This week, Wesley Strader discusses flipping techniques for grass mats, how to properly fish a Senko and techniques for fishing cooler water in early spring.
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Q & A with WESLEY STRADER
Q: When flipping toward heavy mats of grass, particularly hyacinths at Lake Seminole, what are the best baits, lines and weights to use? Also, when is the best time to find these fish relating to this type vegetation?
- Scott Walker, Albany, Ga.
A: The best baits for flipping mats are craw worms, tubes and jigs. I’d also recommend using big line such as 30-pound test or braided line. Obviously, you’ll want to use heavier weights in a 1-ounce size or above. Finally, the best time to fish mats is almost year round.
Q: When fishing thick hydrilla, what is the best approach/technique to take? Thanks.
- William Horne, Macon, N.C.
A: William, your question depends on the water temperature. If the water is cold (50 degrees or below), a Rat ‘L Trap is probably the best approach. However, when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees or above, I’d recommend flipping mats or using a spinner bait.
Q: I’ve heard a lot about pros fishing Senkos lately. What are they, how are they rigged and how do you fish them? Good luck this year.
- Ronald B. Feits, New Brighton, Pa.
A: A Senko is a soft plastic bait shaped like a felt pen. They are rigged many different ways, but the most common technique is a Texas-rigged presentation without a weight. Basically you cast out the Senko and let it sink. As it sinks, watch for any line movement. Once the lure reaches the bottom, reel it in and repeat the process.
Q: How do you find fish and what lures do you use when you are confronted with water temperatures in the mid 50s in early spring?
- Kevin Bennett, Russell Springs, Ky.
A: I rely on two lures, a Little PT flat shad and a Lake Fork Mega jig. First, I’ll use the crankbait to locate the fish. But once I find them, I will go back and slow down my retrieval speed to catch the less aggressive fish with the jig. I will also throw a weightless Ring Fry to catch even the most finicky fish. Thanks for the question.
2012 will mark Strader’s 15th season on the FLW Tour. Strader’s seventh-place showing in the 2011 Angler of the Year race was his best showing to date. His lone top-10 tournament finish came at Beaver Lake. He made his 11th Forrest Wood Cup appearance in 2011 and finished in 22nd place. Strader’s sole Tour victory came at Lake Ouachita in 2002.
