The last of the grass

Now’s the time to take advantage of the last of the grass that’s still around.

OK guys, now’s the time to take advantage of the last of the grass that’s still around. Some of you might think it’s a little late but that’s not the case in most parts of the country. True, the cold, wind and rain have put most of it down but there’s still some left. And, what’s left will produce as well as it ever would so long as the sun is shining. In fact, in some places it’ll produce better because there isn’t so much of it.

Last week is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Rodney Clawson, the singer-songwriter, and I were out fishing some of the last mats here on Guntersville. We had a double, 10 pounder day. He had one, and I had one. That’s about as good as it gets no matter where you’re fishing or what time of the year you’re fishing. It was a day neither one of us will forget.

You’re looking for the mats even if they’re dead. The thing that matters is blocking the sun and making shade. If you find one that forms a canopy you’re in business. Toss a Snag Proof frog on top and bring it back real slow. Make sure you work it around a little right on the edge of the mat before you wind it back to your boat.

If that doesn’t get you what you want try throwing a Texas rigged Gambler BB Cricket into the slop and letting it fall all the way to the bottom. They can’t resist that at this time of the year. Whatever you use, however, make sure you spool up with high-quality braided line. My preference is Stren. Over the years it seems to hold up very well and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

If the sun’s not out the fish will scatter. That gives you two choices. The first is to fish a swimbait around in the general area of the grass — look for baitfish — or fish a shaky head real slow along the bottom. The action won’t be as fast and furious as over the mats but you can still catch a ton of them, more than enough to keep you busy.

Your other option is to stay in where it’s warm and watch the ballgame on TV. No, I’m not kidding. Sometimes a break from fishing is a good thing. It lets you recharge your batteries and puts things into perspective. It’s also a great opportunity to go over your tackle and daydream about the big one you’re going to catch the next time you go out.

Now, I’m not much for not going bass fishing. Nor do I think a guy should spend the day on his couch. I’d say if you take a break make it a short one.  But hey, it’s your life. Do with it as you will. As for me, I think I’ll ignore my own thinking and keep fishing. You never know. They just might be biting.