How to Chase Schooling Bass With Shad
By: John N. Felsher
A walking topwater bait zigzags across the surface like a wounded shad, making an excellent temptation for largemouth bass and other fish. (John N. Felsher photo)
Just beyond casting range, the placid water exploded
with activity as frantic 5- to 6-pound bass smashed into a school of terrified
threadfin shad.
We kicked the trolling motor into high gear and
began casting to where the waters churned only moments ago. However, fish began
blowing up on the surface just beyond casting range in the spot we had just
left!
“Chasing schooling fish can be frustrating,” said Tim Horton, a
professional bass angler from Alabama. “We never know where they might pop up
or when.”
Such commotions regularly tantalize anglers all across North
America. When in a feeding frenzy, bass attack shad from multiple directions.
They herd the baitfish into balls and force them to the surface where the prey
run out of escape room. Usually, some bass will run through the ball to bust up
the shad, as their big-mouthed brethren move in to gorge themselves on any
stragglers they can catch.
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