Skaha Lake Smallmouth Fishing
When you think about fishing in British Columbia, you probably don't think about bass. You think about this. But last week, my (now ex) girlfriend Lauren and I had the pleasure of fishing for smallmouth in the Okanagan with guide Rod Hennig of Rodney's Reel Outdoors. Rod truly does it all, from trolling to fly fishing.
The scenery in the Okanagan is like no other I've seen before. I could've sworn I was somewhere in the southern United States. Despite the heat, however, the water temperature was 73 degrees Fahrenheit - cooler than I expected. So the fish weren't too lethargic and we learned a few important lessons throughout the day.
I usually throw wacky-rigged Gary Yamamoto senkos on weightless hooks in relatively shallow water. The slow fall of this presentation entices bass. But I never really fished anything wacky-rigged in 15 to 30 feet of water before. To do that, you need two things: 1) a weighted wacky hook 2) a bait with a smaller profile so that it sinks faster. Rod uses Jackall 4.8 inch and 5.8 inch plastic worms. We had a lot of success using that technique.
Lesson 2: Find the weedlines
It's no secret: weedlines hold fish. We fished weedlines for most of the day. There are two benefits to fishing just outside of the weeds. First, this is exactly where predatory bass are waiting to ambush prey. Second, on a rock, mud or sand bottom you can use certain techniques (like drop shotting or dragging tubes) that aren't as easy to use right in the weeds because you get hung up too often. Just another reason to learn to use your electronics properly so you can find these spots.
Lesson 3: Dead drag your drop shots
I'm not saying you won't catch fish shaking your bait. But drop shotting is a subtle, finesse presentation and it's easy to overdo it. We caught several fish, including the biggest of the day, drifting along a weedline and dragging a drop shot rig without imparting any additional action. It may not be the most exciting technique, but it's definitely effective. Rod uses plastic minnows. I prefer nose hooked Strike King KVD Dream Shots in my neck of the woods.
I had a great time with Rod and I would highly recommend him as a guide. He's knowledgeable, personable and, most importantly, is a patient teacher. Make sure to check out his website.
Greg Cholkan is a lawyer, fisherman and Hemingway impersonator. He works in Huntsville and Haliburton with Barriston LLP and his practice focuses on real estate, wills and estates, and business matters. Follow him on Twitter: @gregcholkan
Lesson 1: Don't be afraid to wacky rig in deeper water
I usually throw wacky-rigged Gary Yamamoto senkos on weightless hooks in relatively shallow water. The slow fall of this presentation entices bass. But I never really fished anything wacky-rigged in 15 to 30 feet of water before. To do that, you need two things: 1) a weighted wacky hook 2) a bait with a smaller profile so that it sinks faster. Rod uses Jackall 4.8 inch and 5.8 inch plastic worms. We had a lot of success using that technique.
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It's no secret: weedlines hold fish. We fished weedlines for most of the day. There are two benefits to fishing just outside of the weeds. First, this is exactly where predatory bass are waiting to ambush prey. Second, on a rock, mud or sand bottom you can use certain techniques (like drop shotting or dragging tubes) that aren't as easy to use right in the weeds because you get hung up too often. Just another reason to learn to use your electronics properly so you can find these spots.
I'm not saying you won't catch fish shaking your bait. But drop shotting is a subtle, finesse presentation and it's easy to overdo it. We caught several fish, including the biggest of the day, drifting along a weedline and dragging a drop shot rig without imparting any additional action. It may not be the most exciting technique, but it's definitely effective. Rod uses plastic minnows. I prefer nose hooked Strike King KVD Dream Shots in my neck of the woods.
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