June is big Smallmouth Time on the Great Lakes!

Start Bass Season with a Bang!

By Luigi De Rose

June is a magical month. For many states and particularly the province of Ontario, it is the month that bass fishing begins. It is also one of the best times of year to nail a whopper. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway is the location for anglers who are after truly giant smallmouth. These fresh water oceans remain cold and smallmouth bass are just now thinking of spawning.  This year we suffered a frigid winter which has attributed to an even slower progression into summer.

Shimano and Hunninbird pro, Derek Strub is all
smiles with his 7.1 pound Lake Erie smallmouth. 

For the angler, this is the time to target large flats, rocky points, channels and even shallow spawning flats if the water temperature is conducive for it. There are many techniques that work on smallmouth. No need to over complicate the presentations to catch these beasts. It is best to break it down into two categories: search and finesse. Search baits such as: spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits even topwaters are ideal at trigging a reaction bite. If the bass are scattered and aggressive this quick presentation might be all you need. Play to the mood of the fish.

If you're getting wild hits but not connecting, you'll need to alternative between search and a finesse rig to cater to the bass. Don't be stubborn, switching to a finesse rig will save the day. A few bass might attack a search bait but scores of others will remain uninterested. Alternating between a tube jig and a drop shot will have you in the strike zone longer.

Venturing out onto the Great Lakes is not for everyone. It takes the correct gear, the correct weather and the knowledge to adjust to the fishing conditions but the rewards are well worth it.

** Fishing for any species out of season is unethical and against the law. If you cannot wait until your area legally opens for bass fishing then it is time for a road trip to New York or Michigan  **

Fun from Saturday

By Luigi De Rose

Nothing is sweeter than opening day. It felt especially rewarding to be out a week earlier. Judging from the crowds, everyone took advantage of a day out on the lake. Here is a quick clip of my best of the day. Skipped a Yamamoto Senko right into his mouth.

Welcome JUNE!

By Luigi De Rose

Hello June! June is like meeting an old fishing friend. A flood of fond memories washes over you and the hope for many new adventures.  For anglers in the north, June is a very welcome sight. Boats are in the water, reels are spooled and hopefully the rust from a long winter is knocked off.  This June we have a lot to be thankful for.

For Ontario anglers, Fishing Zones 17, 18 and 20 will have bass season one week earlier this year. So, mark on your calendar the 3rd Saturday in June and the new opening day. Most of you have been frothing, just like me, at the hopes of wetting a line earlier than normal. If your favourite bass spot isn't in one of these zones, you'll have to wait another whole week before heading out. Double check on-line for any changes to the regulations. Any of the fishing stores I've visited in the last few months have not received the 2013 Ontario Fishing Regulations summary. Avoid any head aches and give it a read.

 

What is happening with IBASSIN in June and July?

Well, a lot of things are happening. More videos will be up-loaded here and featured on our YOUTUBE channel. Have a look if you haven't in a while. I am testing a new tank for lure demos and working on short fishing segments for when you need a quick fix.

Another cool thing is my Skeeter Bass Boat will be outfitted with a Minn Kota Talon. Finally called up Minn Kota and got one. Even got a new Humminbird as the one I have on the dash is slowly becoming obsolete.  I am looking forward to using the Talon as I mine the docks and pads this June. Cannot wait to try the newest GPS either and see if I can find some isolated smallmouth.

One of the most exciting things to happen in June is reading all the press releases coming in advance of ICAST, the world's biggest fishing show. I will be heading to Vegas and this year I will be trying to make our FACEBOOK page more interactive and exciting. ICAST is the best place to catch all the new cutting edge products and rub elbows with the pros and media people. If you have not liked us on FACEBOOK please do so you don't miss the flood of photos and videos.

I will be pestering all the booths at ICAST for free swag to offer you as a payoff for a LIKE on Facebook. Free stuff always get me running and hopefully I will snag a whole assortment of great stuff. I'll be trying like hell to get as many autographed gifts from all the biggest and best anglers from BASS and FLW. 

This is just a quick snap shot of what we have for our loyal viewers in June and early July. Come back soon for more up-dates.

Good Luck Steelheaders

I know, I know, this is a trout. But, the last Saturday in April is a Holy day. The opener of trout is a big deal for anglers in Ontario. Good luck to all!