PHOTO BY JODY WHITE
cane ( Kissimmee Grass ) make up the dominant species of shoreline cover . Anywhere the wind flows in between banks of grass , or around islands or “ reed heads ,” current sets up , often bringing with it a feeding frenzy . These “ lanes ” of activity are always key when the wind blows and activates otherwise lethargic fish to feed on the cover ’ s edge .
Trial and error has shown that the above scenario calls for a moving bait . ChatterBaits and spinnerbaits are staples , as they come through grass well and feature a single , strong hook capable of controlling a big fish . A swimbait could work , as could a buzzbait if the ripple ’ s not too overwhelming .
The current scenario also plays offshore in Florida , just as it does up North . When targeting smallies , the leading edge of a structure where the wind is hitting the feature is often the best . The leading edge of a drop-off or the leading edge of a rise or hump bring the most active fish front and center for a feeding spree . In Florida , the same applies with offshore grass or wood on flats . Where the wind is coming into the structures often harbors the best fishing . Follow offshore grass like hydrilla upwind until it empties into a basin or move across a stumpy flat to the upwind side . Big offshore largemouth seem to appear out of nowhere and set up shop .
Recently , a trip to Rodman Reservoir proved this , as a school of heavyweights held in an area where a timbered flat dumped into deep water . Numerous fish up to 8 pounds were the result . However , the following day , under calm skies , not a fish was to be found . When it ’ s good , it ’ s good .
This , again , can be moving-bait territory , but never overlook a worm . There is simply no better lure offshore in Florida than a Texas rig . And , try as I may , I ’ ve never disproven the rule that dark colors work best in Florida ; stick to junebug or black .
Patience Pays Off
Another similarity between fishing way up north and way down south is apparent in the offshore game : Don ’ t run and gun . As offshore smallmouth fishing became more popular , the fish got tougher to catch . My ace in the hole was often to present baits from different angles , even upwind . In any case , it was best to overwork an area with a number of choices .
The same holds true in Florida . We ’ ve all heard the adage about moving slow down here , and I can confirm that approach can work well . Florida bass see relentless pressure 365 days a year . For that reason , it ’ s often necessary to show them a unique look .
Lighter worm sinkers are the first options , but changing a retrieve angle can be more effective . I ’ ve found that retrieving my bait across current — fishing on a 45-degree angle — is best . This angled approach allows the current to sweep the bait into the cover or structure and provides a look Florida bass love .
Here ’ s how I set it up in my head : Pick out the spot the bass are likely holding and cast at an angle that allows the worm to tumble into the spot . Match weights to allow this bottom-bumping roll as well . It should feel like the worm is coming into the cover on its own . It ’ s like a drift-and-drag without the drift .
A final thought on northern tactics in the South : Find the juice . At this point , I can ’ t imagine fishing without a GPSenabled trolling motor that allows me to hold still and duplicate casts . The same goes for an Aqua-Vu camera ; the technology is imperative to get dialed into exact spots . Regardless , offshore fish hold on specific areas for a reason , and often dozens of casts are necessary to figure things out . The key then becomes precise repetition , just as it so often does on the Great Lakes . The only difference is the color of the fish .
JUNE-JULY 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 25