a handle on the right way to fish it.
The Hula Popper can be great on small ponds. If it’s possible to walk along the shoreline, try the Popper or a similar surface bait first. Be quiet and careful as you go. If the pond you're fishing has no visible cover, wade out from shore and pitch the Hula Popper close to the bank up ahead. Cast so the lure lands softly inches out from the shoreline. Let it rest for long seconds, then start working it back. The most common mistake with these surface lures is to create too much commotion. Take it easy and take your time.
Bass in small ponds where there isn't a whole lot of cover often keep an eye peeled on the shore. Some of their food is a cinch to come from there and they're keenly aware of it. One of the largest bass I ever hooked along Columbia River backwaters came boiling out to smash a Hula Popper almost at my feet. That fish threw water all over me when it hit and scared hell out of me in the process. The Popper in a green frog finish with a white skirt has always been my most effective lure while using this approach.
http://www.ifish.net/sfwebfrog.jpg
This old frog finished Hula Popper has caught a ton of bass for me over the past half century. It's another super lure for pond and slough bass with one big qualification. That qualification is that you learn to fish it properly. Few anglers ever do. They simply don't have the patience to fish it as slowly as it must be to consistently catch fish.
I’ve been criticized at times in the past because now and then I write about what some newcomers to bass fishing consider old time lures that have outlived their productivity. The Hula Popper and the Jitterbug are examples. Don’t kid yourself, partner! Those old beauties will still get their share of fish and then some. But you have to learn how to use them and both require a great deal of patience. You simply can’t fish a lure like the venerable old Hula Popper too slowly. In fact, until you do learn just how slow it has to be handled you’ll never realize its potential.
In the final issue of this three part series on small pond fishing I’ll share a technique with the Jitterbug that has worked very well on some small water. I’ll also have some other thoughts to share as we wrap up this discussion of “Small Ponds Sometimes Bring Big Bass.”
-To Be Continued-
Part Two
By Stan Fagerstrom
In the first portion of this three-part column on farm ponds I talked mostly about small lures that are a good bet for small water fishing. This trip let’s look at certain larger lures that can also be dynamite on occasions.
A lure that has served me especially well on small waters, especially in Washington State, is a 3/8th-ounce red and white wobbler. I've not done worth a toot on this lure on larger lakes. In some of the sloughs I've fished, especially those that are formed by backwaters of the lower Columbia River, they have been among my best bass baits.
If you decide to use these wobblers, try to find those that have a red and white exterior and a copper inside. Take a look at the way the treble hook that comes with the lure is attached to the split ring. One of the hooks will point down. Cut this hook point off. What you'll have left is a double hook and the points of the two hooks should ride upright as the lure is retrieved. It will help you avoid hanging up all the time.
http://www.ifish.net/sfredandwhitew.jpg
Fished in the right way, a red and white wobbler like this can be an excellent lure for bass in the sloughs of the Columbia River. Note that I've clipped off the bottom barb of the lure's treble hook.
http://www.ifish.net/sfredwhinside.jpg
If you decide to try a red and white wobbler for Columbia River largemouth, by all means attempt to find those that have a copper finish on the inside of the lure. I've had by far my best success with this red, white and copper combination of colors.
Altering the hooks is important because the most effective way to fish this wobbler is to cast, let it sink, then fish it back with little flips of your rod tip. The lure should hop up, then flutter back down. Be sure it ticks the bottom between flips. Take my word for it, bass knock the bejabbers out of this bait once you get a handle on the right way to fish it.
The Hula Popper can be great on small ponds. If it’s possible to walk along the shoreline, try the Popper or a similar surface bait first. Be quiet and careful as you go. If the pond you're fishing has no visible cover, wade out from shore and pitch the Hula Popper close to the bank up ahead. Cast so the lure lands softly inches out from the shoreline. Let it rest for long seconds, then start working it back. The most common mistake with these surface lures is to create too much commotion. Take it easy and take your time.
Bass in small ponds where there isn't a whole lot of cover often keep an eye peeled on the shore. Some of their food is a cinch to come from there and they're keenly aware of it. One of the largest bass I ever hooked along Columbia River backwaters came boiling out to smash a Hula Popper almost at my feet. That fish threw water all over me when it hit and scared hell out of me in the process. The Popper in a green frog finish with a white skirt has always been my most effective lure while using this approach.
http://www.ifish.net/sfwebfrog.jpg
This old frog finished Hula Popper has caught a ton of bass for me over the past half century. It's another super lure for pond and slough bass with one big qualification. That qualification is that you learn to fish it properly. Few anglers ever do. They simply don't have the patience to fish it as slowly as it must be to consistently catch fish.
I’ve been criticized at times in the past because now and then I write about what some newcomers to bass fishing consider old time lures that have outlived their productivity. The Hula Popper and the Jitterbug are examples. Don’t kid yourself, partner! Those old beauties will still get their share of fish and then some. But you have to learn how to use them and both require a great deal of patience. You simply can’t fish a lure like the venerable old Hula Popper too slowly. In fact, until you do learn just how slow it has to be handled you’ll never realize its potential.
In the final issue of this three part series on small pond fishing I’ll share a technique with the Jitterbug that has worked very well on some small water. I’ll also have some other thoughts to share as we wrap up this discussion of “Small Ponds Sometimes Bring Big Bass.”
-To Be Continued-