This week, Carl Svebek discusses techniques for “swimming” a worm, how to get started on the tournament fishing circuit and tips for fishing during times of rising and falling water levels.
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Q & A with CARL SVEBEK III
Q: How do you adjust to rising and falling water levels when fishing reservoirs? What lures and strategies do you use in these types of situations?
- James White, Lebanon, Tenn.
A: Adjusting to rising and falling water is one of the biggest obstacles we face as fishermen. However there are several ways to approach these conditions. First, if the water is rising, it naturally will place more structure in water. Start looking for major points and little isolated points where there are some buck brush, willow trees, or laydowns. These areas will usually be the first areas where the rising water has flooded structure. I will usually target these areas throwing a spinnerbait. This way I can cover a lot of water by working each area while covering each piece of flooded wood. Also, if your lake has boat docks, look for fish behind the docks rather concentrating on the dock itself. Walkways to the docks are usually a good target area. Here I would throw some type of worm or jig.
When the water is falling, I tend to concentrate on those same points. However, in this situation, I will usually fish the drop-offs. Throwing a Carolina rig or crankbait will normally result in getting strikes. Remember, in many instances, the fish will move with the changing water levels.
Q: What exactly is a “swim” worm? Are there different types and different brands? Also, what is the most productive way to fish a swim worm? Finally, what kind of conditions do your look for and what type of tackle do you use with a swim worm?
- John Rineman, Overland Park, Kansas
A: When I think of a swim worm, I either think of a Gambler 6-inch paddle-tail worm or a Gambler floating worm. These are two baits that I can work under several conditions. The paddle-tail worm has worked great for me on top, when you are fishing heavy vegetation or thick brush. I usually work this bait with no weight and make a steady retrieve. This bait will make a fluttering noise that the fish just can't refuse. Keep your rod tip up and when the fish swirls or busts the bait, drop your rod, reel your slack and set the hook. This worm is easily used on a bait-casting reel with a heavy action rod. My other choice is the Gambler floating worm. Rig this bait on a spinning reel to get into those tight areas. I usually use a 3/0 worm hook with no weight. Using a swivel will keep your line from twisting. Once you make the cast, use a jerking type method that will keep an erratic retrieve just under the waters surface. This is a great springtime method.
Q: When fishing a Zoom Trick worm, should it be Texas-rigged or should you use no lead at all? Thanks for the help.
- John Bryant, Sumter, S.C.
A: There are numerous ways of using these worms. I throw a Gambler Swee-Bo worm which is very similar to the trick worm. I have caught fish using it Wacky Style (with the hook in the middle), Texas rigged, usually with a lighter weight (1/4 ounce or less), or Carolina rigged with a heavier sinker (1/2 or ¾ of an ounce). This bait is a great bait to throw almost year round and can be used in several different ways.
Q: Ever since I could hold a fishing rod, I have loved the sport. I am probably too old now to consider tournament fishing, but the thought is always on my mind. What is the best way to begin and what tournaments are best for beginners to fish? I don't mind fishing from the back of the boat since almost all of my life, that’s where I’ve fished. I just bought my first boat, but it’s not a big bass boat, just a G3 165 with a 40 HP Yamaha. What tournaments should I consider fishing if any at all? Is 54 years old too old to start? I still work, but have almost all of my weekends off. Thanks for you valuable time.
- Larry Moser, Bella Vista, Ark.
A: First off, 54 years old is not too old to start fishing tournaments. The beauty of our sport is that it is for people of all ages. My first advice would be to get a membership to FLW Outdoors. This will allow you to participate in the BFL series, which are local tournaments located throughout the United States. They have a non-boater (amateur) division which should provide a great opportunity for you. During these events, you will learn more and more about the sport of fishing. These tournaments are fished on weekends, offer great prize money and are a lot of fun. Go to flwoutdoors.com online for all the information concerning these tournaments or call (270) 252-1000. Best of luck!
Carl Svebek III of Siloam Springs, Ark., continues to be a rising star on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. A popular angler among fans and fellow competitors alike, Svebek has now racked up over $225,000 in career earnings at FLW Outdoors events over the past seven years. Svebek currently boasts four top-10 finishes on the FLW Tour, including a strong sixth-place finish at the FLW Tour Championship in 2000. During that same year, he was also chosen to compete in the high-profile ESPN Great Outdoor Games. In total, Svebek has 10 top-10 tournament finishes in all FLW Outdoors events including the EverStart Series, Texas Tournament Trail and Wal-Mart BFL. His FLW Tour sponsors include Ranger Boats and Land O'Lakes.
