03-24-2011, 02:55 AM
You say "small" lake and river ... and you say you can "see" the larger fish.
Ok, Larger bass are more easily spooked than smaller bass and bream. If you can see them, they can see you.
I would suggest sneaking up on the bank very slowly next time, be very slow and take your time getting to the bank. Also wear neutral colors like brown, grey, or greyish blue cloths that mimic the surrounding flora. Bright colored clothing and lots of quick movements near the bank on small waters will most certainly spook the larger bass in that body of water.
Once spooked you will have a hard time catching those larger fish.
one word of advice here:
STEALTH.
Don't lob your lure way up so that it splashes when it hits, do a short, light side cast and try to let the lure hit the water with the least noise and splash. The let the lure sink to bottom and sit there for at least 15-20 seconds before you start your retrieve.
I've found using the advice above on small ponds and rivers that aren't very wide with clear water to be the most effective. Also if the water is clear you want to use "Natural" colored lures that mimic the bait available in those waters.
Good luck!
[signature]
Ok, Larger bass are more easily spooked than smaller bass and bream. If you can see them, they can see you.
I would suggest sneaking up on the bank very slowly next time, be very slow and take your time getting to the bank. Also wear neutral colors like brown, grey, or greyish blue cloths that mimic the surrounding flora. Bright colored clothing and lots of quick movements near the bank on small waters will most certainly spook the larger bass in that body of water.
Once spooked you will have a hard time catching those larger fish.
one word of advice here:
STEALTH.
Don't lob your lure way up so that it splashes when it hits, do a short, light side cast and try to let the lure hit the water with the least noise and splash. The let the lure sink to bottom and sit there for at least 15-20 seconds before you start your retrieve.
I've found using the advice above on small ponds and rivers that aren't very wide with clear water to be the most effective. Also if the water is clear you want to use "Natural" colored lures that mimic the bait available in those waters.
Good luck!
[signature]