Finding Bucketmouths in spring at a lake with little cover

[Gary G]

I have a general question for all of you bass crazy people out there. I just moved to Northern California (from Southern California) and started to fish a lake that has a rocky and sandy bottom and not much cover for largemouths. It is late May now and I was wondering the best way to fish the lake and what tackle would be recommended? Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,

[Wildbillb]

Are there smallmouth in the lake?

What about a lot of docks?

[Bass_Akwards]

Start at the north west side of the lake, it gets the most sun, therefore will have more vegatation in general. Texas rig a Senko, watermellon w/black flake.

Cast to cover or to the bank, and let it fall on a slack line. many times you'll get bit before the Senko hits the bottom, so pay attention to your line. If no strike on the fall, let the Senko sit on the bottom for about as long as you can physically and mentally stand it, or at least until the rings on the water die out.

You can retieve it 3 nice ways. You can Pop the Senko all the way back to the boat/shore, OR S-L-O-W-L-Y reel the senko as if it's a real worm. Do this for 15 feet and stop for a sec, repeat, OR SWEEP the Senko, with 6'' - 12'' sweeps of your pole, pausing and sweeping the whole way back to the boat/shore. The ladder is the most popular.

If you're not catching anything after a good 30 minutes, move to a different spot.

T

[Gary G]

Yes WildBill, there are smallmouth in the lake. There is one dock that you are only allowed to fish 100 feet or more from.

Thanks Bass_Akwards, I will try that.

[Paul Roberts]

Find out what the prey species are, and find them. Locations first, then choose and adapt methods to fish these.

[Catt]

Look up our members, who located in California, send them a PM asking for help, they are all very eager to offer help. Start with Fish Chris, fourbizz, & Mattlures  

[Gary G]

Thanks guys for all your help!

[senile1]

Look up our members, who located in California, send them a PM asking for help, they are all very eager to offer help. Start with Fish Chris, fourbizz, & Mattlures  

This is a great place to start.  And did I see the statement that there are rocks?  If there is no vegetation or wood, any strategy that you implement will probably include the areas with rocks.