Entry 239-1

Where to Catch ‘Em in February with Denny Brauer

Part 1: Bet on the Wild Shiner

Question: Denny, how will you catch bass in February?

Brauer: I think February is a great month to catch bass, although it’s usually an overlooked month. But I know on my home lake, the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, during the last half of February, fishing for bass is as good as it gets, regardless of whether the area has snow and ice or 60-degree weather. This month is when I can catch the biggest bass of the year on this lake.

The second half of February and the first half of March, you can’t beat the Lake of the Ozarks for catching big bass. And the good news is, most people don’t fish during this time period. So, the other few fishermen and I pretty much have the lake to ourselves. I don’t know whether the fishermen think the weather is too bad, or the bass aren’t biting, but for some reason, most people just don’t get out on the lake in February. So, the lake’s not receiving much fishing pressure.

Question: Denny, what techniques are you using to catch bass at this time of the year?

Brauer: I really like to fish Strike King’s KVD Wild Shiner, especially if the weather’s really bad and the water temperature has not begun to rise. I’ve fished the lake when we’ve had to deal with 36- to 45-degree water temperature. I’ve still caught plenty of big bass then by fishing the ends of bluffs and even the shallow pea gravel and secondary points back in the coves, especially if this region h as stable weather patterns. In stable water, the bass will move up to that 5- to 10-foot-deep zone and begin to feed. I like to use 8- to 10-pound-test line at that time to jerk the Wild Shiner down and then fish it really slow. I like the suspending model of the Wild Shiner in the shad colors, the most- awesome fishing for big bass in the winter. Using this tactic, I’ve caught a 9-1/2-pounder, which for the northern species of bass, is a really good size fish.

Question: What rod and reel combination are you using to fish this Wild Shiner?

Brauer: I like the 6-1/2- to 7-foot Daiwa Steez rod that’s designed for worm and jig fishing because it’s super lightweight and can give my cast a lot of snap. I also like the Steez reel; I think this combination is one of the lightest rods and reels on the market today. This rod-and-reel combination allows me to cast really well, even on windy days.

Next: Don’t Forget the Jig

Contents:

• Part 1: Bet on the Wild Shiner
• Part 2: Don’t Forget the Jig
• Part 3: Brauer’s Back-Up Pattern for February
• Part 4: Go Big and White
• Part 5: Tube ‘Em Up in February