RATTLE BAITS FOR MUSKY???

[COOPER]

Why in spring in southern resivoirs are rattle baits so effective. if in general the rule is to slow the presentation down in fall when water temps are in the high 40's and low
50's. why would a rattle bait moving at such high speeds be the most prokductive in spring with the same water temps?

[dahlberg]

Hi C
Because people who said that may have made incomplete observations. Rules in fishing are always general rules of thumb. Always let the fish decide! Often a "fixed" temp isn't the deal. Often the deal is whether temps are inclining, declining or stable.
best,
L

[COOPER]

Ok thanks larry. so there kinda like us. In spring after a long winter when the temp reaches 50 or 60 we start wearing shorts. and in fall when it declines to that, we think
it is cold and start bundling up.

[dahlberg]

not exactly, during spring the water temps rise week to week on average, but on a daily hour by hour sometimes basis fluctuate greatly due to weather conditions. Generally, nite is cool water temps in shallows coolest in early early am.
when sun come up, water temp in direct sun slowly inclines. rate depends on depth, bottom color etc.
wind can blow warm surface water huge distances. Even though they may have been very catchable while in cold water, often fish that move from cold to warm don't get aggressive until their bodies have warmed to the same temp as the water they are in. Once that happens, look out; before that happens it's almost impossible.
best,
L