BrianMRetter

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I needed the encouragement. I'll definitely try all the suggestions

Last spring I started fishing for LMB. I knew nothing about the sport, what lures to use when, seasons, forage, structure, etc. I would simply try throwing a few lures, use a straight retrieve with the reel and occassionally catch a few bass. Over the winter I started reading & researching what lures to use when, bass behavior and things like that in preparation for the pre-spawn...So spring comes, the water surface warms to around the 60-70* range, I head out to a lake (known to have bass) with my kayak, an SI/DI fishfinder, and after 4 days in a row I totaled 2 bites, and 0 fish in the boat...What am I doing wrong?

Is this still considered early prespawn in central IN? Surface water temps were around 65-70 today, but I only got 2 bites. 1 on a black back chartruese squarebill, and one on a black senko (confidence bait).

Glad I'm not the only one not getting anything

Both were very muddy compared to usual. As far as I know theres not much if any rain in the forecast so hopefully itll clear up. Edit: Westwood was anywhere from 54* all the way up to 65* in some coves

Well I had 0 luck @ Summit today. Water surface temps were 52-54*. Trying Westwood this evening

I'll be fishing Summit Lake & Westwood Run (both Henry County) on Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday. Tomorrow will be the third day of a warming trend, around 70* high temperature. Tomorrow I'm going to fish the north half of Summit from a kayak. Should I focus more on points, or shallow coves & spawning flats?

Thanks for all the replies, this is exactly what I was looking for

This weekend I'm going to give the Ned Rig a try. I'm using the standard components, 1/15oz ZMan Mushroom jig head, and ZinkerZ cut in 1/2. I've hear alot of people saying it catches bass in numbers, and occadsionally larger fish. Has anyone used a full size ZinkerZ rather than cutting it down, in order to catch fewer but larger fish? Any potential problems?

Thanks for all the replies! I'm using a Humminbird Helix 5 with SI/DI/GPS

I've learned/am learning the incredible importance of structure when it comes to finding bass. I've learned some of the terms for various types of structure and am slowly starting to understand what I'm looking at on a lake map. However, I've searched and searched and can't seem to find any good articles that actually show pictures on a lake map of what all the different types of structure look like. To me, it seems like the easiest way to learn this would be by seeing it. A definition helps, but a definition along with pictures on a lake map would be much better. Anyone have any good information?

During the pre-spawn, how do you choose between a lipless and a squarebill? Is it simply the type of cover you're fishing? Do any other factors come into play? Thanks!

I know I asked about a week or so ago, but didn't get any replies...Anyone familiar with Summit Lake Reservoir and Westwood Run? Both in New Castle. If the 15 day forecast means anything at all, it looks like there will be a nice warming trend next week, on into the weekend. I plan to hit both of those pretty hard then.

Water temps range from 54-56 where I'm at. Should I be fishing prespawn patterns?

No, I'd like to try there however. This was @ the Farmland Conservation Club in Randolph County.

Went out to my local conservation club today. Very large pond is what I would consider it. Water temperatures 56 Degrees, very low visibility after heavy rains the last few days. Not a single bite today, was only out for 2 hours but still...

Heading to Summit Lake and/or Westwood on Monday & Tuesday. Anyone had any early pre-spawn luck there?

Where are you fishing?

What season are most Indiana LMB in right now? Early pre-spawn or late winter? I'm in East Central Indiana. I fish Summit/Westwood from a kayak and am going to check out Province Pond that someone previously mentioned.

I accidentally double posted and can't figure out how to delete.

Just curious what kind of luck other Hoosier fishermen are having. I live in Randolph County (2Hrs straight East of Indy), and the fish still seem to be pretty slow. Caught my first little guy of the year in a creek fed pond no more than an acre on a weightless T-rigged senko. Are bass still in late winter patterns?

Just curious what kind of luck other Hoosier fishermen are having. I live in Randolph County (2Hrs straight East of Indy), and the fish still seem to be pretty slow. Caught my first little guy of the year in a creek fed pond no more than an acre on a weightless T-rigged senko. Are bass still in late winter patterns?

Thanks! PM sent. Btw, nice fish in your fishing report!

I've been reading & posting alot lately with the goal of creating a setup to cover most of the bases for LMB fishing. My criteria was 3 rods only (I kayak fish and dont like taking more than that) and spinning gear only. Most people will suggest baitcasters, but I prefer spinning gear. So far this is what I have come up with. I know each rod may not be the absolute best choice, but I think they will be a workable option.

No problem