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Lipless crankbaits for smallmouth

Lipless crankbaits seem to have fallen slightly off the map with the evolution of the swimbait and ChatterBait.But with plenty of money still to be made, lipless cranks are still...

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Proven patterns: Cold and getting colder

It’s late January or early February, and you’re on a man-made reservoir. The water temperature is in the low 50s, and you’ve got 3 or 4 feet of visibility throughout...

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Proven patterns: Late fall options

It’s late fall or early winter depending on what part of the country you are in. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s, and the weather’s pretty steady, but gradually cooling....

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Proven patterns: Dead of winter

It’s cold. Water temperatures are in the mid-40s on your favorite midland reservoir, and the water is down — way down. At full pool, the lake has an average depth...

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Proven patterns: Fall creeks

You’re on a reservoir with numerous creeks and cuts. Shad are the primary forage. It’s midfall and water temperatures are in the high 50s to low 60s. Mornings are chilly,...

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Proven patterns: Matted vegetation

The aquatic vegetation on your favorite lake or reservoir is in summer form, which means that some of it is matted on the surface, providing a wonderful canopy of shade,...

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Proven patterns: Summertime points

You’re on a reservoir that provides hydroelectric power to a metropolis downstream, and it’s summertime. The turbines are flowing and the water’s moving. There’s noticeable current moving over a main-lake...

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Connell’s topwater strategy for the cold

A tall, blue trophy stands sentinel on his mantel. At a distance, the shimmering bass at its peak reveals its significance: a Bassmaster Elite Series win. Less than a year ago, Dustin Connell...

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How to get bit in the depths of winter

The grim gray of winter hung over John Murray’s home on Watts Bar Lake. He sat and wondered — how could he catch bass here now? With a bite slower...

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Decoding brushpiles with Bobby Lane

“You want a pattern that will work in July? From Florida to New York?” asked Bobby Lane. “OK, but this is no joke. I’ve used this to win money this year.”  With...