Choose the Right Baits for Thorough Coverage.
After 20-years as a professional bass angler, Mike Iaconelli has a good idea of where to find bass in just about any scenario. Stop there.
Experience aside, the New Jersey pro will quickly tell you that he makes no assumptions or promises; in fact, he’s all about keeping himself ready to play the game wherever the fish want it played.
“You’ve heard it stated different ways: fishing the moment, fish the conditions, fish the fish; but it’s the premise that every time you go out those fish are constantly changing where they are in the water column,” Iaconelli said. “Some of that you can predict based on water temperature, water clarity and barometric pressure. To a certain extent you can predict it, or put yourself in the ballpark, but at the end of the day that fish is a living creature and he’s going to do what he wants to do.
Iaconelli said he fishes through the different water column zones to get his first bite and then adjusts his focus accordingly. Are the fish feeding near the top? Are they suspended in the middle? Or are they feeding along the bottom?
Variables are many, but here’s a consistent truth: no bait will effectively work the entire water column. That’s why Iaconelli places his trust in a trio carefully selected for top-top-to-bottom coverage — a Berkley Havoc Bottom Hopper, a Havoc Beat Shad and a Havoc Pit Boss.
“My rule of thumb is to cover the water column top to bottom — top, middle and bottom,” Iaconelli said. “The other thing I try to do with a lure selection like that is have things that cover finesse and things that cover power fishing. Those baits will catch fish no matter where you are; I don’t care if you’re in Florida or Canada.”
Following is a breakdown of Iaconelli’s game plan.
BEAT SHAD
This story is from the Spring 2018 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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This story is from the Spring 2018 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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ONTARIO FISHING ADVENTURES
Last winter we did a special feature profiling several fantastic fishing resorts in various regions of Ontario. The article was so well received that we decided to do it again, with a new group of lodges. All of this year’s destinations provide top notch fishing for multiple species, they’re relatively unpressured and they are easily accessible by car. From high-end, full service resorts to more laid-back fishing camps, each of these locations offer a unique fishing experience. If you’re thinking about where to go for your next fishing getaway the following pages feature Bob Izumi's profiles of some the trips he made last year. Hopefully they will give you some ideas on where to look for a fishing trip that is sure to meet all of your expectations.
FISHING ALGOMA COUNTRY
Wil Wegman is an award-winning outdoor writer, seminar host and tournament angler from Bradford Ontario. In 2017 Wil was recognized for his dedication to the sport by being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. www.wilwegman.com
Tales from the Road
As you may know I like driving, so jumping in a vehicle and doing a road trip is appealing to me. For years I would routinely do 100,000 km per year or more on the road. So this Tales starts with me heading out again, back to Brennan Harbour Resort in Spanish, Ontario. Located in Algoma Country, this friendly resort is operated by James and Casey, who are a wonderful couple.
CHAIN PICKEREL ON STRIKE
I’ve never stalked a whitetail deer, but I imagine doing so is a bit like fishing for large chain pickerel. Success is found by locating those prime areas where the big ones live, and by working those areas thoroughly and patiently with exact techniques.
What's Cooking
Elk Tartare with Horseradish Crema
Tales From The Road
Since my last Tales article I’ve been averaging at least six days a week, sometimes seven, on the road. Road trips are, and have always been, a big part of my life. There’s just something about being on the go that I love. In fact, as I wrap up this column I’ll be hitting the road again and I can’t wait, even though I just got back a day ago. I think it’s ingrained in me so much that I don’t mind living out of a suitcase. I know it’s not for everybody, but I like it.
The MGM Fishing Trip
On the first Saturday of June 2020, a group of 20 extended family members will celebrate an amazing milestone. They will be participating in the 50th consecutive year of a family fishing trip begun by four founding members way back in 1971.
Hidden Gems
Every now and again we anglers are lucky enough to find lakes, ponds or creeks that feel so isolated from civilization that believing they are a reality is sometimes more difficult than finding them in the first place. Stumbling across, or being introduced to, a body of water with such enormous potential for catching fish is what any fishing enthusiast dreams of. Fortunately for myself, I have lucked out three times in one shot.
Black Crappie
The black crappie is a member of the sunfish family and features the same deep, laterally compressed body shape as other sunfishes.
Fly Tricks For Fall Trout
In the fall, fly fishing changes. Not only does the weather cool, the bug activity often quiets down as well. Different techniques are needed to adapt to the rivers where fish are often looking for different food. Searching techniques and paying attention to details can improve your success.
