Love at first bite

Written by Mark T. Meyer

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

If you enjoy bass fishing, this time of year can be the most exciting and, at times, the most frustrating, depending on the weather. Just after the spawn, bass go on a feeding binge. How about introducing a young person to bass fishing this year? A youngster catching his or her biggest bass can be one of the best times you’ll have, and it will stick with them forever. There’s something about the rod being almost yanked out of their hand, hearing the yell “the line is going to break,” and seeing the fish jump out of the water that makes the experience exciting for everyone. Once the fish is in the net, there’s usually a huge, genuine smile. That’s when you know it’s love at first bite. When you take the youngsters, give “wacky worm” fishing a try. The method, rumored discovered on Lake Sam Rayburn by a woman who didn’t know how to worm fish, has become a rage. The reason children catch fish using this method is because of the erratic and unpredictable behavior of the lure that attracts the bass to strike. The pros call it “finesse fishing” but springtime is often the most productive since most bass are shallow. As shown in the picture, the Wacky worm is simply hooking a straight-tailed rubber worm in the middle with an exposed hook. By using a twitch – twitch - twitch retrieve, the worm appears to be wounded, causing a strike as it sinks slowly. Most of the time, there is no weight involved other than the weight of the hook and worm. Because of this action, bass can’t stand it without biting. Once you feel the tug, set the hook. Remember, also to watch your line. Many times when you see your line going sideways, a fish has already taken it and there is no need to wait. East Texas is especially known for this type of fishing and if you have access to a private pond, it can prove to be some of the best fishing days you’ll ever have. If you work the wacky worm slow or fast, it works. Cast it out, let it sink slowly, and begin a jerking retrieve however you desire. From time to time, pause. Because of the exposed hook, bass many times hook themselves. For young children, they don’t have to watch their lure – their attention span won’t allow it – but if they can cast and stay with it, they will catch a nice bass. I recently took my son and daughter fishing to a private 30-acre lake near Mineola. As we pulled up, the water was calm, the sun was just starting to create a light fog on top of the water and I noticed a ripple. It looked perfect, so I said, “Ok kids, while I get the boat ready, you can cast your lures around the dock. My son Luke wanted a “real lure” and my daughter Abby wanted to try her “pink wacky worm.” No sooner did I turn around, I heard screaming and yelling for help because the bass was too big for Abby to get out of the water. Sure enough, she caught a 4-pound bass and it was stuck in the moss next to the bank. “Don’t lose my fish, dad,” she said. Three bass later she was in heaven and my son was dejected. “Dad, I’m getting beat by a girl,” he said. “OK, Luke, what do you want to do,” I asked. He looked down and said, “Put me on a pink wacky worm.” I finally got our boat into the lake and off we went. We caught more than 75 bass that day and I’m sure glad I had my camera. Some things have to be recorded to be believed. For youngsters, a push button rod and reel works fine, just make sure the line is fresh and the drag is not too tight. Light line, 10-pound or so, will make it easier to cast the weightless rig. Have them cast around the banks or, in the middle of shallow coves over grass beds –.you’ll enjoy their excitement, and your own.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 29 April 2008 )

 

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