Entry 69-3
Debra Hengst
Handling Different Fishing Situations (cont.)
Editor's Note: Debra Hengst of San Antonio, Texas, a member of Strike King’s Pro Staff, guides part-time at Amistad, Falcon and Choke Canyon lakes in south Texas.
Question: What do you do when a lake muddies up?
Hengst: I will go shallow when the lake muddies up. I’ll switch to a big-bladed spinner bait that is a bright color like fire tiger or chartreuse. When waves make my fishing hole muddy, I may change locations, but sometimes the action in the water can make the fish more active as well. So sometimes, waves can actually work for you. The same goes for when the wind begins to blow hard. It can stir up the bass, causing them to bite more.
Question: What do you do when the bass won’t bite?
Hengst: Pray to the fish gods! Seriously, I will switch many different things to try several combinations of situations. If I am shallow, I’ll try deeper water. If I’m using a spinner bait, I’ll switch to a crankbait. I’ll change up my retrieves and presentations as well. I’ll try everything I can think of to get those bass to bite.
Question: What do you do when the lure you’re using won’t work?
Hengst: Before changing out the lure, I’ll change presentations, change retrieves and then maybe change depths. After trying those things, I will change lures. If I don’t have confidence in that spot anymore, then I will move to another spot. But if I know that fish are holding in that place, I’ll try to wait it out. I fish very methodically and slowly. Sometimes this tactic can work against you though. However, I’m very patient, and if I have a hunch the bass are in a certain site, I will continue to fish that spot.
Question: What do you do when another competitor is in your spot?
Hengst: There is a lot of respect among anglers if they know you are fishing an area. Most of the time they will move somewhere else. I won’t ask another angler to move. If I come up on someone who doesn’t know that is my spot and doesn’t want to move, then we will just have to share it.
Question: What do you consider as your secrets to being a professional angler?
Hengst: Patience plays a large part. Also, there is nothing better than time on the water practicing.
