Capt. Mike Gerry offers hope for catching suspending bass.

It’s that time of year again. Short hours on the water stretch into long, unproductive days because the bass are suspending and seemingly not feeding. You may find bait all over the graph but can’t seem to get a bite. Let me explain what I try to do. I believe it will work for you also.

The first thing you need to understand about suspending bass is that they always follow the bait fish.

Next is that points, drops, U–shaped grass lines, and bottom structure will still be your target. The type of areas you have caught fish in the past won’t change, just how you fish them and what you’re looking for to get them to bite.

The first thing I do when I get on a reservoir is to figure out if they are pulling water. If so, then I head to the ledges where the current resulting from power generation is the strongest. If the answer is no, they are not generating power, then I move to the main channel points and back side of the ledges where the grass has holes and the bait fish congregate in shallower water.

The next thing I look for is bait. If your graph shows an abundance of bait fish on the ledge side along with the current, then you have a real good shot at catching suspending fish. The bass will gather under the suspending bait fish on these very same structure areas you have caught fish in the past.

The only thing left now is to downsize your baits. Fish with small worms, grubs, and shaky head setups with trick worms rigged whacky style. Count down your bait to the depth you see the bigger fish under the baitfish.

Let’s assume with the line you’re using, your lure falls one foot per second. On your SONAR LDC, the bigger objects appear to be at 18 feet just under bait suspending at 15 feet. In this case, let your bait drop 18 seconds and then slowly reel it back to the boat, making some erratic movements and pulling through the suspending bass. With some precise targeting and a systematic countdown process, you will catch these suspending bass and have a great time doing it.

These tips will help you be successful when suspending bass threaten to ruin your day.

Captain Mike Gerry
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
Web: www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
(256) 759-2270