Bass Fishing in Large Lakes

Question
Hey again,

First of all, thank you very much for the advice.  I also just wanted to clarify something.  I am not currently fishing for white bass.  That's something I like to do from November to February up at Pomona Lake.  I realize that they are farther out in the summer time.

Thanks again,
Nick Mallare

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Followup To

Question -
Marc,

Can you give me some insight on the types of areas to tackle in big lakes?  I am looking mostly for black and white bass.  I've been to Pomona Lake here in Kansas, and have attacked both the points (depending on the wind direction) and the rock quarry.  I'd like to get some information on fishing Clinton Lake just outside of Lawrence, KS.  I've tried the point fishing (white bass) in late winter and early spring, but with no luck.  I don't have a boat (yet), so I'd be looking for good 'areas' to fish off of the shore.

Thanks,
Nick Mallare

Answer -
Hi Nick,

I can't comment specifically about the two reserviors,but I can try to help you with you shore fishing dilema.

One of the reasons that you may not be scoring on White Bass at this time of the year is that are often found off-shore chasing pelagic baitfish like shad during the summer. This often makes them difficult to catch from shore.  The wind blown points that you mention would be a good place to start.  My favorites for White bass have always been shad immitations like small spoons, #2 or #3 Mepps spinners, 2" Sassy Shads, small Rat-l-Traps, small Shad-Raps, and a jig tipped with a 2" white or pearl twister tail.

The Largemouth Bass may be a little more cooperative to shore fishing.  Look for vegitation, fall-downs, stumps, or whatever you can find near shore that would offer cover and attract a Bass close to shore.  Weedless and snagproff baits are probably your best bet.  Texas rigged plastic worms, tubes, or lizards would be my first choice.  Small spinnerbaits and a top-water are also a possibility if the cover isn't too heavy.

From shore, you will nead a stealth approach.  Don't walk right up to the area you want to fish.  Stay a cast away and observe first.  Pick your casts and make them as accurate as you can.  Work the area from different angles.  And, in all shore fishing situations, early mornings and evenings will be your best opportunity to have quality fish hanging around or migrating towards shore structure.

I hope this helps you a little bit.  Dont get discouraged.  When you are shore fishing you at the mercy of wind, weather, and many other variables that you you cant always compensate for.  Stay persistant and cover as much water as you can.  

Answer
You are very welcome.  I think you are on the right track with the white bass.  Look for wind-blown points or shore lines where baitfish could pile up.  A live minnow under a slip bobber could be the trick on slow days.  Or, a jig under a bobber like the "Float N Fly" system.  It works great for me using a 3" Berkley Power Minnow or Zoom's 3" Tiny Fluke on a 1/16 th ounce jig head.  Good luck!