03-25-2002, 11:50 PM
Bass Assassin has a great 12" plastic worm that catches large and small bass, as well as large pickerel, in the spring. Shallow water, emerging vegetation and long casts with no weight causes the pre spawners to charge like a torpedo from 5 yd.s away. It's got to be the most exciting, fun kind of fishing I know of. Hook ups are guarenteed as long as you feel the weight of the fish plus 1 second before setting the hook. Large Zoom lizards, big Brush Hogs and huge Hoo Daddy's cannot go unchallenged in thin water. Fish are in the mood to RUMBLE!!, and are the most vulnerable.<br>But take note - boat them fast, release them fast. Don't reduce their chances of spawning due to stress. Use 20lb. test braided line to horse them in. (Play a deeper, post-spawn fish, if you want the challenge of using light tackle.) Conserve to Preserve.<br>Remember, long casts are a must as well as working the lure in the same spot, but with commotion! Hard bait are just as effective- especially the spook or popper. Water temp. should be 45 degrees or more. Days with some clouds or overcast days usually produce best, though sunny, windy days draw<br>large numbers of spawning panfish onto the flats which pull in sportfish.<br><br><br>