Entry 74-5
Fishing With Chad Brauer
Fishing Un-Ideal Conditions
Editor's Note: Chad Brauer of Osage Beach, Missouri, son of fishing pro Denny Brauer, has grown up in a fishing family and has fished professionally for almost a decade. Brauer has made a name for himself on the professional bass-fishing circuit, finishing in the top-10 in many tournaments, and has competed in the Bassmaster Classic. This week he discusses with us how he reels in success in situations where most fishermen want to bring in their reels.
Question: What do you do if something suddenly muddies up your fishing area?
Brauer: This situation happens at many of the places we have tournaments. Some lakes just have a lot of boat traffic, and that's something you have to deal with. When boat traffic comes your way, you try to do the best you can. If someone drives a boat through the area, I’ll let that region rest for a while by going to another spot and then coming back to that place. However, there are also times when boat traffic generates strikes. This happens when the fish don’t want to do a lot and the waves from the boat stir them up and helps generate strikes. For example, there are some places where guys have done well during tournaments by fishing around ferry boats. Every time the ferry comes in it may generate fish. Fishing is a lot like a card game. Each situation is different, and you just have to play the hand you’re dealt and do the best you can.
Question: What do you do if the wind starts blowing?
Brauer: I like to fish in the wind because I think it makes the bass more aggressive. If I have a choice between a calm bank and a windy bank, I'll choose the windy one. Many times on the windy bank the water will be dirtier, allowing you to try different things. The fish will get further away from the cover and become more aggressive. Often, I’ll fish just like there’s just been a big rain. Pay attention to whether the wind’s making the fish more aggressive or not because there are times throughout the year when the bass want calmer water. The main thing when fishing in the wind is to fish into the wind for boat control. If you don’t, the wind will blow you away from the bass instead of into them, which may scare the bass away.
Contents:
- Part 1: Cloud Cover Fishing
- Part 2: Fishing the Unexpected
- Part 3: Muddy-Water Fishing
- Part 4: When a Lure Stops Producing
- Part 5: Fishing Un-Ideal Conditions
