04-04-2009, 03:29 PM
That can be very frustrating. Been there more than once.
I played with a large bass at one of the local reservoirs last summer for 3 days. It would sit in a really specific spot under a bush in about 2 feet of water, and was particular to a certain color weightless Senko and a very specific presentation. I hooked him up 4 times, and then he'd immediately rocket down to about 20 feet of water and then get tangled up in the branches and break me off. He'd pull the 10# drag like nobody's business on the way down and I just couldn't turn him. So, I figured I'd try heavier line and a heavier rod. Problem was, the fish wouldn't touch the bait with anything heavier than 8# flourocarbon. I'd go back to the original setup and then repeat. Frustrating, but fun.
Anyway, you basically have to make them decide to feed, or find a way to make them mad. I'd try really small baits, really big baits, and all sizes & colors in between. If the lake gets a lot of pressure, maybe try something unusual that you don't see people throw in that water a lot, like maybe a big swimbait, (I'm guessing because I don't know where you are fishing). If they are spawning or getting ready to, maybe try a lizard or salamander looking plastic. Try different depths, maybe try as light of a line as you can get away with. Maybe try burning a crank bait, or slowly twitching a top water lure, or drop shotting a hula grub, etc. If all else fails and it's legal, try the live bait thing. Good luck though!
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I played with a large bass at one of the local reservoirs last summer for 3 days. It would sit in a really specific spot under a bush in about 2 feet of water, and was particular to a certain color weightless Senko and a very specific presentation. I hooked him up 4 times, and then he'd immediately rocket down to about 20 feet of water and then get tangled up in the branches and break me off. He'd pull the 10# drag like nobody's business on the way down and I just couldn't turn him. So, I figured I'd try heavier line and a heavier rod. Problem was, the fish wouldn't touch the bait with anything heavier than 8# flourocarbon. I'd go back to the original setup and then repeat. Frustrating, but fun.
Anyway, you basically have to make them decide to feed, or find a way to make them mad. I'd try really small baits, really big baits, and all sizes & colors in between. If the lake gets a lot of pressure, maybe try something unusual that you don't see people throw in that water a lot, like maybe a big swimbait, (I'm guessing because I don't know where you are fishing). If they are spawning or getting ready to, maybe try a lizard or salamander looking plastic. Try different depths, maybe try as light of a line as you can get away with. Maybe try burning a crank bait, or slowly twitching a top water lure, or drop shotting a hula grub, etc. If all else fails and it's legal, try the live bait thing. Good luck though!
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