Willard fishing now?

[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Water temps are up and food supplies too. The fish tend to be more nocturnal and are often well fed on the abundant crop of young shad. So most of the regulars on Willard are fishing elsewhere...and for other species. Not many ice fishermen on the lake either...for the same reasons. Just not as good now.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]One thing I have found in the past is that when the predators are patterning on small shad you will usually do better with a smaller lure. I like to use the little 2" size Rattlin' Raps in shad color or the holo blue models. They have small hooks but they will hook even larger wipers. Just don't try to horse them in on heavy line.[/#0000FF]
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[inline "RATTLIN RAP.jpg"]
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[#0000FF]There are other small cranks and spoons that work well at this time of year too. Even small tube jigs sometimes score big fish.
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[#0000FF]The main idea is to move around a lot and watch the sonar. And don't be upset if you see more on the screen than on your line. You have to keep searching until you find ACTIVE fish. And once you get bit, keep fishing in the same area.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]Good luck...and don't forget sunscreen and hydration.[/#0000FF]
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