Here we join two experienced anglers as they venture out to a new lake in the plains region. Despite the challenging conditions of strong winds and cold temperatures, they are determined to catch some smallmouth bass. They discuss their strategies, gear, and the baits they use to entice the fish. Let’s dive into their exciting fishing adventure!
Exploring New Waters
The anglers express their excitement about exploring new waters in the early spring. They mention that these trips to the plains region are always something they look forward to. Despite not knowing how many fish they will catch, they are eager to try their luck in unfamiliar territory.
Smallmouth Bass: Unfazed by Cold Fronts
One of the anglers praises smallmouth bass for their resilience and positive attitude towards biting, even in cold weather and bad conditions. Smallmouth bass are known for their voracious appetite and willingness to bite, making them a favorite among anglers. 
The Big Bite Suicide Shad The anglers discuss the effectiveness of the Big Bite Suicide Shad, a popular bait for walleye and smallmouth fishing. They mention that it is a must-have bait in their tackle boxes and is especially effective in windy conditions. The Suicide Shad has great color patterns and a wide, bent tail, making it irresistible to fish. They emphasize that no walleye or smallmouth fishing trip is complete without this bait.
Go-To Baits for Windy Conditions
The anglers share their go-to baits for fishing in windy conditions. They mention the VMC Moon Eye Jig, which is known for its effectiveness in windy conditions. They also recommend jerk baits like the Rapala X-Rap or Rip Stop, as well as the Terminator Super Stainless Spinnerbait. Additionally, they mention the tried and true Rappala Rip and Wrap lipless crankbait and the Terminator Shuddering Bait as great options for windy days.
Staying Comfortable in Cold Conditions
Despite the cold temperatures and strong winds, the anglers express their comfort thanks to the Blackfish Soft Shell clothing they are wearing. They praise the clothing for its fleece lining and wind-stopping capabilities, allowing them to stay warm and comfortable throughout the day. They also mention the great range of motion provided by the clothing, making it easy for them to bend down, grab fish, and perform various fishing actions.
The Importance of Line Choice
The anglers discuss the importance of line choice when fishing with different baits. One angler prefers fishing with mono line, specifically 10-pound Suffix Advance, when throwing lipless crankbaits. They mention that mono line provides a nice stretch and is great for fishing with treble hooks. The other angler prefers fishing with braided line, specifically Suffix 832, on most of his spinning rods when fishing with jigs, boot tails, or dragging tubes. They emphasize that line choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific fishing situation.
The Versatility of the Rip and Wrap
The anglers rave about the versatility of the Rip and Wrap bait. They mention that it is a go-to bait for them all year round, as it consistently catches fish in various seasons. They explain that they are currently fishing relatively shallow waters, around 6 to 10 feet deep, and are jigging the bait. They describe the technique as a rip-jigging motion, where the bait is lifted off the bottom and then allowed to fall back down. This action seems to be triggering the fish to bite.
The Importance of Equipment for Windy Days
The anglers highlight the importance of having the right equipment for fishing in windy conditions. They mention two critical pieces of equipment: the reel and the rod. They are using the Daiwa Tatula TWSV reel, which has a spool designed for easy casting and minimal backlash, even in strong winds. They also mention the Saint Croix Legend Glass rod, specifically the 7’2″ medium power moderate action model, which has a nice flex and is perfect for throwing crankbaits like the Rip and Wrap.
The Advantages of Modern Trolling Motors
The anglers discuss the advantages of modern trolling motors, specifically the Minn Kota Ultrex. They mention two key features: Spot Lock and Jog. Spot Lock allows them to anchor their boat in a specific location with the push of a button, even in strong winds. Jog allows them to move the boat five feet in any direction, making it easy to stay on a specific fishing spot despite the wind. They emphasize that having these boat control options is crucial when fishing in windy conditions.
Persistence Pays Off
Despite the challenging conditions, the anglers remain persistent and continue to fish hard. They mention that it took some time to find the fish, but once they did, they were rewarded with some nice catches. They emphasize the importance of being on the water and fishing, even in less than ideal conditions. They quote an old friend who said, “I want to catch the fish that are biting when I get there.” This philosophy serves as a reminder that there are always fish to be caught, regardless of the weather or water conditions.
Conclusion
In this article, we joined two experienced anglers as they ventured out to a new lake in the plains region of Minnesota. Despite the challenging conditions of strong winds and cold temperatures, they remained determined and persistent in their pursuit of smallmouth bass. They discussed their strategies, gear, and the baits they used to entice the fish. Their excitement and passion for fishing were evident throughout their adventure. They reminded us that even in less than ideal conditions, there are always fish to be caught if we are willing to put in the effort and adapt our techniques. So, the next time you find yourself facing challenging conditions, remember to stay persistent and keep casting. You never know what might be waiting beneath the surface.
