Big bites on small bait in shallow cabbage

[fishing32wild]

Hello Anglers,

Tis the season of transitions and most anglers will go with the instinct of moving deeper.  This can be effective however, most fish never leave the shallows and shade of the cabbage.  It is becoming more known that walleyes in particular do not leave the shallow cabbage and it is understandably so.  Why would you leave a shaded bedroom with all the oxygen and forge one could eat.  The situation is too perfect and more anglers are figuring this, but how do you effectively fish the weeds and penetrate the column.  Well in my guiding experience the idea to switch up the profile of your bait is relatively hard, fishing lighter will require finesse and patience.  Now while most will think of moving from a 1/4 ounce jig to a 1/8 your still to heavy. 

Its time to lighten up and when I say lighten up I really mean it.  A 1/32nd ounce jig neutral in color tipped with a leech, fathead or worm is most preferable.  Colors may vary though in darker to stained water however when fishing shallow there is still light penetration in spots to aid with the attraction.  Now while it is easy to figure all the information given is fishing common sense there is such a thing as unfishable weeds, heavier more dense patches of milfoil or coon tail will make it hard to penetrate, but with good electronics you have find pockets, hover and efficiently produce.

I like looking for weed beds that are adjacent to deep water.  Sharp drop offs hold fish in tight and its easy to corner and target these areas.  Also, running water and weeds is even better, the current will aid in your trigger of these fish.  Keep in mind that if there is current your weight will need to go from 1/32 to 1/16 but that is it.  Slower falling baits work better for triggering.  While this all seems subtle and easy, there are ways to play with the presentation, for example if you want flash because it is a sunny day, then my recommendation would be a beetle spin, or you can purchase blade attachments for any jig you may want to use. 

Situations are everything and your style will always be different from mine, but target these areas and don't forget to stay shallow and small, also work slowly and allow the bait to stay down.  Even if your coverage weed beds with spinner rigs or slow death, keep it small, or if you are fishing heavier, then try removing live bait out of the equation and move to plastics they are hardier for the condition will allow for a more aggressive approach, however I still fish fairly aggressive with the small baits. 

I have been working this pattern on lakes near the Longville area and one lake in particular has been prone to giving up big fish, however its always nice to have a couple for the fry pan.  Good luck anglers and remember that deeper isn't always better!  Happy Hookin'

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[The General]

Maybe I missed it but what depths are considered shallow cabbage?

[fishing32wild]

12 ft or less in some cases, but I have been known to find weed edges as deep as 15 ft.  It is situational depending on the lake and type of structure surrounds the cabbage, I like sandy spots typically, water seems to be warmer in sandy areas and holds more bait!!  Does that help!?

[HD]

Thanks for the tips