because I believe that the weather patterns the prior three to four weeks will position the bass where you happen to find them. Sometimes on the inside edge of the weeds, shallow and sometimes out to the rock structure in deep water. The bass go where they feel safe, comfortable and well fed. This is something to pay attention to all year- round. Think back to a particular good bite you were on last year. For example, if you remember a good bite that you were on last Aug. 15th, I would bet that same bite is not the same this year on Aug. 15 th . Chances are this year the weather patterns from July 15 th to Aug. 15 th are different and the daily movements of the bass responding to these daily changing weather patterns position them in a different area, depth, activity phases and so on. A thoughtful fisherman will consider all the variables that can and do affect the bass and their reasons for being where you find them. This can be even more evident in the winter months, when major weather patterns affect the bass more dramatically. Even though this is the case, pay attention to these weather patterns along with traditional seasonal patterns of the bass all of the time and you will be able
to find them quicker over time. This may take a period of a few years, but the study will pay dividends. When you come to Santa Margarita Lake or your lake of choice, I find a methodical approach is best to finding a predictable pattern. At Margarita try a black and blue Booyah Jig with a YUM F2 Wooly Bug as a jig trailer and pitch the rocks and weeds out to 5-feet or so. This is a large profile bait; so the big bass can feel this bait in the water and respond to it well. If you’re still not getting the big ones you are looking for, then move out to the 5- to 15-foot range and throw the same Booyah Jig and YUM F2 Wooly Bug. Alternate throwing a nail rigged YUM Dinger with the jig to see if the big ones are on that outer edge of the weeds or on those rocky banks. There are times when the profile of the bait is very important, pay attention to what the bass are responding to. If you go toward the river into the 5 MPH zone, fish the steep rock walls and check to see if the bass are suspended next to those walls. Past the narrows the river area opens up to a shallow mud bottom area that most likely will hold thick weeds in the summer and fall. This is a good place to get those Booyah Pad Crasher’s out and tie one on a Dobyns 736 Champion
Kenna Sauret with 7 pounder from Santa Margarita.
Issue 4
August 2012
49