Anglers across the Midwest have the opportunity to chase a variety of fish species. In the late spring and early summer fishing options are about as varied as it gets. Most species of fish are willing to bite right now: All we as anglers have to do is decide what specie of fish we want to catch. For some anglers, largemouth bass are the specie of choice.

During the year largemouth can be found in several areas throughout a body of water. Right now though, a large percentage of bass will be in shallow water. When they are shallow, bass can be easy to catch. However, there are a couple things we need to keep in mind when chasing largemouth for the best chance at success.

First remember that largemouth bass, or any fish, will probably be spooky in shallow water. Anglers need to keep quiet, and they need to make longer casts if they want to be successful.

Although it’s fun to see bass swimming around in clear shallow water, it will often be easier to catch them in shallow water that is stained or even dirty. They won’t be as spooky when their visibility is limited, although you will still need to be quiet.

Shut the outboard motor off a good distance from the area to be fished and sneak into your fishing position with an electric motor. The Minn Kota Auto Pilot motor that is preferred by many anglers is extremely quiet, so the spooking effect is lessened.

There are a lot of ways to catch shallow water bass, but the method favored by many accomplished bass-catchers includes spinnerbaits and soft plastic jerk baits.

If two anglers are fishing together, the angler to fish the area first should throw a spinnerbait. A Pro-Model Reed-Runner is a good choice, as the blade turns very easily, allowing for slow, fluttering retrieves. Work the spinnerbait around the edges of cover first, then throw it past the cover and bring it right through the middle of the suspected fish-holding area.

The second angler should try a bait like a Gulp! Sinking Minnow. Rig this bait Texas-Style or try the new Wacky rigging method. Generally no weight will be used, just an appropriate sized hook. This allows for a very slow presentation. The spinnerbait will take the more aggressive fish, the plastic will take those that are more finicky.

When a bass hits the plastic, the indication of a strike will be a jump in the line, or maybe the line will just start moving sideways. The new Vanish Transition line is great for this style of fishing. It is very visible to the angler, so strikes can be detected easily, but it is nearly invisible to the fish.

There are lots of ways to catch fish right now. If largemouth bass are your choice, spinnerbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits are a good way to catch them. Find out for yourself on your next trip to the lake.

For more fish-catching information, visit fishingthemidwest.com