Bass Digest: What kind of structure situations do you like to fish Mark?
Mark Allen: I love to fish cliffs and steep points. To me, there is always a probability that they are holding fish. The fish will always move up from the depths to feed, and when it’s windy, the waves crash against the bank causing a lot of water turbulence. This puts a lot of oxygen into the water, and dislodges a lot of the insect life that are on the low overhanging brush. The smaller fish feed on that and the bass would, in turn, feed on the smaller fish.
The bass would position themselves in all the nooks and crannies in the vertical bluffs, and then they ambush their prey that comes swimming past. They also have access to deeper water very close by in case they need it.
In the colder months, they use the rocks to warm themselves up, so there’s always the likelihood that you will catch a good fish or two in these areas in winter.
The river channel also goes right past the point, which will inevitably act as a highway for the bass. You just have to try and figure out how deep they are on that point, and once you do you’ll have some good fishing for a while.
Bass Digest: Right, now you mentioned you fish with only one brand of jig, one type of jig, one colour, one size and one trailer. We understand it’s also the same jig that you nailed that beast on at the Albert Falls Classic. Do you want to disclose what you use? We will understand if you’re reluctant.
Mark Allen: Nah! I don’t mind. After all it’s all about sharing and caring after all.
I use the REVENGE PBJ (Peanut Butter & Jelly) 3/8oz football Jig, with a Big Bite Baits fighting frog trailer in Tilapia colour. It’s my strength application that!
I remember casting it out and hopping it quite aggressively, and then I noticed my line moving so I struck and I knew by the weight that I had a good fish on. That’s when pandemonium broke loose on the boat!
Another thing we did was to tag the fish. The idea is to track the movement of the bigger fish, so hopefully someone catches it again and the data can be recorded and used for research.
Bass Digest: Kudos Mark!
Bass Digest/July, 2014