This week, Dan Morehead discusses the technique of slow-rolling a spinnerbait, shaking fish off during practice and sight-fishing.
If you are interested in participating in future columns, submit questions along with your full name and address via e-mail to askthepro@jacobsinteractive.com.
Q & A with DAN MOREHEAD
Q: I hear all the time about slow-rolling a spinnerbait. How do you do this and when is the best time to use this method? Also, what colors of spinnerbaits and what trailers are best?
- David Rudder , London, Ky.
A: There isn't a bad time to slow-roll a spinnerbait. I have used the technique in March when the water was 47 degrees, and I have used it a lot in the summer when the water is in the 80s. You can use this technique in water as shallow as 5 feet and as deep as you want. You can even use any type of blade combination you want. Personally, I use Colorado blades in colder water and willow blades in warmer water. As far as trailers are concerned, any will do. However, I use a curly tail type trailer with no trailer hook. Thank you for your question.
Q: Do most of the pros shake fish off during practice or do they stick them? I have never had much success going after fish I "shook off" or "walked" during practice. Is there a technique to this that I haven't figured out?
- Melvin Jennings , Rustburg, Va.
A: Yes, we do shake bass off most of the time in practice. But it also depends on what type of fishing you are doing. I like to stick just a few to see what kind of quality there is and if I'm satisfied with the size of the bass. Once I am confident with an area, I leave it alone. If I catch two quality fish, I leave for the day. I might check that spot again the next day, but I won't fish the area hard. Most of the time I hear people say something like, “I caught 20 quality keepers in that area during practice, but I don't know why I couldn't catch any today!” The problem most people have is that they just don't know when to quit and leave the area alone. Thanks for the question.
Q: My question is about sight-fishing. Every time I try to sneak up on the bass with this technique it seems like the fish get spooked. In fact, sometimes it even seems as though the bass know I am coming even when I am very far away. How can I get close to the fish without disturbing them? What lures should I use? Also, do you have any recommendations when sight-fishing from shore?
- Derrick Jones, Piscataway, N.J.
A: That is a very good question as this technique takes years of practice to learn. In fact, I'm still learning myself! However, figuring out how hard a fish is locked on the bed can be determined by lots of things. If it’s a shallow bed, the fish will spook more easily. If the fish has not actually dropped its eggs, it will be harder to catch as well. If the water level isn’t stable, they can be very nervous. The best advice I can give is to use some kind of marker and back way off to where the fish can’t see you. I also recommend to anchor down and not use the trolling motor. Be as quiet as possible (i.e. don't slam down boat lids and jump around in the boat because sound travels much better in water than through air). As far as baits are concerned, many will work. You can try tubes, lizards and worms just to name a few. Sight-fishing from the bank can be real tough. Camouflage clothes work well, but you might have to explain to people why you are wearing full camouflage during certain times of the year. Also, don't stomp to the bank edge as fish can hear this and will leave for deeper water.
Q: Can you explain the importance of a gear ratio on fishing reels? What do those numbers on a gear ratio mean? Also, what settings work best for different situations?
- Buck Ball, Asheville, N.C.
A: What the gear ratio on a reel means is how much line is taken up in on one turn of the handle. For example, 6-2-1 gear ratio means the reel spool turns 6.2 times in one turn of the handle. This is very important if you are flipping, pitching, worm fishing or using a trap and you want to fish really fast. If you are using a crankbait or a spinnerbait, you will want to use a slow reel ratio like a 5-2-1. Thanks again for the great question. I can tell that you are really studying your equipment. And that makes all the difference between becoming a good angler or a great angler. Good luck!
Morehead has fished the FLW Tour every year since it began in 1996. He has earned 11 trips to the Forrest Wood Cup and won the Angler of the Year title in 2003. He has two Tour victories and 15 top-10 finishes.
Morehead and his wife Jennie have two children. His favorite technique is throwing a deep spinnerbait and his favorite bodies of water are Table Rock Lake and Kentucky Lake. When he is not fishing he is bowhunting for anything he can get a license for.
