White Bass

4/1/09  Everyone keeps asking the same question; “Are the white bass running yet”? Well, not actually running (spawning), but they are being caught by land and sea.

With no running water in adjoining creeks, white bass turn to the next best thing, wind swept shoreline and submerged reefs. A southeast wind blew on Sunday which filled the northern shoreline of Birch Creek State Park with lucky fisherman. In fact they were so lucky, it has been reported over the limit cases are being considered.

The easiest way to catch whites from the shoreline is to seine for live minnows and rig your rod and reel similar to the coastal beachfront fishermen. Wade out as far as you can, throw your line even further, and sit back and wait. You may want to wear a pair of neoprene waders because the water is about 65 degrees.

Boaters do almost the same thing except they anchor or troll into the wind or along the shoreline. Either method is a sure fire way of catching whites because the “run” doesn’t last long in the lake. As April and May pass, they move further into the lake where hot spots such as “The Hump”, “Snake Island”, “Deer Island” and along the spillway  tend to produce fair stringers.

Lake Somerville is approximately 3 ½’ feet low due to the drought. Anglers should pay special attention to long shallow shorelines, because the bottom will fall out when least suspected. Boaters should beware of very shallow conditions which place submerged objects closer to the lower unit and hull. I guarantee you’ll run aground if you’re not careful; I have.

Next week...boat equipment inspection, operation and registration. Until then, be careful out there and may your stringers be full!