I was at the lake this weekend and did not do well. We all saw swarms off shad all over the lake and the minnows are getting big also. A neighbor said "they're not hungry too much food". I did catch a nice 3 pounder on a jig and pig but otherwise the bite was gone. I fished countdownds and divers, worms and spinners. I even tried frogs and poppers early and late in the day. What should my approach be? Wait till night or maybe even the fall?

Its tough when the bait is so easily accessable. I fished in an oxbow last year where my blades on my spinnerbait wouldnt even turn because it was so thick with baitfish. Actually, on my way out I trimmed up the motor and gunned it and threw 1,000 of them suckers in the air . Normally when I find an area like that, I will crank it for a bit and then try a jig or plastics, but if I dont get bit within about 20 minutes, Im out of there.

I usually throw a small swim bait in shad colors or a suspending jerk bait.

Flukes weightless

You got one on a jig & pig, I would have stayed on the crawfish imitation. Jigs, tubes, t-rig plastic craws...

We see this all the time, game fish inhaling bait from pods showing little or no interest in some lure that you think looks real but they know different. A saltwater ploy that may work for you, after all fish are fish regardless of what body of water they are in. There is a time and place for everything and this is the time for live bait, but before baiting your hook it's best to clip one of the fins, I like doing it to a tail fin. Your bait will be swimming different than the rest of the pod and attracting attention. It's my belief most predatory animals will go after the weakest prey, a struggling bait fish fits that bill.

I tried more craws. With jigs and without. Different colors sizes and presntation. Just one bite. Water temp is already at 84, this weeks forecast is pushing 90+. I will be back Saturday and will only fish at dusk.

s silver rapala countdown

I never used live bait but I am ready to try it. Thanks Snook, when I go up Saturday ill take a bucket and net on the pontoon.