PRE SPAWN FISHING
OK , WATER WARMED UP TO 52 THEN DROPPED BACK DOWN TO 42-44 DEGREES ,IT A SMALL BOWL TYPE LAKE , HAD A SMALL EVENT SATURDAY , I FOUND THE MOTHER LOAD OF FISH COULD SEE THEM CRUZ UP TO EDGES AND GO RIGHT BACK OUT , NO BEDS YET , COULDNT GET THEM TO EAT , TRIED FINESSE , FAST REACTION BITE SWIM BAIT , YOU NAME IT AND GOT NONE OF THEM , WAS IT LOCK JAW OR DID I MISS SOMETHING ? THANK YOU
Hi Chris, I think you approached this correctly. When the fish begin to move in a pre-spawn mode and then get knocked back, this can often put them in a very difficult mood. Finesse and reaction are the best choices. The two best reaction choices are lipless crankbiats and jerkbaits. These two tools can really help in this situation. I will often go to micro jerkbaits to get the bite. Baits that are only 2-3 inches long. I also downsize the finesse baits if I can't get them to commit. Things like the ned rig or drop shot with a small bait. Reaction or finesse is the way to go, but don't be afraid to downsize.
