First Casts After Rain Starts
So, envision this: it’s 3:15 PM, the heavens just opened, and I’m out there like an overzealous puppy, ready to tackle bass with my $50 rod that’s seen better days (like when I accidentally used it to swat a mosquito). I launch my trusty buzzbait, thinking I’m some kind of fishing prodigy. But instead, I hook a tree branch and spend the next ten minutes wrestling with it—because clearly, I’m as graceful as a hippo on roller skates! Just when I think I’ve got it figured out… well, you’ll never guess what happens next!
First Casts After Rain Starts
When the rain starts, bass go wild! Seriously, I mean, it’s like they throw a party and I’m the guy who shows up in the wrong outfit (you know, like last year’s fishing hat that I thought was cool).
It’s all about those drains, shady banks, and wind lanes—casting to these spots can turn your fishing trip from “meh” to “where’s my trophy?” in no time!
Drains, shady banks, wind lanes
Ah, the glorious chaos of a rainy day on the water! You’d think I’d learned by now, but every time it rains, I forget my own rules.
Drains! Those magical spots where surface runoff meets the water—like a buffet for bass. I’ve cast my spinnerbait drizzle there, only to find I was three feet too far!
Shady banks, oh how they mock me! I’ve missed so many bites lurking under overhanging trees, convinced I could outsmart the fish.
And wind lanes, sigh, those sneaky lanes that concentrate baitfish—like a highway to bass heaven! (Why didn’t I notice that when I was busy retying my lure for the fifth time?)
Low-light topwater windows
The magic of low-light conditions right after the rain begins is like finding a $20 bill in your old jacket—unexpected and utterly thrilling!
Seriously, folks, if you don’t cast your topwater lures immediately, you might as well be trying to catch bass with a spaghetti noodle!
Here’s why those first casts matter:
- Bass are actively hunting baitfish, not reading the news.
- Topwater lures like buzzbaits and Whopper Ploppers rule the day!
- Covering water quickly is key (like running from your responsibilities).
- Moving lures create noise—bass LOVE that!
- Reduced light makes fish less cautious (and frankly, more foolish).
If the Rain Stops
If the Rain Stops
Adjust speed and profiles
Switching gears after the rain can feel like trying to convince a cat to take a bath—awkward and full of resistance!
Suddenly, those lively bass, once jumping at the chatterbait rain, morph into cautious critters. So, time to adapt! Here’s the game plan for reeling them in:
- Slow down that retrieve—like molasses in January!
- Switch from bulky topwater to sleek swimbaits; think minimalism, not a buffet!
- Go for smaller lures, like finesse jigs—less is definitely more!
- Pay attention to water clarity; natural colors are key!
- Vary your speed and add pauses—like a cat caught mid-pounce!
Embrace the ridiculousness of your past failures, and remember: even the best anglers have floundered in the post-rain blues!
Back to cover edges
Once the rain finally packs its bags and heads out, bass often scurry back to the safety of cover edges—like me retreating to my couch after a social disaster that involves three awkward silences and a spilled drink!
Seriously, though, those bass love the edges of vegetation mats or submerged structures, feeling snug as a bug in a rug!
So, grab your spinnerbaits or chatterbaits (because who doesn’t love a little noise?) and aim for those edges! Bright colors help too, like a neon sign for fish!
Oh, and don’t forget the stop-and-start retrieve technique—think of it as the bass version of “Will they, won’t they?” It’s all about mimicking that erratic prey movement to snag those hesitant bites!
Tackle & Colors
When it rains, bass can be trickier than a cat on a hot tin roof!
A contrast like chartreuse and black? Oh boy, I wish I’d discovered that sooner—probably saved me a solid fifty bucks on lures that just didn’t cut it!
And let’s talk about those louder blades and rattles—if only I’d known they were the secret sauce to getting bass to notice me instead of my sad little splashes in the water!
Chartreuse/black contrasts
Forget your fancy lures and high-tech gadgets for a moment—let’s talk about the powerhouse duo of chartreuse and black! Seriously, when it rains, this combo is like the magic spell of bass fishing.
I mean, I’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink into the water (which, believe me, wouldn’t have worked). Here’s why chartreuse and black are your best friends:
- Strong contrast in murky water
- Bright chartreuse mimics baitfish
- Black adds depth for realism
- Perfect for low light conditions
- Metallic flakes for extra flash
I once spent $50 on lures that barely worked, but with this combo? Immediate results!
Just remember, keep it simple; the bass will thank you (and so will your wallet)!
Louder blades and rattles
It’s almost comical how many times I’ve sat there, rain pouring down, looking like a drenched rat, wondering why bass weren’t swarming my boat like they were in some miraculous fishing movie.
Louder blades on spinnerbaits can be a game-changer! They create vibrations that bass can’t ignore, even in that murky mess we call rainwater.
And those rattles? Oh boy! They mimic distressed baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes. Combine that with bright colors like chartreuse or red, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
It’s like wearing a neon sign in a blackout!
Metallic flakes? They sparkle like a disco ball, grabbing attention when it’s as dark as my fishing luck!
Just remember, louder blades and rattles = better chances!
Safety & Efficiency
So, imagine this: it’s pouring rain, and you’re out there with soggy gloves, wishing you had packed those towels you left back home (they were just sitting there, taunting you at 7:15 AM).
Using dry storage? Yeah, I learned that the hard way when my tackle box turned into a fishy swimming pool—thanks for the $40 lesson, right?
And don’t even get me started on boat trim and footing; let’s just say I learned more about gravity that day than I ever wanted to know!
Gloves, towels, dry storage
Believe it or not, the last time John went bass fishing in the rain, he thought he could pull it off without gloves—oh, what a rookie mistake!
(I mean, who needs grippy gloves when you have sheer determination, right?)
But as he fumbled with his slippery tackle box, a fish practically laughed at him, flipping its tail like it was mocking his poor grip!
To avoid such humiliation, here’s what John learned:
- Wear gloves: They’re not just for wimps; they prevent slips!
- Keep a towel handy: Dry hands = better grip!
- Use waterproof storage: Save your precious tackle from drowning!
- Dry storage for clothes: Comfort matters, folks!
- Organize gear: Quick access means less time fumbling!
Boat trim and footing
After fumbling with wet gear, John quickly realized that fishing in the rain isn’t just about having a good grip on your tackle—oh no, that would be too easy!
Boat trim? It’s like the secret sauce to keep you from capsizing like a soggy sandwich! Adjusting it right can save you gas money—who doesn’t want to cover more water without burning a hole in their wallet?
And FOOTING—good grief! Non-slip shoes are a must! You don’t want to slip and go for an unexpected swim (trust me, it’s NOT invigorating at 6 AM).
Balance your weight, shift to the back during rough waters, and keep those trim tabs and bilge pumps in check. Safety FIRST, folks, like a mom yelling at you!