Scott McGlinchey

We know spring is here to stay now and summer temperatures will be here in a few weeks. On Saturday May 3rd, a second wave of largemouth bass moved up to spawn and they were hitting the weightless trick worm extremely well. Today there are crappie, bluegill, red ear, largemouth, and maybe some smallmouth still spawning. Channel catfish are prowling the shallow water and they will be next to spawn.

Getting back to bass fishing, there is some Largemouth occupying early summer ledges. Those bass are post spawn. Right now you can catch largemouth that are in pre spawn, spawning, and post spawn. There will be a third wave of females moving up to spawn any day. Early post spawn bass can be taken from points and ledges that connect to the bank that continue out into deeper water.

The bluegill fishing right now is outstanding. The big males are up building nests. You can find the beds with side imaging or forward facing sonar. While fishing with a bobber is a fun way to catch them dragging a worm, on the bottom may be the most effective way. I prefer to use red worms hooked in the head leaving the tail to dangle. I was bass fishing with a friend a couple days ago in shallow water and we located some beds and switched over to catch bluegills. In a few hours we found 4 beds and caught a load of big bluegills. The bluegill fishing will be good for a few more weeks.

If you're in town fishing for fun or here preparing for a tournament, I am sure I can help you in either department. If you just want to enjoy a day of catching quality bass, panfish, catfish or are wanting to learn how to effectively fish offshore I am as good as it gets! I had excellent results in my career as a baseball and wrestling coach and use the same skills to help my clients learn bass fishing. I have over thirty years of ledge fishing experience and have spent 4000 hours diving underwater on various bodies of water observing fish in their home. If you want to book a trip with me please try to call me as the communication over the phone is much more effective and consumes less time than emails. I do respond to all forms of communication as quick as I can. Please check out and like/follow my Shelldivers Guide Service Facebook page. I will have additional pictures posted there; some are underwater photos of fish and shellbeds.