Size Can Matter for Spring Trolling Techniques
When spring arrives and the waters begin to warm, bass fishing heats up, and that’s when size matters—at least when it comes to boats. Smaller boats can be a game-changer during the early spring bass season, offering a variety of benefits that make fishing not only more effective but also more economical.
The Advantages of Smaller Boats
For anglers, the idea of a larger boat may seem appealing, but when it comes to fishing, especially in the early spring, a smaller boat often proves to be the superior choice. One of the primary reasons is the significant difference in fuel consumption. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, every dollar counts, and small boats are incredibly efficient in this department. A smaller boat requires less fuel, which is a huge advantage for anyone looking to stretch their fishing budget further.
Capt. Matt Yablonsky, the owner of Wet Net Charters based in Youngstown, knows this all too well. His 9.9 horsepower Yamaha four-stroke kicker motor is his go-to for a quiet, fuel-efficient ride. When he’s in shallow waters, which is often the case during spring bass fishing, he switches to a Minn Kota trolling motor to maintain a stealthy approach. This not only minimizes disturbance but also helps save even more on gas.
For Yablonsky, who’s a regular contender in the Lake Ontario Counties fishing tournament, the stealth factor is key to his success. “Running a smaller fishing boat has its advantages, from being quieter to saving gas money. Stealth is important to spring bass fishing success, and that helps create repeat clientele.” A quieter, more nimble boat lets him slip into prime bass spots without spooking the fish, which is especially important when the water is still cool and the fish are more cautious.
Stealth and Precision in Spring Fishing
Smaller boats are ideal for making quiet, precise movements in shallow waters, especially where larger boats might struggle to navigate without scaring the fish. As fish become more sensitive to disturbances in early spring, even the sound of a boat can be enough to send them hiding. With a smaller craft, anglers can drift along the shorelines or work tight areas with minimal impact. This stealthy approach is vital to a successful day on the water, as it allows for precise bait placement and reduces the likelihood of scaring off any fish that may be lurking near the surface or in shallow structures.
In addition to maneuverability, a smaller boat can be launched from almost any ramp or dock, making access to hard-to-reach fishing spots much easier. It’s ideal for getting into tight spots where bass may be hiding, especially in areas where larger boats can’t reach.
A Competitive Edge in Bass Fishing
For anglers looking to gain an edge in the competitive world of spring bass fishing, the benefits of a smaller boat are undeniable. In addition to providing a stealthy approach, these boats are easier to handle, more affordable to maintain, and highly effective in targeting bass that are more wary in the cooler waters. Capt. Yablonsky’s approach demonstrates how combining stealth, efficiency, and knowledge of local waters can lead to consistent success.
Some Interesting Information about Challenger Stickbaits
Yablonsky’s go-to baits for trolling are primarily Challenger stickbaits, with a special fondness for the Junior-sized models. These baits are well-suited to his approach and are a staple in his tackle box during the early spring season.
“My favorites are the Juniors,” Yablonsky says, “and the best color patterns for me are emerald shiner, rainbow, and brown trout in the spring.” These colors mimic the local baitfish, making them irresistible to the salmon, lake trout, and other species that frequent the area. However, when Yablonsky is running extremely tight to the shoreline, he switches to J-11 Jointed Rapalas, particularly in the classic black-silver color combo. These Rapalas are great for shallow waters, as they only drop down about three feet, making them perfect for targeting fish close to the shore.
When it comes to water clarity, Yablonsky adjusts his color choices accordingly. In clear water, he prefers natural color patterns that blend well with the environment. However, when the water is stained or murky, he opts for brighter, more visible fluorescent colors like chartreuse and fire tiger. These colors stand out and grab the attention of fish, even in low-visibility conditions, ensuring that his baits are seen and hit by the fish. Yablonsky’s keen understanding of water conditions and his choice of Challenger stickbaits have made him a consistent and successful angler on the Western Basin.
Spring Fishing Tips
Warm waters are the key to early spring season fishing, so Yablonsky will target the mouths of creeks where warmer waters will likely be flowing out into the lake. That water is generally off-color, too, and the darker water will heat up quicker on warm spring days. “I like to put my boat right in the transition areas on the edge of the dirty and clean water,” insists Yablonsky, who won the Trophy Division of the Niagara County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament in 2012 out of his 21-foot Lund Baron aptly named Wet Net.
Rule of Three
Yablonsky’s strategy for trolling during the early spring is based on the “rule of three,” a principle that helps him cover all water conditions and increase his chances of success. “I’ll run three lures in the clean water and three lures in the dirty water,” he explains. His goal is to stay in about eight feet of water, not necessarily targeting specific structures, but keeping in mind areas like holes, dips, or depressions that have historically held fish. These features often serve as key locations for locating fish, especially when water conditions are changing throughout the season.
Side Planers for Your Early Spring Fishing Trip
To further enhance his approach and improve his ability to cover a wide area, Yablonsky utilizes in-line Off Shore side planers. These side planers, with flags, serve as a visual aid, helping both Yablonsky and his customers track the movement of the lures and maintain awareness of his trolling program. The flags also act as a signal to other boaters, indicating the positioning of his boat and lures in the water. He typically spaces the planers 50 feet apart to avoid tangling lines, positioning them at varying distances from the boat: 125 feet, 175 feet, and 225 feet. The length of the lead behind each planer can range from 50 to 150 feet, depending on the water clarity, which helps Yablonsky adjust his presentation to the conditions.
“I’m looking to create a pattern while trying to cover as much water as possible,” Yablonsky says, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and strategy. The maneuverability of his smaller boat plays a big role in his fishing success. In shallow water, especially when the waves are kicking up, his smaller vessel allows for quick turns and easy adjustments. “We can pull the rods from one side of the boat rather quickly to make our turn and then get them back out and working for you in short time,” he adds. This flexibility helps him maintain a steady rhythm and consistently present his lures to the fish, ensuring that his clients are always in the action.
Trolling Speed for Optimal Fishing
Trolling speed is a critical element that can make or break a fishing day, and Captain Matt Yablonsky has honed his technique over the years to adapt to changing conditions. He knows that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to speed, as it can fluctuate based on various factors such as current, water temperature, and fish activity. To start, Yablonsky typically begins his trolling at 1.5 miles per hour, using this as a baseline to assess how the fish are responding. From there, he will adjust his speed accordingly, gradually increasing it up to a maximum of 2.5 miles per hour, depending on what the fish are doing on that particular day. The key to success is tuning into the conditions and staying flexible.
Adjusting Techniques for Warming Water Temperatures
As the water temperatures rise during the spring, Yablonsky shifts his fishing approach to ensure he’s targeting the right species at the right depths. As the water warms, fish like walleye, lake trout, and brown trout become more active and start moving into slightly deeper water. When the temperature reaches the mid-40s, Yablonsky begins to modify his strategy by pulling in the two inside planer boards, which are effective for targeting fish near the surface, and replacing them with downriggers. This change allows him to explore greater depths and target a broader range of species.
To cover multiple layers of the water column, Yablonsky turns to deep-diving Challengers or other body baits on the planer boards, which can reach different depths depending on how far they are set behind the boat. On the downriggers, he employs Michigan Stinger spoons, which are known for their versatility and effectiveness at deeper depths. By using both the planer boards and downriggers, Yablonsky ensures that he can target fish wherever they are located, maximizing his chances of success.
This approach to diversifying tactics and exploring deeper waters allows Yablonsky to remain competitive and adaptive as the spring season progresses. By staying on top of water temperature changes and adjusting his gear accordingly, he ensures that his clients have the best possible chance at landing a mixed bag of fish, including brown trout, steelhead, lake trout, Coho salmon, and occasionally even a king salmon. This adaptability is what keeps Yablonsky at the forefront of Lake Ontario’s competitive fishing scene.
The Salmon Program
As the calendar shifts towards the end of the month, Captain Matt Yablonsky adjusts his strategy to focus on the highly anticipated salmon program. This marks a major transition in his fishing approach, as he heads directly to the drop-off near the red buoy marker on the Niagara Bar. This spot is well-known for its consistent success in producing catches, making it a staple in Yablonsky’s spring fishing routine. The area is strategically positioned where the fresh river water from the Niagara River meets the warmer green waters from Lake Erie. This unique convergence of waters creates an optimal environment for baitfish like smelt and emerald shiners, which become a primary food source for predatory fish, including king salmon.
Yablonsky’s primary target during this time is the king salmon, which begins to concentrate in the depths of 60 to 80 feet. The drop-off in this location is no ordinary underwater feature—it’s a massive ledge that stretches for miles. The bottom drops off sharply, plunging from 60 feet to over 200 feet in a relatively short distance. This dramatic change in depth is crucial because it creates a transition zone where salmon can ambush baitfish, using the cooler waters for protection while still staying close to the warmer currents where the baitfish are abundant.
Yablonsky’s deep understanding of these underwater dynamics and the behavior of the salmon plays a key role in his success during the salmon season. By strategically positioning his boat along this drop-off, he maximizes his chances of encountering trophy kings. The deep-water ledge not only provides the perfect habitat for salmon but also serves as an ambush point where salmon are likely to strike at the abundant baitfish.
One of the critical elements of Yablonsky’s salmon program is his knowledge of weather conditions. “Weather conditions, mainly wind, are a huge factor when it comes to where that river water will flow,” he says. He recognizes that prevailing winds, typically out of the west or southwest, create offshore breezes that influence the direction of the river’s flow and the behavior of the fish. Even when conditions become too rough on the lake, Yablonsky can still turn to the lower Niagara River, where calmer waters allow him to target trout and other species without the wind interference, ensuring that fishing opportunities remain available no matter the conditions. This flexibility in his approach, combined with his understanding of the water and fish behavior, allows Yablonsky to consistently provide a productive and enjoyable fishing experience throughout the spring salmon season.
Drift Fishing Tactics in the Lower River
For anglers looking to improve their fishing technique, especially when targeting trout in the lower river, booking a charter can be an excellent way to sharpen your skills. A charter offers the opportunity to learn drift fishing tactics firsthand under the guidance of an experienced captain who is intimately familiar with the waters. This hands-on experience is invaluable, especially since trout remain in the river until the end of May, making the lower river a prime spot for anglers during this period.
Drift fishing in the lower river is an effective method for targeting trout, as the water is constantly moving, allowing anglers to present their bait naturally. A skilled captain will demonstrate how to maintain the right drift speed, adjusting for water flow and fish behavior. This technique involves letting your bait flow with the current, which is the most natural presentation for trout in this environment. Watching and learning from the charter captain’s approach will help you develop your ability to read the water, recognize the best fishing spots, and adjust your tactics as needed.
Beyond drift fishing, charters are also a great way to pick up trolling techniques that are highly effective during early spring. When trolling along the lakeshore, small boats are often ideal for navigating shallow waters where brown trout are commonly found. These boats offer increased maneuverability, allowing you to fish tight to the shoreline and target areas where fish tend to congregate. A charter captain will provide you with insights into trolling methods, including the best gear, baits, and techniques for the conditions of the day. This knowledge will significantly increase your chances of success, particularly in early spring when fish are actively feeding.
However, anglers should remain mindful of the potential hazards in the lower river. The area is dotted with rocks and submerged obstacles that can be tricky to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with the waters. A charter experience allows you to familiarize yourself with these features in a safe, controlled manner, giving you the confidence to navigate the river on your own in the future. By learning to recognize these hazards, you’ll be better equipped to avoid them while fishing, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water.
More Tips for Salmon
Captain Matt Yablonsky’s approach to salmon fishing during the spring season is all about precision, strategy, and efficiency. To maximize his chances of success, he begins by deploying two wire divers on each side of the boat, setting them at varying depths to target fish at different levels of the water column. The inside divers are placed deeper, trailing at distances of 150 and 180 feet, while the outside divers are positioned higher, set at 90 and 120 feet. This arrangement ensures that his presentation covers a broader spectrum of depths, with about 60 feet of separation between the low and high baits, allowing for a more comprehensive approach.
In addition to wire divers, Yablonsky also relies on downriggers to fine-tune his fishing program. By running baits directly at the downrigger ball, he ensures that they are placed at the optimal depth for maximum effectiveness. To further increase his chances of attracting fish, he employs stackers on each downrigger. This allows him to run two spoons simultaneously on a single downrigger, increasing his coverage and diversifying his presentation. The dual spoons target fish at different depths, giving him a better opportunity to hook into a variety of fish.
When selecting lures, Yablonsky prefers using Silver Streaks or Michigan Stingers. These lightweight and thin baits have proven to maintain excellent action even at slower trolling speeds, making them ideal for spring fishing when fish may be less active. His experience has shown him that a simple setup can often be the most effective. By focusing solely on these two lines during the spring season, he avoids overcomplicating his gear, trusting that this streamlined approach will yield the best results.
“Less can be more in the spring,” Yablonsky asserts, whether you are talking tackle or fishing boat size. With over 14 years of fishing experience, Yablonsky has proven that simplicity, consistency, and attention to detail are the keys to successful salmon fishing outings. His method has resulted in numerous successful trips, showcasing the effectiveness of his no-frills approach to spring fishing.
Contacts
For more information on Yablonsky (especially about fishing boats), check out his website at www.getthenetwet.com or call him at 716-550-0413.
Original Article By Bill Hilts, Jr
About The Author
Bill Hilts, Jr. is Niagara County’s Sportfishing Promotion Person and Outdoor Sports Specialist for Niagara County Tourism and Convention Corporation. He is currently president of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council.
