Northwest Fishing Reports

Will a jointed Shad Rap (red one 2nd row from bottom) work for casting around logs and such in a place like Kapowsin? I don't really know much about bass fishing, except what I've read on these forums.

Rapala Red Crawdad

bionic_one wrote:Will a jointed Shad Rap (red one 2nd row from bottom) work for casting around logs and such in a place like Kapowsin? I don't really know much about bass fishing, except what I've read on these forums.

Rapala Red Crawdad

Not familiar with Kapowsin, but can't imagine that it would matter. That's a great bait and a great color especially for early spring, I use it on Sammamish, Washington and Banks. Fish it slow, and if you are fishing it in alot of hard cover like logs or laydowns, either try slowly crawling it over the tops, or banging it right into and off of the logs to trigger a reaction strike. Good luck!

Dave

ABSOLUTELY!!! Crawdad colored plugs are awesome for smallmouth and largemouth!!! Great find and I hope for the best of luck with that crank!!

Thanks guys. Looks like my instincts were right. Now I hope my instincts about all those logs at the NE end of the lake are right!

bionic_one wrote:Thanks guys. Looks like my instincts were right. Now I hope my instincts about all those logs at the NE end of the lake are right!

Hi Lee, if you go by the traditional theories...then the NE Corner should be the first area to warm up on most of the lakes, especially the smaller lakes. If you have a NE corner filled with hard cover laydowns, and stickups, then you are on the money with where you should be targeting, if it's got quick access to deeper water, then all the better! If I were you I'd make sure to have a 3/8 oz black/blue jig with a similar trailer tied on as well. It's great if you can find them aggressive this early, but the better bet is that you'll have to slow down and soak a jig for your best chances to hang a pig! Good luck man!
Dave

That bill will make it dive over 6 feet, probably 8 or even 10, depending on the diameter of your line and how far you cast it. My Shad Raps do. Therefore when you use it in shallower water take care not to set the hooks into a log thinking it's a fish. Slow and easy and stop the retrieve every couple feet and let it float up for a couple/5 seconds. While cranking it in and you feel a little bump, that is most likely a log, let it rise up and over the log. If it's a fish, it'll usually take off on it's own, then the fight is on. Pull it with the tip of the rod, not always by reeling it in, also more sensitive that way. When the fish grab it you'll know it's a fish and not a log. There are places in Kapowsin that you can fish it all the way down to 10 feet, even tho there will be logs and trees down there too. It'll work in any lake so have at it.

bionic_one wrote:Will a jointed Shad Rap (red one 2nd row from bottom) work for casting around logs and such in a place like Kapowsin? I don't really know much about bass fishing, except what I've read on these forums.

Rapala Red Crawdad

Hey b_one, for Kapowsin right now I would be tossing plastics and jigs. Remember to slow it down no matter what bait your working. If you think your going to slow then go even slower. Bass haven't got there metabolism up to speed yet so most bass are still lathargic and picky. If there is cloud cover switch to a spinner or crankbaits slow rolled, Colorado blades and short divers. If it is sunny then toss plastics like senkos, creature baits or a big jig with a trailer. Natural colors.
Always this time of year you'll find them tight to cover. ie - a log (laydown), stump, brush or dock, (which Kapowsin has much of). And I mean right up against it. They draw heat from these objects and it provides cover as well. Work the shadow side of an object more thoroughly because this is were they will be and always facing away from the sun. Be careful with Kapo because of the shallow depths and clear water, bass can be scetchy. Make long casts and leave your bait in the water just that much longer than usual. I like the jointed Shad Rap, but wait until late March early April when the bass are moving up like crazy and start chasing bait fish. I would stick with plastics. Just my opinion. But what do I know. Look forward to reading about your stickn bass time on the water. Let us know how it goes. When are you going btw?






fishnislife

Would be pitching jigs myself.

Hello bionic one.
If you are going to be fishing timber you might want to concider another lure.
I agree with the jigs and plastics.
Flippen in the spring can be awsome.
A big ole Black jig with a Pork Split Tail Eel
Like the guys said,fish it slow.
If you think you are going slow enough,slow down.
Fishing crankbaits in the timber is like using a hammer on a screw. lol.
Save your Crankbait for more open water.
I like to use them in the rocks for Smallmouth, crank them down and bounce them off the rocks.
Most of the strikes will be just after contact, when that crank takes off in a different direction.
Caution!
Fishing for Bass will be addictive.
Good luck!
(IMHO)

Gonna try it tomorrow. Gonna look for a nice pool somewhere in that logjam and get my kayak within casting distance of it. Good tanning time!