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Bass Fishing FunIn late April and early May, the spotted bass are hungry and getting ready to spawn. The Department of Fish and Game first stocked spotted bass in the lake in 1982. Prior to their introduction, we would catch mostly smallmouth bass, but they tended to be undersized (minimum size for all bass species at Shasta is 12 inches). It took a while for the spotted bass population to take hold, but now they are the dominant species, and they tend to grow faster and larger, a big plus for the bass angler. Whenever we first tie up in a cove, I like to gauge the willingness of the bass in that area by splitshotting a plastic worm. I use a medium spinning reel (mine is a Quantum Energy E-2) on a 5-1/2 to 6 foot medium weight spinning rod. Line weight is 6 pound test. On the end of the line I tie a 1/0 hook and 18 inches up I put a 1/8 ounce round splitshot. I start with a 4-inch straight plastic worm that has a little blue in it, like a #66 blue ghost Magic Worm. 
Splitshotting is not a slow type of fishing. It's more like cranking a plug, except that you are doing it with a worm on or near the bottom. It allows me to cover most of the water around the houseboat in less than 15 minutes. If I manage to get some strikes within 15 minutes, I know that I've found a good area. While the worm is a good all-around lure, I like to experiment with others. Top-water lures are good, especially if the water is warmer. I use Zara Spooks and Pop-R's. Funny thing is that these big top water plugs catch some of the smallest fish. I guess the young ones are just wild. Another good lure is a spinnerbait. They are dynamite in the early morning or evening when the sun is off the water. I use a chartreuse spinnerbait and add a thick bodied grub as a trailer. I've caught some of my bigger fish on a spinnerbait. Overall though, I've caught most of my bass right on the bottom in 10 to 20 feet of water, and I think that's the best place to start if you are new to fishing for spotted bass. Also, don't forget to try for some of the other species in the lake like trout, sunfish, or catfish. We usually like to top off a day of great bass fishing by hanging out a nightcrawler or a chunk of mackerel for catfish, and we're always rewarded with a nice catfish or three. I hope you give houseboating a try on Lake Shasta. It's a great place for a get-together with family, friends, and fellow anglers. I think you will enjoy the scenery and the fishing. If you do go, send me an email and let me know what you think. I wish you Good Weather and Good Fishing! | |
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