A WET BIRD FLIES BY NIGHT

by John McKean

" Mornin'! How 'bout a cup of pipin' hot coffee?" called the kindly old fella from the next campsite.

I could hardly believe anyone was up and ready before me, but gladly accepted his offer.

Turned out ole Bill had arisen WAY before me - like 11 PM the previous night! He went on to explain, in his low key, humble manner, that by only fishing in darkness, big largemouth bass went berserk for his slow motion, carefully worked topwater plugs. Then, noticing my arched brows and open mouth, sleepy-eyed Bill directed me to his large cooler.

"Tough night," he calmly stated, "we actually had to WORK for these for once!" My jaw dropped even lower as I gaped at the lid-level stack of fresh green lunkers ! It seems Bill had several partners to assist him, now sound asleep, yet after getting to know this always tired looking old master over several summers, my bet is the ole timer could have easily packed a nightly coolerful by himself anytime he wanted.

Comparing notes. it became clear that Bill and I fished almost exactly alike. Well, sort of. Vacationing on New York's St. Lawrence River each August, I placed home made bucktail jigs deep down at the base of 18' weed edges in search of northern pike, while night-owl Bill "jigged" wooden floaters through open water bay areas for bass. Our actual retrieves were remarkably similar - keeping rods pointed toward each respective lure we'd wind baitcaster handles a turn or two, then simply pause. Of course, my jigs darted forward then fluttered and dove, while his plug crawled ahead then fluttered and settled on top. Neither of us attempted to instill extra action, preferring to have baits swim as naturally as possible. And, almost always, strikes mostly came for both of us during the pauses.

As a dedicated jig fisherman for the past 50 years, then, my well honed crank and pause technique serves just fine for working my brand new BIRD after dark. Of course, ole friend Bill always comes to mind, especially with this summer's accessive heat driving me to enjoy the coolness and solitude of the 9 to 4 AM shift! As Bill confided, relatively open water areas by night see lunker bass roaming and plundering away from their usual day time hidey holes. Then, too, treble hooks of old time surface plugs essentially required wide open basins to keep hooks somewhat clean, and evening air free from constant obscenities!

Still, a bay bound surface caster is frequently over, or very near, weeds, pads, and floating debris. Our modern BIRD ,snagless as can be be over anything, makes things so much more pleasant!! After all, neither in deep water jigging nor night time surface work can we actually see the cover that we fish.

A "baker's dozen" observations of starlight BIRD workings :

1) While boating, keep well out from shoreline. The 5/8 oz aerodynamic BIRD casts a mile, and you sure don't want to chuck it into trees. Now, if you fish from shore, let 'er fly!

2)Concentrate on the BIRD's wingspan, and allow it to "swim". That is, the stop-n-go jigging motion creates a nice flapping pulse to supply a most natural touch.

3) Mostly maintain the jigging style retrieve, but don't be afraid to change up the pace. Short "pops" supply noise which sometimes is terrific.

4)When "bumps in the night" -weed clumps,pads, or sticks-are perceived, try a slow steady retrieve to climb right over them. Bass go bonkers when a lost, injured critter knocks or crashes into any structure.

5)Getting tired? Allow longer pauses after each short swim or twitch. A deadstick approach can be deadly at night. Enjoy a cup of coffee.

6)Concluding a retrieve, pause the BIRD for just an instant before lifting into the boat. You'll sometimes be very surprised to learn what was tracking it unseen below! Just last night this tactic yielded my biggest largemouth!

7)A longer "flipping stick" is often in order to acquire maximum distance. Covering water is the name of the night game.

8)BIRD hooksetting is best done as a POWER maneuver. That is, on the strike crank down hard, actually GRIND the handle, with the rod pointing toward Mr. Bass. Imagine trying to stretch his lips about a foot or more. Then invoke a total body turn, rod firmly locked on hips, and drag him a bit more. Chances are the bass will actually not be moved, but the hook sure will be secured inside his jaw!

9)Enjoy the battle, but don't play him overly long. Obstructions where a bass may head just can't be seen (by us) during pitch blackness.

10) Return on subsequent nights to swim the BIRD over areas where bulges or ripples were spotted, but no strikes occurred. This could well be the private hunting ground of a monster that holds up in impossible cover during daylight.

11)During a midnight cruise, fire the BIRD out over deep water every so often. It's a fact that many untouched lunkers lounge while suspended over extreme depths while in sunshine, but travel to shallow "supermarkets" after dark. Intercept them enroute and greet an eager feeder!

12)While daytime BIRD fishing can be heartstopping, everything is magnified by the stillness of night. Carry an extra pair of undershorts. Trust me on this!

13) Wear a life jacket and be careful out there. In the giddiness of hauling in that tenth BIRD hooked bass, it's easy to misstep!

How long do you stay at it? Well, I have a pike fishing pal who is an expert jig fisherman and often asked that very question. In his thick, native German accent he always laughingly assures, "Ya yust haf' to keep on yiggin'!" Same goes for night time surface work - keep your flyin' BIRD wet!