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Best of PC Windows Shareware 1.0 - Wayzata Technology (7111) (1993).iso
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BASSCL15.ZIP
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LILYPADS.ASC
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1993-01-04
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Fishing in and around lily pads can be one of the most productive and
exciting forms of bass fishing. Imagine your bait quivering in a small pocket
of water amongst a thick patch of lily pads, then suddenly a tremendous
ruckus occurs in the vicinity of your bait! Your bait disappears amid a large
swirl that resembles a whirlpool then you feel the insistent tug of a large
bass. This is the kind of action you can anticipate when you properly 'work
the pads'.
When approaching a patch of lily pads, it's best to position your boat within
casting distance of the outer fringes of the pads and work that area first.
Many bass hang out within a foot or two of the edges of these patches, and if
you get too close, they may spook. Once you've thoroughly worked the edges,
then it's time to get into the thick stuff. For fishing these fringe areas,
there are several techniques that have proven successful. One method is to use
a floating minnow type bait such as a Rapala or a Rebel and cast it as close
to the edge of the pads as you can. Be careful though, because these baits
snag easily and the act of freeing them can scare away any fish in the area.
If you can land the bait within a foot of the edges of the pads you'll be in
good shape. Allow the bait to sit motionless until the rings caused by the
splash have subsided. Then twitch the bait very slightly and pause again. You
can be sure that any bass within 10 feet of the bait is aware of it's
presence. Repeat the twitch again several times, trying to make the bait
resemble an injured baitfish. Another proven technique is to use a plastic
worm, rigged weedless (Texas rigged) and without any added weight. Cast the
worm about three feet into the bed of lily pads and allow it to remain still
for several seconds. Then slowly work it back toward you, pausing occasionally
in any small openings between the pads. When the worm reaches the edge of the
pads, allow it to fall. Many strikes will occur as the bait falls toward the
bottom.
After you have worked the perimeter of the lily pad bed in this manner, move
your boat in far enough to reach the innermost lily pads with your cast.
In these thick areas, weightless plastic worms (or lizards), or artificial
frogs work well. The key with these baits is SLOW. This slow retreive will
hopefully entice the less aggressive fish into striking. One of the most
exciting baits to use in these areas is perhaps the weedless spoon with a
plastic twin tail grub or pork frog trailer.
This bait is worked across the pads much more quickly than the others, keeping
your rod tip high to help prevent hang ups. Aggressive fish will really
clobber this bait. It's not unusual to see the lily pads in the area stir as
bass move in to have a closer look. If a fish strikes, use all of your will
power to avoid instantaneous hook sets. Instead, wait until to feel the fish.
Many times, bass will miss the bait, then come back for another try at it.
Still another effective bait for fishing in thick lily pad beds is the RAT.
The RAT is cast into the thickest patches of pads, the retreived in short
one to two foot bursts, with a slight pause between each. Bass will usually
nail this bait as it drops into small openings amongst the pads. Again, wait
until you feel the fish before setting the hook.