Strike King® pro Mark Rose shares why he describes November as “open water” month in Zone 4.
“A lot of the lakes are experiencing winter drawdowns,” shares Rose. With the lower water levels, there is not as much cover in the water. “Fish are usually orienting around shad more so that brush piles/laydowns – I would describe it as an ‘open water’ month,” shares Rose.
If the water is clear, Rose prefers Green Gizzard Shad. In stained water, he switches to Chrome Black or Chrome Blue. For muddy water, Rose will favor Sexy Shad.
The Red Eyed Shad has incredible action, premium hooks, 3D eyes, and free-floating rattles.
Rose removes the skirt and pairs the Strike King Mini Pro-Buzzbait with the 3.25" Rage® Swimmer trailer to add weight and create a more realistic shad profile.
Rose’s choice for clear water is Black, while he opts for White if the water is stained. Rose grabs White Chartreuse in muddy or low-vis conditions.
"Around schools, you can hold your rod tip up and wind it right through them. You can throw it considerably farther than just about any other bait you’d use around schooling fish,” says Rose.
He opts for the Chrome Lil Ledge Spoon in clear water, and switches to White Chrome if the water is stained. Rose will choose Sexy Shad in muddy water.
Rose uses the KVD® 1.0 Crankbait to cover shallow flats and hit whatever cover is available.
If the water is clear, he will throw Green Gizzard Shad, while more stained water calls for Gizzard. In muddy water, Rose will favor Sexy Shad.
