This week, Clark Wendlandt discusses co-angler tips, techniques for catching postspawn bass and optimal strategies for sight-fishing.
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Q & A with CLARK WENDLANDT
Q: Clark, I would like some info on sight-fishing techniques. I fish at Beaver Lake in Rogers, Ark. I have watched the tapes of the tournaments you have won here, trying to gain some knowledge of sight-fishing. My question is this: When you look at a map or are looking for areas that you may think will hold bedding or staging fish, what are some of the things you look for? Thanks for the help.
- Michael Pennington, Springdale, Ark.
A: There are several types of lakes when it comes to sight-fishing, and Beaver Lake is obviously my favorite type. I rarely use a lake map to locate spawning areas. There are some lakes where the fish only spawn in certain, small key areas. In these lakes, if you are not in one of those select areas, you will not find many fish. On Beaver and most other deep, rocky lakes, the fish seem to spawn almost anywhere. I prefer the deeper creeks with gravel, but this is not the only place you can find them.
Q: I've been wanting to fish as a co-angler for several years, and I have some questions pertaining to this. What advice would you give your co-angler? Does it bother your pro when you talk to him or her? How many rods and tackle boxes are standard for most co-anglers? What's the best mental approach for the man in the back? Thanks and good luck.
- Charles Croom Jr., Fayetteville, Ark.
A: This is a great question. Fishing as a co-angler is one of the best ways to learn about bass and about fishing tournaments. I don't mind talking with my partner. My best advice is to go into the event with a great attitude. When my co-angler shows me a great attitude, we seem to always have a great day. What works best is when my co-angler comes into the tournament hoping to learn and eager to capitalize on whatever opportunities he gets on that particular day. As far as tackle goes, I tell my partners to bring whatever they might need. That usually means four to six Falcon rods and a couple of tackle boxes. Talk with your pro to find out what his plan is for the day. As far as the mental part of it goes, my advice is to maximize your chances and fish hard until the day is over, because you never know which cast will win the tournament.
Q: I live on an old lake that has relatively little cover and is pretty much silted in all the time. The lake has a good forage base for bass, and hydrilla generally grows in a few areas in the lower part of the lake. What are some suggestions for finding and catching postspawn fish in these conditions?
- George Nelson, Rowlett, Texas
A: The postspawn bass season has become my favorite time of the year. Often during this season, bass are very predictable. However, you still need to keep in mind that each lake is different. The postspawn is my favorite time to throw top-water baits and Gambler floating worms. A buzzbait or walking bait can be deadly this time of year as well. You mentioned hydrilla and this is where I would start. If you cannot generate anything from shallow fish, my next thought is to go deep. During May and June the fish will often go deeper than any other time of the year. I would fish the outside edges of the grass with a Gambler Ninja jig or even outside the grass with a crankbait or Carolina rig. The fish usually hold best on subtle breaks, especially if the lake is silted. Pay attention to where the baitfish are during this time of year, because they will always lead you to the bass.
Q: Clark, I fish the Texas Tournament Trail in the Co-angler Division. While my pro has been on the water, sometimes for days, before I get to the tournament site, he is almost always ready and intense on the first cast. I, on the other hand, seem to be ready about an hour later (mental concentration, bait confidence, etc.). How can I better prepare myself mentally to catch fish early on before the tournament starts? Thanks.
- Michael Moore, Colleyville, Texas
A: My best advice is to indicate to your partner that you are ready to help him as much as possible and that your are looking forward to the day. Also tell him that you have not been able to fish at all. Try and determine, both from your conversation the night before the event and while sitting in the boat before takeoff, what to expect from the first hour of the tournament. Most pros will appreciate the good attitude and hopefully will fill you in on what to expect from the day.
Clark Wendlandt of Cedar Park, Texas, is one of the most successful pro anglers in the history of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. He started his FLW career by winning the Angler of the Year award in 1997. Since that year, he has 15 top-10 finishes, including three tour victories. In 2000, the shallow-water fishing specialist not only won the FLW Tour event on Lake Murray, but he also captured his second Angler of the Year title, becoming the only angler to win the trophy twice. In 2001, Wendlandt won the Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake, capturing the top prize of $200,000 and further cementing his place among the nation's most elite anglers. Wendlandt took home the first-place prize at the 1999 FLW Tour event on Beaver Lake as well. Wendlandt's current tour sponsors include Kellogg's, Yamaha Outboards and Stren.
