03-03-2004, 09:33 PM
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The proper way to approach an area is to idle in quietly, killing the big engine well short of the target. Make your final approach with the trolling motor or a push-pole. Keep in mind that loud noises, such as slamming the trolling motor bracket, will alert fish. Make every move carefully and methodically.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Be sure to keep the boat away from the cover's edge, even if it's over deep water. Bass often suspend near the contour edges of deeper mats. When holding there, it's usually to feed. Live-bait guides know this well - they rig big shiners to swim just beneath and along the edge of these deep-water canopies. Florida lakes are famous for giving up huge trophy bass to this strategy. Flipping jigs or soft-plastics can yield the same results, provided the angler uses a very refined approach.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]In selecting a starting point, look for any irregularities along the edge of the mat, a point or indentation. As you bring the boat within range, make your first pitch just inside the edge, allowing the lure to sink freely to the bottom. There will be times when you'll want to control the sink rate, but not initially.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Your second flip should be placed approximately three to four feet inside the edge. Again, let the lure freefall. If the mat is wide enough, your third flip should reach farther yet, perhaps eight to ten feet or more from the edge. Like before, let the lure fall unrestricted, at its own pace.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Simply repeat this three-step process as you advance along the contour of the canopy. If the matted area is narrow, divide the distance equally with the same three-step approach.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]For open-water mats, be sure to try the shallower sides as well. Depending on such variables as time of day, season, current, or the availability of forage, bass could be positioned under any part of the canopy. For really large mats, it may be necessary to push-pole, or plow your way to the interior using the big motor.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font] [/left]
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The proper way to approach an area is to idle in quietly, killing the big engine well short of the target. Make your final approach with the trolling motor or a push-pole. Keep in mind that loud noises, such as slamming the trolling motor bracket, will alert fish. Make every move carefully and methodically.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Be sure to keep the boat away from the cover's edge, even if it's over deep water. Bass often suspend near the contour edges of deeper mats. When holding there, it's usually to feed. Live-bait guides know this well - they rig big shiners to swim just beneath and along the edge of these deep-water canopies. Florida lakes are famous for giving up huge trophy bass to this strategy. Flipping jigs or soft-plastics can yield the same results, provided the angler uses a very refined approach.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]In selecting a starting point, look for any irregularities along the edge of the mat, a point or indentation. As you bring the boat within range, make your first pitch just inside the edge, allowing the lure to sink freely to the bottom. There will be times when you'll want to control the sink rate, but not initially.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Your second flip should be placed approximately three to four feet inside the edge. Again, let the lure freefall. If the mat is wide enough, your third flip should reach farther yet, perhaps eight to ten feet or more from the edge. Like before, let the lure fall unrestricted, at its own pace.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Simply repeat this three-step process as you advance along the contour of the canopy. If the matted area is narrow, divide the distance equally with the same three-step approach.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]For open-water mats, be sure to try the shallower sides as well. Depending on such variables as time of day, season, current, or the availability of forage, bass could be positioned under any part of the canopy. For really large mats, it may be necessary to push-pole, or plow your way to the interior using the big motor.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font] [/left]
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