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Denny Brauer Visits Central Illinois
Denny Brauer is one of the most recognizable names in tournament bass fishing due to his tremendous success and popularity. On September 25, 2004, Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge near Newton, Illinois, sponsored a seminar by Brauer. Brauer's bass fishing credentials include a record $2 million dollars won in bass tournaments and wins at the Bassmaster Classic, Megabucks, and Superstars tournaments. He also earned the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title and FLW Tour Angler of the Year. Many Illinois anglers are unaware that Brauer has spent a considerable amount of time fishing Newton Lake . Several episodes of his “The Bass Class” fishing show were filmed at Newton, in addition to his “Advanced Flipping, Pitching, and Jigging” video. The majority of the seminar related to flipping and pitching for bass. Brauer emphasized that professional fishermen are versatile enough to use a variety of techniques, despite being known for one particular method, such as Larry Nixon and worm fishing, David Fritts and crankbaiting, and himself and jig fishing. “What puts professional anglers at a higher level is that they are versatile in all methods and they master the method that works best for them,” Brauer said.
Brauer mentioned several keys to fishing success that beginners fail to follow. “Simplify your fishing when it comes to things such as lure color,” he stated. He explained that there are many situations when, irregardless of color, a bait presented properly where bass live will catch them. “Don't get hung up on color. Concentrate on presenting your baits properly.” Brauer has refined his lure color choices to those he has confidence in during certain water color and sky conditions. When flipping tubes, for instance, he recommends black neon for muddy water and green pumpkin with the tip of the tube dyed chartreuse for spawning time. “There nothing more that bass hate than Bluegills during the spawn and this color looks like a Bluegill.” He suggested using a weightless white tube rigged with a 4/0 Mustad tube hook for fall fishing when bass are feeding heavily on shad. “Fish it like you would a jerkbait,” he said. Sky conditions also are a factor in selecting lure colors, according to Brauer. “If you were catching fish on a particular color and they quit biting, it could be that the sky conditions changed and you need to try another color.” Another key to success is to immediately set the hook the instant you have a bite when flipping or pitching. “Many times I see amateurs fail to react to bites. If you have to think about whether you had a bite, the fish is probably already gone.”
Brauer assured the audience that using the proper equipment will also improve your flipping and pitching success. He recommends a rod at least seven feet in length with a soft tip that serves as a shock absorber when setting the hook, but he emphasizes that equipment must be tailored to the individual. “If you are a smaller individual with a weaker hook set, you may find that a stiffer rod tip works best for you.” Brauer told the audience that experience has taught him to select equipment that gives him confidence, but that you must be open to new ideas. One new idea that Brauer has added to his jig fishing is braided line. He used to recommend green monofilament line for jig fishing, but has recently switched to green Stren Super Braid. He finds that the improved braided line is easier to fish with than previous versions and it gives him the added strength and hook setting power to put more fish in the boat. He always uses a palomar knot with braided line. Another thing that Brauer has changed is his choice of jig trailers. He no longer uses pork trailers, but has switched to the new Strike King 3X trailers made from a new material that stretches more than traditional plastic. “They are more buoyant and don't get balled up on your hook as much as pork,” Brauer maintains. He added that the buoyancy of these baits makes them stand up behind the jig to better simulate a crawdad. Crankbaits are also something new that Brauer has added to his flipping and pitching arsenal, using a small, square-billed Strike King Series 1 bait in wood cover. Following the seminar, Brauer answered questions, posed for pictures, and signed autographs prior to a cookout. Tab Walker and Jason Robins, co-owners of Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge, held the seminar in conjunction with an Open House at their facility, which is located ½ mile from Newton Lake . They offer hunting and fishing packages and have cabins available that sleep up to eight persons. The cabins are equipped with a full kitchen, including a microwave, full-sized refrigerator, and dishwasher. They also have washers and dryers, as well as patios with grills. Outdoors Sportsman's Lodge can be contacted from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling (618) 752-5075 or you can visit their web site at www.outdoorsportsmanslodge.com . |
