What Is Rick Clunn's Favorite Bait When the Bite Suddenly Shuts Down?

Let's just say the answer to that question isn't what Wired2Fish editor Shaye Baker thought it would be.

It was April last year when Baker interviewed the veteran pro about his lure choice when looking for a couple more fish from an area where he's been catching them.

In his mind, Baker was thinking the answer might be a shaky head, or perhaps a dropshot, Ned rig, or a Neko rig. He was surprised but delighted by Clunn's answer.

"It's important to understand the predatory/prey relationship," Clunn said. "We'll use the analogy of a lion sitting there watching a herd of impala. Even if he's active, he tries to pick the young or the weak. He uses the laws of conservation of energy. Which one can he get and receive the most energy from with the least effort or injury?

"This is why topwater may be the best bait to throw during those time frames when the fish aren't biting. Because you're really pulling that predator's strings. He's sitting there like, 'Dang, that's weak. I'm supposed to eliminate it'...because a predator's role is to eliminate anything that's weak. And all of a sudden that topwater is easy, it looks fairly large, and the fish is supposed to eliminate it.

"Predators were not designed to eat the whole herd. Remember the Lion King? It kind of works off that a little bit. Yes, they're out there to eat the impala, but they're not there to destroy the whole herd. Their presence should make the herd healthier by eliminating anything that's weak. So that's why one of my favorite choices in that time frame is a topwater."

Rick Clunn throws a topwater when the fish aren't biting because of the Lion King. And that's one of the many reasons why this veteran pro is one of the best and most loved anglers in the world. He has a far deeper spirit and grasp of things than most anglers ever will even glimpse in their lifetime.

New Coast Guard Requirement Effective April 1, 2021

Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link as of April Fool's Day. All "fooling" aside, that's the official word from the Coast Guard, as the result of a new law passed by Congress.

The ECOS and its link prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The link attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Usually a lanyard-style cord, the link attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the link disengages from the ECOS, and the motor automatically shuts down.

Wireless ECOS, a fairly recent development, also are approved for use. These devices use an electronic "fob" that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning off the engine. These wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.

Each year, the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational-vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents, the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or worse, the boat begins to circle the person in the water, eventually striking them...often with the propeller. These types of situations put everyone in danger, including the ejected operator, other users on the waterway, marine law-enforcement officers, and first responders.

Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational-vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer's instructions.

Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust...3 hp or more) to use ECOS "links." Using the ECOS link is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOS-link use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.

The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational-vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.

Seven states currently have ECOS-use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS-use laws for personal watercraft (PWC).

Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations. That link is as follows: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php.

One Lucky Dude, Indeed!

As anglers were just getting started on Alabama's Smith Lake Thursday morning, March 11, 2021, during the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Tour, angler Aaron Britt experienced a horrifying bass-boat crash on the way to his first fishing spot. He lost control of his Ranger bass boat and ramped onto a rocky point. Somehow, he managed to remain inside the boat.

According to his original Instagram post following the incident, Britt was upset that nobody stopped to help him after the crash. He also stated that the boat was totaled.

Things like this can happen in the blink of an eye, which underlines the importance of always wearing your PFD and kill switch.

The best news here: Bass bro Britt is OK.

To see a video of the crash, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l7HtI84dWw.

Preceding info came from Wired2Fish editors and the latest issue of Jay Kumar's BassBlaster.

I Have Problems, But Facing Reality Isn't One of Them

I heard that someone had made a comment that I'm "not much of a fisherman anymore," or words to that effect. The way I see it: I'm not sure I ever was much of a fisherman, even as a young guy.

In any event, a statement like that certainly doesn't ruffle any of my feathers. Why? Because it's simply the truth, and I've openly admitted as much to a host of people in recent years. How could I ever attempt to deny the fact I'm an old man, given what I see when I look in the mirror each day? There's a lot of history behind all those cracks, crevices, lines, and sags.

As if that's not enough, I especially see the decline every time I'm on the water. Things I used to take for granted have become anything but that nowadays.

For example, when I'm holding down a boat's stern, and my tournament partner hooks a big bass, it's undoubtedly comical watching me "scramble" (I can only wish) from my perch on the backseat. Too many times, I nearly fall just getting to the floor of the boat, grabbing and deploying the net, and finally scooping up the fish.

Then there comes the matter of how much help I'm actually contributing to the cause of catching tournament fish. In some cases, such as this past Sunday, the unfortunate reality is that I didn't catch a single keeper bass...and there will be more of those days throughout the year. As the season warms, however, I eventually will catch my stride, in a manner of speaking, and start contributing to some tournament totals.

I understand that I'd be the last choice as a tournament partner for a lot of anglers, and that's why I've very rarely asked to partner up with anyone in recent years. If Dave Anderson hadn't asked me to join him, I never would have approached him, 'cause I did and still do consider Dave to be in a better league.

The only promise I can make and keep is this: I will always do my best.

A Little Cold and Dense Fog Couldn't Deter This Group

 

Our 2020 season opener is now in the record book, with a total of 14 anglers in 8 boats showing up for today's contest. When the 3 p.m. weigh-in was complete, 31 bass had come to the scales, weighing a combined total of 65.98 lbs. These numbers translate into an average weight of 2.12 lbs. per fish and 9.52 lbs. per boat of the seven that weighed fish.

When it came time to pass out pay envelopes, tournament director Wayne Hayes acknowledged the following competitors:

1st Place, Red Bruun, five fish, total weight 14.84 lbs., big fish 3.89 lbs.

2nd Place, the team of (from left) Gabe Himmelwright and Fred Crawford, five fish, total weight 12.80 lbs., big fish 5.23 lbs.

Big Fish, the team of Dave Anderson and Ken Testorff (not pictured), five fish, total weight 11.15 lbs., big fish 5.47 lbs.

Here is how everyone else finished the day:

     * The team of Rob Peppers and Don Carter, five fish, total weight 8.88 lbs., no big fish.
     * The team of Chris Fretard and Mike Miller, five fish, total weight 8.84 lbs., no big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Mark Ingram, five fish, total weight 7.45 lbs., big fish 2.68 lbs.
     * The team of Craig Jones and Rob Chatham, one fish, total weight 2.02 lbs.
     * Bobby Moore did not weigh any fish.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone who were on hand to get the new season underway.

For planning purposes, our next tournament is slated for Saturday, March 27th. Start time will be safe light (about 7 a.m.), with weigh-in at 3 p.m.

One Last Cast

Taking center stage for this season-opener discussion of my thoughts on the day's contest is none other than my partner, Dave Anderson, who asked me to rejoin him this year until such time his current regular partner, Gary Coderre, completes rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.

Without any reservations whatsoever, I want to say that Dave is--by far--one of the "coolest cucumbers" I'm proud to say I've ever known. In the face of circumstances that would drive some folks nuts--and yes, I easily could be characterized as a ringleader of this group--he just "quietly" keeps plodding ahead with the job at hand.

I won't get into the specifics here, but suffice it to say that Dave was having "a bad day" today--one which would have had me talking to myself, given the same circumstances. But not Dave. Time after time, as a new challenge reared its ugly head, he just dealt with it, and then kept on chunkin' and windin'...and, more importantly, kept catching fish, including the "lunker of the day" prize, no less.

I don't mind tellin' ya that this kind of "calm under fire" demeanor makes Dave one "cool cumber" in my book. And he's that way all the time. As I told him near the end of the tournament day, "I admire you for being the epitome of what I and anyone else like me would do well to emulate."

My hat's off to you! Dave. You can call me to be your net man any ol' time.

For Week Ending Sunday, March 14, 2021

 

Monday, March 8 (from Ron)...Launched Sunday at noon, but it was too windy. Did manage a lone crappie to avoid the skunk and had one serious pole-bender that threw the hook before I called it quits. Headed out this afternoon and caught a few. First bass fell to a Cotton Cordell Redfin at 3-6. Then got a 3-1 and a 1-4 on the XTS Minnow, as well as a nice crappie. Had a 12-inch yellow perch on my measuring board, but he didn't want his picture taken and jumped overboard. I was going to make a taco or two out of him...darn!

Tuesday, March 9 (from Ron)...Got out on this beautiful afternoon and caught a few, including two chain picks, two crappie, one white perch, and three bass (dink, 2-0, and a 3-4). The XTS Minnow and Rapala Original Floater were the lures of choice. Sure was nice out there.

Wednesday, March 10 (from Ken)...I left the house all bushy-tailed this morning but returned with my tail tucked 'tween my legs this afternoon. Of course, I fully expected this is how things would go. To my delight, the little nit-noid problems that usually crop up the first few times out each year were at a minimum today. Unfortunately, though, so were the fish. Until 1 o'clock, I wasn't certain there were any live fish even swimming anywhere near me. But about that time, I finally felt an ever so slight tick on a jerkbait, but that was the extent of action for another half-hour or so, when I finally had a distinct hit on a square-billed crankbait. I set the hook and immediately felt some decent resistance. Got him alongside the boat, though, only to have an inopportune brain-fart. Instead of keeping the fish coming in the direction he already was going, I reversed course...and watched the pound-and-a-half-or-so bass promptly spit both hooks of my crankbait. As a result, I now stand with two goose-eggs on the scoreboard thus far this season. Can only hope I do at least a little better during our first tournament of the new season this Sunday. It's always nice when you can contribute to the cause, rather than spend the day watching your partner have to boat all the fish. On a final note, I'm certainly happy I had 'em give me my second covid shot yesterday in my left arm, or I feel pretty certain I never would have lasted as long as I did today. All total, I was on the water about six hours. Water temp when I quit registered 58.

When the Bite Is On and Ya Just Gotta Go

"There are some days when the only smart thing to do with a boat is to leave it in the garage. But all of us like to push the envelope at times, especially if the fish are on a binge bite. Weather be damned, we're going to get out there and take a few licks--in more ways than one."

Thus said award-winning outdoor writer and fishing and boating author Frank Sargeant. "Boating in rough water is rarely fun, but it need not be dangerous or painful," he continued. "First, know your limits and those of your boat," he admonished. "A big, deep, V-hull boat with a tall transom and automatic bilge pumps can take on some pretty scary water and still bring you home. On the other hand, a low-freeboard, heavy-in-the-hams bass rig that's a real bullet in a 1-foot chop may stuff its nose, do a somersault and sink in 4-foot waves. When in doubt, sit it out."

As one would expect, there are some things you should do to prepare your boat for taking on rough water.

"Check your bilge pumps, secure all hatches, drop the water level in your livewells, and batten down or stow all rods, tackle and anything else that might become an airborne missile as your boat rears up and down like a bucking bronco," said Sargeant. "Make sure your trolling motor is secured, too.

"Put on foul-weather gear, because no matter how well your boat is designed, you'll probably take on a lot of water in the cockpit, and you'll make better decisions if you stay warm and dry. Finally, buckle your life jacket tightly and attach the emergency-stop lanyard to it...just in case."

Then comes some actions to soften the ride in rough water.

"Bring the sharp forward sections of the bottom, the deepest part of the V in most fishing boats, into first contact with the waves," noted Sargeant. "This splits them like a knife and softens the impact. Also trim your outboard in, dropping the bow, to bring this about. Just be sure not to overtrim to the point where you experience what's known as 'bow steering,' with the bow acting as a pivot to force the boat off course.

"Dropping the bow works up to a point, but when the waves get really tall, you will have to come off plane to save your boat from a beating. In these conditions, you want the bow high, instead of low, so trim the motor back out, forcing the stern down and the bow up.

"In truly tall seas--long, rolling 6-footers or more--the best strategy is often to go with the waves. Get on the back of a big wave and ride there, throttling up and down to hold your position just behind the wave's peak. This is a great trick for riding through a really rough inlet, as you might face where a river enters a big lake, because a big wave tends to flatten the smaller but steeper and more treacherous waves that are bouncing around.

"And on big lakes, where sportfishing cruisers abound, get behind one of them and ride on the second swell to pass through a tough inlet. Again, their passage flattens the other waves, leaving you in smoother water."

Sargeant also noted that, in general, it's best to run quartering into rough seas when you can.

"You might have to tack back and forth across a stretch of really rough water to avoid running 'in the trough,' or broadside to the waves, but that's better than risking a rollover."

Last but not least, Sargeant mentioned the idea of getting and installing a Garelick 77000 shock-absorbing marine-seat mount.

"It fits between any standard bass or walleye boat seat with sliding tracks and provides a cushioning effect against real 'butt buster' wave impacts," he said. "This item is easy and quick to install, and it's adjustable for the driver's weight."

Making the Best of Bad-Weather Days on the Water

If anyone is qualified to offer that kind of advice, it's none other than Kalamazoo, Michigan's own Kevin VanDam. He has fished some of the roughest waters a bass angler ever has had to fish.

"When you're fishing in very rough weather, with lots of wind and possibly rain," said VanDam, "the bass will feed actively. The way to solve the problems associated with this kind of fishing is to have all your equipment ready for fishing a bad storm. That kind of water can be very dangerous."

One of the things he does is add an extra bilge pump to his boat when he knows he'll be fighting that type of weather.

"I use a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor that features Spot-Lock," VanDam explained. "That feature holds the boat exactly where I want it to be when I find the bass. It allows me to keep both feet planted firmly on the deck, instead of having to keep one on the trolling motor. I usually position my boat so that I'm fishing with the wind...not fighting it.

"If you're fishing shallow flats," continued VanDam, "fish a spinnerbait or crankbait, since the bass will be very aggressive during bad weather and windy conditions. Try to use a lure that's efficient for the depth zone where you're at. For instance, when I'm fishing the Great Lakes in windy conditions, a heavy drop-shot rig is hard to beat. It gets down to the bottom quickly, and I can stay in contact with my line and the bait, provided that I'm fishing with the wind. On days when I have to face into the wind, I present a bait that I'm confident the bass will eat in the depth zone where they're feeding."

Bad-weather days may not be the most fun days to be on the water, but, as VanDam noted, "you can catch fish if you'll work with the wind, instead of fighting it."

A Rather Puzzling Ice-Fishing Rescue

I've known some folks in my lifetime who took oddball items with 'em on fishing trips, but an incident I recently learned about online still has me...and a lot of others...scratching their heads.

It all started with two men who were fishing on a slab of ice connected to the bank of the Rock River in Rockford, IL, when the 20-by-20-foot patch of ice suddenly broke free and began making its way downriver.

The slow moving floe had traveled about 500 yards downstream before witnesses spotted it and called 9-1-1. The Rock River Water Rescue team arrived on the scene and pulled the two fishermen to safety without any injuries. However, they were forced to leave all their gear behind, including two ice augers, a fishing rod, a bag of chips, a plastic water bottle with some drink remaining, and...yes, a mattress. (Local policy is to rescue only people from ice...no gear.)

As one observer noted, "My question is: Why did they have two hand augers and a casting rod? I don't even wanna know about the mattress."

"The fishermen were fortunate the slab of ice stayed intact," said the local fire chief. "Had it broken up, they could have been dumped in the water and exposed to hypothermia."

Thanks for the tip, Jim.

2021 Season Opener Has Been Delayed

The tournament director has decided to start the new season next Sunday, March 14th. Stay tuned for times, because next Sunday marks the beginning of daylight savings time.

While Some Texans Were Struggling To Find Running Water and Electricity...

Anglers throughout the state were busy boating one giant bass after another at various local lakes. From Feb. 19th through the 28th, they reeled in eight Legacy Class largemouth bass, led by Joe McKay of Bussey, Iowa, who kicked things off Friday night, Feb. 19, with a massive 16.40-pound fish (see photo right) for the Toyota ShareLunker program.

Six of those eight Legacy lunkers came from O.H. Ivie, one from Conroe, and one from Lake Travis, bringing the season total to 12, which triples last year's total, with one month still remaining of the three-month collection season.

The Toyota ShareLunker program is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Toyota. A long-time supporter of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Toyota provides major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks, and wildlife projects.

For Week Ending Sunday, March 7, 2021

Monday, March 1 (from Ron)...Caught one bass to avoid the skunk. Am trying different places and tactics, and will see how it goes. Only bite was on the Rapala Original Floater. Northwest River never has been very kind to me.

Tuesday, March 2 (from Ron)...It was a bit cooler today, and the bite was not very good. At least, the wind died down at sunset. Caught one small white perch and a small bowfin on the Rapala Original Floater. Also tried some minnows under a bobber, to no avail.

Wednesday, March 3 (from Ron)...Another lovely evening on the water. Caught five crappie, a couple white perch, and a 2-12 bass. The XTS Minnow and Original Floater were the ticket to success. Seems like the panfish bite is improving, and the chain picks have gone underground.

Thursday, March 4 (from Ron)...Fished Asheville Bridge Creek this evening. Had a blast catching crappie and small bass on light gear. Five crappie fell to the beetlespin under a bobber, and four small bass and two chain picks hit the 1/8-oz. spinnerbait thrown near the base of cypress trees. Water was a bit low but very clear once I got a half-mile south of Sandbridge Road.

Saturday, March 6 (from Ron)...Trolled around Tecumseh and caught four bass at 1-11, 2-2, 2-3, and a 3-0. Also stumbled onto a small chain pick and a yellow perch on the original floater. Had a large white perch that got off yak-side, as well. Tried spinnerbaits along the shore and base of cypress trees but couldn't find any there.

If the Past Is Prologue...

The future has yet to be written. And that includes this coming Sunday, March 7th, when our 2021 Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series kicks off.

For the benefit of those who haven't already checked, the current weather forecast is calling for generally sunny conditions and a high temperature around 47 degrees. However, as we all know, that can and very well may change a number of times before we hit the water Sunday morning.

The only thing that can't possibly change are the results from our season openers in past years. Following are the numbers from those contests:

     * Saturday, March 23, 2013; 10 boats; 15 anglers; 14 bass weighed in; 24.95 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 22, 2014; 12 boats; 18 anglers; 24 bass weighed in; 47.65 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 14, 2015; 6 boats; 11 anglers; 19 bass weighed in; 35.04 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 12, 2016; 10 boats; 17 anglers; 33 bass weighed in; 63.43 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 18, 2017; 12 boats; 18 anglers; 10 bass weighed in; 14.18 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 17, 2018; 6 boats; 10 anglers; 9 bass weighed in; 14.07 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 16, 2019; 11 boats; 18 anglers; 41 bass weighed in; 78.34 lbs. total weight

     * Sunday, March 15, 2020; 13 boats; 21 anglers; 54 bass weighed in; 124.65 lbs. total weight

For those who might be interested in being a part of our 2021 season opener, please be advised to arrive at West Neck Marina in time to sign up, pay your fees, launch your boat, and join all the other participants in the boat basin, waiting for the tournament director, Wayne Hayes, to shove everyone off about 7 a.m.