Willamette Bass Advice

[Raining_Kings]

Thinking of taking my boat out this weekend for some Catch and Release Bass fishing in the West Linn/Milw. area. Have a good selection of the basic bass gear, but am a true novice bass fisherman. Any suggestions on techniques and gear that I should focus on for our current conditions?

-= Scott

[MXRacer105]

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

Thinking of taking my boat out this weekend for some Catch and Release Bass fishing in the West Linn/Milw. area. Have a good selection of the basic bass gear, but am a true novice bass fisherman. Any suggestions on techniques and gear that I should focus on for our current conditions?

-= Scott

PM sent

[ExBassGuide]

drop shot with a 3 inch senko is killer!
Roger

[dragon67]

Just remember there alot of items to use just beside the senko, or allure baits(senko want to bes). I am not sure but some speed traps, crawdad color might work, top water might start working soon, or even trying a robo worm. I like using the drop shot with a robo worm because it gives a tail that moves around alot or with a shakey head if they want it on the bottom. Good luck.

[Raining_Kings]

Well, I struck out last night.

My first mistake was seeing if the Shad were in....

Ended up only fishing for bass for an hour or so at last light. Saw some structure (downed tree), rocky shore with some submerged weeds and tried crank baits: Rapala X-rap shad, Rebel Crawdad, and the fishyist looking "smolt look alike" Rapala I had all to no avail.

Then tried the drop-shot thing a little deeper, only to realize my smallest worms were 4" watermellon Yammo's. Tried it anyways, but had a hard time shaking the pole without moving the bait...lots of room for improvement here. Mainly more time on the water I'm sure. But at least your tips got me out there so thanks.

-= Scott

[MXRacer105]

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

Then tried the drop-shot thing a little deeper, only to realize my smallest worms were 4" watermellon Yammo's. Tried it anyways, but had a hard time shaking the pole without moving the bait...

You can move the bait, but ideally you want to keep the weight on the bottom.... sometimes they like your bait moving all over the place and other times they want it dead still. I am not a fan of drop shotting a 4" senko, but I have guys fishing with me catch some big fish with it. Check out Robo Worms too......

You will find the fish.... sounds like you are fishing the right stuff. The lower willy has so much fishy looking water it can be tough, the majority of it does not hold many fish. You just have to find the spots inside of spots.... if that makes sense

[Carver_OR]

You'll find some fish. Keep on the move looking for little current edges coming off the shore about 3 to 15 foot deep. Then put that 4" plastic worm or Senco with a small split shot 12" up the line and drift it like you're fishing for steel head. Drift it at current speed with the split shot hitting bottom every foot or two the at other times fish it slow. Please throw all fish over 18 inches back so I can catch it some day and also release it.

Pat
www.holdzit.com