Great Lakes Bass Are Turning On!

The Bass Boats Are Out In Force

In the past two weeks the bass boats are out in force, speeding at Mach-I speed to fish as long as and as many spots as possible. I have watched the Bass boats like some kind of incredible speed machines, loaded with more electronics than the NASA Space Shuttle come blasting into the harbors and other inlets in search of their quarry - the large mouth bass. These guys have their rods (several) pre-tied to a variety of lures representing every type, color and size of lure that they expect their elusive quarry to possibly jump on.

They come blasting in at blistering speed - something I have never understood. I suppose it's to save precious time and get more casts into the water? They're actually quite dangerous machines in all but the most placid waters. Try 60 to 70 mph through a light chop and they may up in the holding tank! A Cigarette open water racing boat might be a bit safer IMHO.

That said, I see them zero in on a bit of what they always refer to as "structure", a term coined on fishing shows of years gone by and now a common fishing term. Upon arrival they immediately run back and throw up the folding seat back on their swivel chairs with foot planted on the small trolling motor which is lowered into the water for precision boat placement in regard to the structure they will be casting into. One eye constantly on one of 2 or 3 fish / depth finders.

Only last week did I see the first bass of keeping size put in the live well. This week has been even more productive as I have seen increased hookups and more bass landed. I often wonder at the gear these bass masters use. The poles are very stiff - to ensure a solid hook-up and then they simply crank the fish into the boat and heft them inside w/o a landing net or any assistance. Kind of like choosing a Karate Bo staff with rope for line. Somewhat reminiscent of the old footage of hoisting tuna into the boats - fish on and over the shoulder, into the boat and flipped back into the boiling waters again - in one smooth motion!

Well have at it guys - enjoy! We eat Walleye and Perch in these parts and these somewhat frenzied efforts don't cut it with Mr. Walleye or Perch for that matter. Patience and experience allow us locals to know where the fish are. They are migratory and not local bass hanging around the same docks or weedbeds, year in and year out. It's a little more natural and realistic than what I witness with the frenzied Bass Boat guys zooming from dock, to rock, to weedbed, while switching poles every 20 casts and watching graphs for fish marks while working the trolling motor - all at once! That's what you'd call multi-tasking!