But, there are steps you can take to boost your early-season odds. First, increase your chances of enticing one to strike by fishing lakes with ample numbers. True, fish may be smaller on average than in trophy waters that host fewer fish. But, even a 40-incher is probably bigger than anything a beginner has ever had on a line. Smaller males will lurk amidst the first few strands of coontail or cabbage weeds looking for a meal.
Bigger females move in as weeds thicken.
Keep back and away from the weeds to avoid spooking shallow fish. Make long casts to about 4 feet of water and reel it just below the water and right over the tops of weeds. Try three or four casts to the same small patch. Repeated presentations may aggravate them to strike. Use a fast, steady retrieve.