By Larry Anderson
Texas contains some of the most noteworthy bodies of water for bass fishing in the
United States. Lakes such as Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend are known bass producers, but the state features many other lakes that produce numbers of bass, as well as the opportunity for anglers to catch a monster bass. As a result, Texas is a popular destination for tournament and recreational bass fishers alike.
Look for flooded cover
The levels in many Texas bodies of water fluctuate, so brush and timber that otherwise would be on dry land become fully or partially submerged. If this cover is near deep water or other areas that typically hold bass, it is worth fishing. The newly flooded cover will ignite the food chain, which ultimately will draw bass. If the cover is in deep water, cast crankbaits or work a jigging spoon through the top of it. If the cover is in shallow water, flip and pitch a jig and pig or plastic worm around and in the middle of it. The heavier the cover, the better, especially on sunny days.
Hit the water early
The air temperatures rise quickly in Texas, which results in water that also warms quickly. Bass are more active when the water temperature is cooler, so get on the water before the sun is high in the sky. Focus on shallow areas around cover, but do not worry about picking the cover apart. The bass will be away from cover, roaming and looking for food. Cast quick-moving, search lures such as lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater baits. Only when that bite fizzles out should you slow down and start working heavy cover.
Key on deep ledges and channels during the day
Many Texas lakes contain abundant shallow cover, which holds bass. But it draws many bass fishermen and results in fish that see a lot of fishing lures. One way to target less-pressured fish is to look for deeper water where bass hold. Key areas include deep ledges and creek channels. Focus on areas where there are differences in the underwater terrain--places where there are points, inside turns or where the bottom turns from hard to soft, for example. Cast deep-diving crankbaits or Carolina-rigged plastic baits until you find a school of fish, then slow down and work the area methodically.
Target boat docks
Many bass anglers know that boat docks hold bass all year long. The docks provide shade and cover, and present bass with good areas from which to ambush their prey. But most anglers fish only the outside edges of the docks, leaving bass that are further underneath virtually untouched. Tie a tube jig onto a spinning rod and reel combination, and skip the lure as far underneath the dock as you can. Or, work your boat near the shoreline and pitch and flips jigs and pigs to the shallowest portions of the docks. The best docks for fishing bass are nearest deep water and have complex structures that give bass choices about where to hide.
About the Author:
Larry Anderson has been a freelance writer since 2000. He has covered a wide variety of topics, from golf and baseball to hunting and fishing. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, including "Fargo Forum" newspaper. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in print journalism from Concordia College.
