Tip of the week:

Oftentimes, when you first get to an area, your fishfinder lights up with fish. This can be the best time to capitalize on putting fish in the boat before they become boat wary. I've had this happen too many times to count. I get to a spot, and before I can get my entire spread in the water, I have two or three fish in the livewell. It finally dawned on me the reason why and I am going to share it with you. This is a trick that both Kevin and I used as well as my dad and I used during tournement fishing. One that I do not see many people do in a tournament.

My goal when I get on a location is to get a bait in the water as quick as possible. Although my plan might be to run ALL crankbaits, the reality is that they take time to get in the water. The majority of the guys we fished against have three people in the boat. They can get rods in the water fast. Kevin and I both only had two guys in the boat yet we are still dealing with the same number of lines (6).

When I get to a spot, the FIRST two rods I put in the water are over the side or "down" rods. These have 3oz bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses on them. Within a few seconds my partner and I can have two baits in the strike zone. Once these are down, we both start setting our outside boards. Usually, before we can get both of them set, we have a fish banging one of the bouncers. Once we each get our second offering in the water, we will then decide whether we pull our bouncers or keep them running.

The key to all of this is that we got two baits in the water within 30 seconds of finding and marking fish. I can run crank baits pretty quick but not in 30 seconds! Next time you hit the water, make sure you have a down rod ready to go. Put that one in the water first while you are adjusting your speed and getting ready to set your planer boards. You will be surprised at how many fish you pickup before you get your entire spread out!