Lake Harris & Tallapoosa River Impoundments

By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

Lake Harris in May

This month is hailed as topwater month among most fishing enthusiasts. Lake Harris is no exception to that rule. After these monster bass bed, many female bass return to thicker cover or head for deeper water for the summer.

But before they do, they spend for some time recuperating and feeding in or near shallow water. Many bass are still in shallow water all throughout the month of May.

This is when topwater explosions can surprise even veteran anglers, most of which are unaware of the heart-stopping strikes these 10 pound plus bass display. Heart pills may be needed!

Best Lures? In May, bass will hit everything in the box, from top to bottom. Still certain model topwater lures, entice more strikes than other surface lures.

Schooling bass during May, can often be just a good cast away, when suddenly surfacing, these bass can attack a school of hapless baitfish with a vengeance.

There is one lure you should have rigged for just such an occasion. It is a lure that entices strikes from bass that don't even know your around. The Zara Super Spook.

Distance can be attained with the long cast's one can acquire using  Pradco’s, “Jimmy Houston Signature Series Zara Super Spook.” It is much heavier than earlier model zara spooks, meaning longer cast's and less wind resistance.

This oversized offering, also has three hooks instead of two, with super sharp Excaliber rotating hooks for more holding power.

The Zara Super Spook comes in an awfully, realistic-looking holographic finish, now with a loud rattle chamber and some very distinct-looking eyes. See: www.lurenet.com

There are many other enticing lures that will fool these monster bass on Lake Harris during the spring season. To many to list for now.

As during any outing, its up to the bass to decide on a favorite lure and the angler to experiment, until he finds the key to unlocking the mystery of the day's bite.

From top to bottom, these bass can be caught with a variety of offerings. See www.spro.com or www.lurenet.com, www.genelarew.com or www.theduce.com for a wide choice of soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, trailers and topwater lures.

Texas and Carolina-rigged worms of all sizes, lizards, crayfish imitations, jig combos and even small finesse lures are great for these often slow, bottom feeding bass.

Crankbaits, rattling lipless lures and hard jerkbaits fool a lot of trophy bass with unexpected, instinct strikes.

Topwaters, soft & hard jerkbaits, floating worms, lizards, and of course spinnerbaits of all sizes, are just a few more of the shallow-to-deep water offerings to try during the shallow water months of March, April and May. 

* A few words of caution: There are Big bass in Lake Harris. Many bass from 10-16 pounds have been caught each spring, by the angler fortunate enough to land one of these tackle-testing bass.

Always bring a good rod, reel and big, long handled landing net. Sharpen or replace all hooks, check your reel's drag, use 20 to 25 pound test Trilene Big Game monofilament or fluorocarbon line and be prepared.

Many anglers just go home with the old tale of the one that got away. Don't let this season’s, ”Big Bass Disaster” happen to you, due to these often, overlooked angler errors. Be prepared!

* Looking for a new or used boat?
Go to: www.airportmarine.com and see their bass tournament trail info found there. Alabama's best paying tournament trails and annual events!

* Looking for a great bass tournament trail?
Go to: www.airportmarinetournamenttrail.com

* Looking for the best bass boat in the world?
Go to: www.rangerboats.com

* Looking for fishing rods, reels, fishing tackle and hunting items?
Go to: www.marksoutdoors.com

Practice catch and release year-round especially this Spring. You won't regret it!
Good Fishin'...
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Website: www.fishingalabama.com