If you can't try them during the spawn, I would go deep. A tiny shot below enough oval slip sinker to get you out there, and tipped with a #6 baitkeeper hook loaded with red worms or garden worms. Red Ear want meat!!! They feed primairly on snails and the tiny clams. They also love worms. If you want to add a #10 or #6 salmon egg hook on the line a little above the baitkeeper hook and tip with 2 wax worms, you will get a few on it also. Most will come on the baitkeeper. Do not run a tight line. Leave a lot of sag in the line and watch the line. FISH ON!!!! If gas wasn't so high, I would be kind enough to come down for a WEEK or TWO and help you out . lol lol Mike