Small Baits, Lures Key To Summertime Fishing

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — When the action is slow, go small. That’s a given in fishing.

The dog days of late July and August usually result in a downturn of fi shing success, but many anglers meet the challenge by switching to little baits and lures.

Smaller minnows are one example. Waxworms and meal worms instead of nightcrawlers are another.

With lures, selections can range from 4-inch plastic worms for largemouth bass to very small items like popping bugs and Rooster Tails for several species, including bluegill.

A bit of history is in order here about popping bugs and bluegill. Almost 60 years ago, bluegill fi shing started Lake Conway toward its legendary status. Remarkable strings of bluegill came in from 1951through the 1960s and later.

Various baits, live red worms and crickets, of course, but others like wasp larvae, were commonly used. Many bluegill fi shermen were highly successful with popping bugs. These were usually worked on fly rods but not in the traditional whip back and forth action we often associate with fl y fi shing.

The fly rod with a popping bug was used more like a cane pole, but the limber rod gave the lure more action and the fisherman more range.

Popping bugs are still around. They’re wood or cork with tiny hooks and thin legs poking out from the body.

The idea is to toss the lure out, let it set still for a few seconds then bring it back in short jerks in which it makes a slight popping sound.