Introduction to Lake Ontario Bass Fishing by Captain Ted Dobs:
I’ve always considered myself a fortunate fisherman. With each passing year, my skills seem to improve just a bit, and I attribute this growth not to any mystical force over our aquatic friends, but to the invaluable opportunities I’ve had through Lake Ontario Outdoors magazine. Befriending, listening to, and learning from some of the best anglers in the Northeast has greatly enriched my fishing experience.
One such angler is bass pro, guide, and owner of Angling Addiction Charters, Dean Mekas. His name may ring a bell, as Dean has made a mark with national TV appearances on “Hook and Look” and the internationally broadcast show “Lunkerville” on the World Fishing Network.
As a seasoned tournament fisherman, Dean has an impressive track record, with victories that include two BFL (Bass Fishing League) titles and a win at the Bass Federation event in Ogdensburg. Most notably, he set a new standard this past year by reeling in an astonishing 25.8 pounds of smallmouth bass during an Anglers Choice tournament in Clayton, achieving an average of over 5 pounds per fish. For those unfamiliar with competitive fishing, such a feat is exceptionally rare in our northern waters, especially given that live bait is prohibited.
So, what’s Dean’s secret to success? Just like you, I was eager to find out. After numerous conversations, Lake Ontario Outdoors magazine finally coaxed Dean into revealing his strategies. The insights he shared were both enlightening and unexpected. Dean attributes his success in Lake Ontario bass fishing to what I call “simplistic confidence” in three fundamental techniques that most anglers are already familiar with.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson we can glean from Dean is the importance of simplicity. He emphasizes spending more time on the water honing our skills rather than constantly chasing the latest lures or trends. In a world overflowing with fishing gear, Dean’s approach reminds us that sometimes, less truly is more when it comes to enjoying the sport of fishing.
Three Winning Lake Ontario Bass Fishing Techniques
With the multitude of baits and techniques available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of the simple joy of bass fishing. Whether I’m tournament fishing or guiding clients on Eastern Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, I rely on three user-friendly techniques that my clients can master with minimal instruction.
How to Drop Shot for Bass
The first technique I recommend for Lake Ontario bass fishing is drop-shotting. This method is a straightforward adaptation of an old live bait rig, with the weight positioned anywhere from three inches to three feet below the hook. When I drop shot for bass, I typically set my weight about one foot below a Gamakatsu wide gap hook (#1 or #2).
The drop-shot rig is usually fished vertically beneath the boat in depths ranging from 15 to 50 feet. However, it can also be cast out and slowly dragged or jigged back to the boat.
Slow Presentation
The key to effective drop-shotting is a slow presentation; the bait doesn’t require excessive action. Whether fishing in deep or shallow waters, it’s crucial to maintain bottom contact. While bass fishing on Lake Ontario, allow the weight to bounce along the bottom while the bait hovers enticingly above it.
To rig the drop shot for bass, use a polymer knot, clinch knot, or your preferred knot, and leave a long tag end to attach your weight. This technique allows anglers to present their bait in a manner that feels natural and enticing to the fish, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced anglers.
Clip-on Weights
Weights designed for drop-shotting have a clip on them that attaches to the line without having to be tied. Other weights will work, like split-shot, a pegged bullet sinker, or a regular bank sinker, but the clip-on style will slide off the line when hung on bottom so you won’t have to retie an entire rig.
Drop-Shotting Bait
When drop-shotting for bass, I typically opt for minnow imitations in the three- to four-inch range. Last season, my go-to bait was the Kietech Shad Impact. For all three techniques, I use a Rhapsody Maestro rod, which is a medium-power spinning rod with extra fast action, paired with 8- to 10-pound test fluorocarbon or monofilament line. This setup provides the sensitivity needed to feel bites while maintaining the strength to handle larger fish.
Wacky Rigs for Bass
Another highly effective method for Lake Ontario bass fishing is the wacky rig. My favorite bait for this technique is the five-inch Gary Yamamoto Senko, with the hook inserted in the center of the worm’s body. I prefer using a Gamakatsu 2/0 straight shank worm hook because it holds better in the fish’s mouth, reducing the number of fish that come unbuttoned. I’ve experimented with shorter shank finesse hooks, but I find that they lack the hook penetration offered by the longer shank.
Picking Your Colors
When it comes to color selection, I stick with darker natural shades. I believe color is less critical with wacky rigs than with other techniques. During tournament fishing, I often carry three different colors—green pumpkin, watermelon red flake, and black with blue flake—and simply rebait my hook with whatever I feel like at the moment.
Simple Casting
To fish with a wacky rigged worm, cast near visible cover such as docks, rock piles, stumps, or the edges of weeds, allowing the bait to fall naturally on a semi-slack line without adding any action. The slow, undulating motion as the worm free-falls to the bottom is what often triggers strikes.
Once the bait reaches the bottom, which may take several seconds due to its weightless presentation, give your bait a gentle snap off the bottom by lifting it about a foot and letting it settle again. If no strike occurs, reel in and make another cast.
Fishing with wacky rigs is an incredibly simple technique that requires little skill, making it ideal for kids, novice anglers, or anyone transitioning from live bait to artificial lures. This approach not only enhances your fishing experience but also increases your chances of landing more bass.
Dragging a Tube Bait
While wacky rigging and drop-shotting are effective for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, dragging a tube bait is primarily a technique tailored for targeting smallmouth bass. This method can be easily mastered and is particularly effective in putting some of the biggest bass in the lake into your boat, whether you’re fishing in shallow or deep water.
Style and Size
The key to successfully dragging a tube bait lies in its action. When crawled slowly along the bottom and occasionally deflecting off rocks, boulders, or wooden structures, the tube mimics the movements of crayfish—one of the smallmouth’s favorite prey. Tubes that resemble Gobies (small baitfish) or crayfish, typically in the three- to four-inch range, work best. My top color choices include shades like green pumpkin, smoke, watermelon, and root beer, often with various flake combinations to add sparkle and attract attention.
When selecting tube jigheads, you’ll find a variety of styles and sizes available. I personally prefer a cylindrical-shaped head with a 90-degree hook eye. This design allows the jig to kick out and deflect when it strikes an object, creating a more erratic action that can entice a strike from curious bass.
Hook Quality
The quality of your hook is paramount; it must be robust enough to withstand the force of a giant bass without straightening out. The weight of the jighead is also crucial and should be chosen based on the fishing conditions, including depth, wind, and current. Generally, I recommend using 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads for waters less than 10 feet deep. However, in deeper waters or heavy currents, I may opt for jigheads as heavy as 3/4-ounce. Remember, the goal is for the tube to gently tick across the bottom rather than dredging it, which can often result in spooking fish.
In conclusion, dragging a tube bait is not only a straightforward technique to master, but it also offers anglers an excellent opportunity to catch quality smallmouth bass, making it a must-try method for anyone serious about fishing on Lake Ontario.
Original Article By Dean Mekas
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
