Fayette County Fishing Report

March 2002

After almost no fishing on Fayette in the Fall we are all waiting with baited hooks… err breath for Spring. The winter has been relatively mild save for a slight cold snap around Christmas so the fishing should be outstanding during March.

This time of year, I prefer to fish for pre or post-spawn bass.  This Spring I have been working with the Norman Deep Baby N in the new Splatter Bass color with much success. I throw it on secondary points in about 3 feet of water and work it back to the boat. Be sure to vary your retrieve with both your rod and the reel speed. Nature does not allow its creatures to live very long if they simply move in a straight line! Make your baits look more natural and erratic.  I work the secondary points because you are much likely to intercept both pre and post spawn bass, they are just heading in different directions. Last Spring, a white crawfish ½ ounce Rat-L-Trap produced my biggest fish on Fayette. In both cases, when your lure hits the grass, hesitate and then rip it through. Many times a bass is just waiting for the lure to move again before they strike. Many people also have had good success with spinnerbaits this time of year. A small, willow bladed bait should be the ticket in the same areas. When I do throw a blade, I prefer a white skit on Fayette. If you are having trouble finding fish simply look for the coots. They generally are directly above the grass waiting to dive down for a nice morsel.

If spawning fish are your cup of tea, simply head to the east side of the lake and into any pocket or cove but be ready, you will not be alone.  If you can, use a push pole to move around those shallows. You will spook fewer fish that way. With all the boat traffic during this month other fisherman and their trolling motors will chew many of the beds up. If you have to use yours, use it sparingly and keep it just barely in the water.

I have also found great success with two similar techniques: a wacky worm and a “Senko” bait (mental note, let’s get a name that works for this style bait). I have had great success with an un-weighted Zoom Trick worm (watermelon/red or redbug) and the new Chompers Salty Sinker (watermelon/red/purple). Both baits thrown gently over a bed can be devastating.  Be sure to use a swivel about 6 inches when you throw the “Senko” type bait. It will prevent live twist over the course of the day. Please remember that if you are going to fish for bedding bass, immediately release these beauties so they can continue the reproduction process. The future of our fishery is in your hands.

            Remember that the weather and moon phase will help dictate when the fish move shallow and that a harsh cold snap will drive the fish back a bit not far and not for long. One more thing before I go. I rely on my computer records for patterns from year to year. I have found no better way to keep accurate records on the fish I catch than the Fish-N-Log^tm Professional Suite by Taysys Software. Bob Taysys has developed an excellent system for recording everything fishing from your daily results to tackle on hand and tournament records/standings and earnings. The thing I like most about Bob is that he is a hands-on developer and stands by his products. If you have a problem he is there to help AND he is a fisherman to boot! You can check out his products at: http://www.taysys.com.  Oh, by the way, my Fish-N-Log^tm records indicate that my largest bass on Fayette last Spring was a 7.9 and we averaged 23 fish a trip with an average weight of 4.1 pounds. Now who said Fayette was in trouble?

Well, that is about it for now. If you would like to book a trip to Fayette give me a call (281) 499-3799, email (FishCoach@compassnet.com) or check out my website: www.compassnet.com/fishcoach.