ArmyAngler

Senko will work great, also try a small spinner and/or buzz bait. During spawn they are more aggressive so fast, exciting lures will trigger strikes. Fighting pond sized bass with a lightweight rig is always a good time!

It's all systematic; you work for the bite, react with the hook set, prepared for the fight, and rewarded with finally getting the fish in the boat. A superb hook set is not enjoyable if you don't successfully land the fish. Though each step is important and exciting, mission first, getting the fish in the boat is the ultimate goal and followed with bragging rights.

I was running a frog through some thick stuff in a cove, trolling at a good pace. A gator darted out the brush and lunged at my ribbit. I yanked my line to avoid the tie-up, and sent the bait hurling through the air directly at my face. While setting my feet for the "matrix" move, I stepped on the foot control and it jerked the boat out from under my feet. As soon as my head surfaced the water I saw the two dark eyes pointed in my direction. I scrambled for a handle on the boat, knowing the gator was only 20 feet away. Safely in the boat, I switched to deep water tactics.