bashful bass in ohio

Question
I have recently found agreat bluegill and bass pond on the trivalley wild life area in eastern ohio. The problem is the bass which at times you can see swimming just wont bite. Any suggestions on what time of day to fish and what to use would be greatly appreciated. thanks justinxpr

Answer
Hey Justin, How are you today? Good I hope. Well I'm glad to help you!! Now remember if the bass are just cruising around the shallows, there's two things that could be going on: 1. They might be male bass looking for a nesting site, because the spawn will be going on here in a few weeks. 2. Or there looking for a meal to prepare them for the rigors of spawning. Either way you can still catch them. In spring time, it's always a good thing to "match the hatch" and pick a bait that best mimics what the bass are feeding on during that time of year, or day. Let's say it's crayfish, for example, pick a small jig with a small trailer that matches the color of the jig. The reason you want your lures on the small side is because it matches the size of the forage for that time of year. Now later, as the water warms, go with a bigger lure because the forage is starting to grow bigger etc. Another important detail is to pick a lure that blends in with the surroundings in the water. Now if the water is clear, remember this, because bass prey has the ability to act like a chameleon and blend in with the weeds wood etc. Now if the water is stained to dark, or muddy, you want a bigger profile lure and darker colors or bright colors. Now my choice in baits this time of year in clear water would be a small jig with a good trailer, on a warm day with cloud cover, a trailer that moves alot of water, and on a clear day use a subtle trailer. Any wacky rigged soft stick bait is a killer bait to use, try a senko wacky rigged, just toss it out there and let it sink. Keep a close eye on your line and wait for it to move off to the side, see it "tick", or you feel weight!! Remember, pick a color that goes with the water your fishing. Also when your walking up to, or trolling up to a spot you want to fish, be very stealthy, and keep a low profile. Don't move around alot and keep noise to a minimum. Fish this time of year are very spooky and can tell easily when something isn't right. Wait five to ten minutes if you have to, before you make your first cast. Let the fish settle down and think everything is o.k. and that there's no threat around. Some other baits to try would be, a shallow running jerkbait (one that suspends) Toss it out there, get it down to where it runs, give it a few rips and let it sit and repeat. How long you pause the bait? Let the fish tell you, and experiment. You'll know when you got it right, cause you'll catch fish!! Spring calls for small baits and alot of patience, remember the water is still cold and fish will want these types of lures. Also if you happen to see the bass activity has picked up, try a topwater bait, a popper, or try a squarebill crankbait, to cover more water. Hey I hope this helps you out, if you need any more help just drop me a line!! Until then, Justin, TIGHT LINES!!!