Has anyone tried the canals lately? Where I live, Big Chapman lake, the ice just thawed today. Went out with my trusty shad rap sr05 and reeled it along the canals drop off which is about 4-4 1/2ft deep and stretches about 1/3 of the channels length. First cast I caught a 16 incher. Third cast another 16 incher. 3 minutes later and a 15. I'd caught a total of 5 bass when I decided the fishing was so good I might as well lend my friend my pole to see if he could catch a couple which he did. I should note the bass fought very little. I've fished the drop-offs of these shallow canals for 3 years now and it seems like the first 3 weeks after the thaw they can't resist a shad rap reeled along the drop off. Spinner baits, rubber worms etc. seem to have no effect but it seems like when I'm using my shad rap every few casts lands a fish. Last year I caught my lake record 6 1/2lbs largemouth using this simple method. I would strongly recommend trying this. Anyways you guys been having any luck? Please report any catches of pike Where I live the pike start spawning in another 2 weeks.
