The Key to Search Baits
There is a reason that the pro's use search baits during practice times. Search baits are probably the best way to dissect a lake and get ready for a tournament, but there are other uses, other than getting ready for tournaments. In fact as a guide the first thing I do on a guided trip is start by searching for the active fish with search baits.
Let's first discuss the key for a tournament angler. I believe that if you're in a tournament or getting ready for one is to make sure you are on high speed. Not only you're trolling motor moving you quickly from one end of an area to another but also that you are casting and reeling in a high speed mode. The best of the pros make almost twice as many casts during the period of a day than most weekend anglers and weekend tournament angles. These guys are casting and reeling many times before the boat is completely shut down, and they don't let up until the decision to move is made. Let's also make sure that we are not confusing making casts with always reeling fast, you still must work the bait and make your casts count through proper presentation skills.
As a guide I use search baits to help me determine areas to spend more or less time with my customer in mind. If we are not getting bites I turn to search baits to help me make critical decisions, and that is whether the fish aren't biting because of customer skill level or they are just not active and it's time to move. Although my speed of casting isn't near what I would use for a tournament search, I am using the search bait to find active fish.
There are many different types of search baits on the market today outside of the most common rattle baits. The list is very inclusive from spinner baits to buzz baits, but no matter the search bait you use speed and consistent presentation is key.
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Call: 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry