Tips For The Beginner

Understanding the RED FACTOR

Rapala DT 6 Red Craw

Monday I was getting gas here in Woodbury when a man that I next to me struck up a conversation. He told me he and his son were just getting started bass fishing in the last year or so and that they are regular visitors to my web site.

He said they enjoyed the information that I post and that they had been reading my old Tip’s For Beginner Articles that I have written through the years. He said that his son was fishing on a high school team and that they were navigating their way through the endless varieties of crankbaits and colors that are available.

Then he asked a specific question. What Is The Deal With Red? That opened up our conversation about the when’s and why’s of the Rapala DT 6 Red Craw. Which in my humble opinion is one of the greatest crankbait ever designed. And because of that conversation I decided to write this short tips article focusing only on cold water and the Rapala DT6 Red Craw.

First we need to talk about Tennessee crawfish. I ‘m not a biologist- I’m using data straight from the TWRA that is available to everyone AND what I have learned through years of being on the water here in Tennessee.

. The TWRA says that there are 96 species of crawfish in our state. Crawfish range in colors including green-brown-blue AND RED in certain stages of their lives. The RED FACTOR is dependent on the particular specie and other things such as the Vitamin A availability in their food supply, varying water color-temperature and clarity conditions.

The more vitamin A can mean a more reddish color-less vitamin A results in blue or black coloring. We are in the beginning of a seasonal change from warmer water to colder water. REMEMBER Lake water temps are going to continue to decrease.

Crawfish are bottom dwellers. And It’s been my experience that when water temps range between let’s say LOW 60’s down to 45 degrees crawfish will begin to SLOWLY become less active WHICH MEANS WHAT?

It means you can begin the pinpoint areas where they are going to spend their winters and be found more easily. And unless there has been a drastic environmental change in the lake they will be in that area year after year.

Once again the degree in in-activity is Gradual-it’s not like flipping a switch from active to dormant. So we have a window of time, down to in my opinion below 45 degrees where crawfish become almost dormant and burrow into the reddish clay and the rich Vitamin A sediment of our waters.

And the result is RED and that is why you need to have a DT6 Red Craw tied on all day long if you like to throw crank bait this winter even below 45 degrees.  You just have to change your retrieve speed.

I’m not saying that the Red Craw is a cold water bait only because it’s not. I also use it as a contrast color in warmer muddier water because it creates a great silhouette for bass to key in on. But I love it during this season.

If your reading this and your a beginner the DT stands for Dives To. So the DT6 on a long cast can easily reach the 6 feet deep strike zone on 10lb test line. I always throw my DT 4’s-6’s-8’s and 10’s on either Sufix Clear Blue Pro Mix  6lb or 8lb test mono.

That has been my thing for years and years. By doing so the DT6 will dive even deeper on the lighter line. Some are hesitant to use light line on crankbaits but if you have your drag set correctly-use a good VMC Snap and check your line you will be surprised the fish you can put in the boat.

Once again the Rapala DT Series in my opinion is one of the greatest crankbait lines ever designed. Made of ultra premium balsa wood, carefully placed internal weights and rattles, tapered body, ultra thin poly carbonate lips that dig down quickly, VMC hooks, tank tested and ready to go right out of the box.

For more information on the DT Series go to Rapala.com or feel free to contact me at rickm@dtccom.net and I’ll be happy to help. Good luck and I hope you have a great DT6 Red Craw winter.

Fished Tim’s Today from 6:30 until 11:30 caught 9 with the ones above being the best I caught fish on a Crush City Tilapia Cleanup Craw -Crush City Goby Pig Sticker and a drop shot worm.  www.rapala.com If you haven’t tried the PS it’s 5 inches long with very heavy salt-color-flake and scent. It’s great for skipping under docks-low hanging limbs and in thick lay downs. It’ can be rigged in several ways-whaky-exposed hook or Texas rigged. The action on this bait when “Walked” is fantastic. I urge you to go to www.rapala.com click on Cush City and check them out.  “NOW” a confession I lost a Smallmouth today that was “HUGE” I had set my spot lock and was fishing off the back deck, I hung the fish he jumped and takes off toward the front of the boat and you guessed it right into the turning blades on my Minn Kota. I lost the fish and had the biggest wad of Sufix yellow braid in my motor. Been a Looooong time since that has happened to me.  More Lord willing next week Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Ken and I fished Center Hill from 6:30 to 11:00am this morning. We caught and released 15 mix of Smallmouth-Largemouth and Spots. We have had a TON of rain/storms on and off this week and today was my best bet to go.  Thinking about all the rain I decided to run to the back of a creek as far as I could go and see if there was any  colored water. We didn’t find any but we did find some that was slightly stained. We started there and 15 later it appears to have been a good call.  Water temp was 76 degrees and for the most part of the morning there was no wind to speak of and a good cloud cover.  Lately  I have had a decent top water/craw bite. No top water fish today but the craw still works.  Everyone has a favorite  craw-If you haven’t tried the Crush City Clean Up Craw www.rapala.com  I urge you to pick up 2 or 3 packs.  Rig them on a VMC 4/0 Wide Gap Hook www.vmchooks.com  use as light of a weight that you feel comfortable with (I used a 1/8 VMC Tungsten) Use a good Braid like Sufix 20lb Yellow Performance-and a Sufix fluorocarbon leader.  www.sufix.com and you’ll be good to go. Don’t hesitate to start shallow and work you way out of the creek.  Hope this helps-weather is suppose to be good to go next week so I’ll let you know how I do. Crankbait time is just around the corner check out all out hard baits at rapala.com Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

I launched this morning on Tim’s at 6:45 ran to my first area, got out the Rapala Skitter Walk and it was on pretty quick. I was using the Rapala Holographic Bone Skitter Walk-There has been something about this color on Tim’s the last couple years -verses other colors. I think it’s the flash of the green/pink/blue line that runs the length of the bait-and the more sunlight the better it seems. The Skitter Walk has been a staple for me over all of these years with Rapala. The weighted tail helps the bait to remains more or less level when your not moving it. TODAY that was very important. The majority of my hits happened when I stopped and started walking the dog again. They wanted to kill the bait. The Skitter Walk has internal rattles that make a great “Knock” with the side to side movement. 2 sets of very sharp MMC No.3 Trebles. I used 20lb Sufix Braid and a VMC Snap the gives the bait even more freedom. Thanks for visiting my site-More to come this week if all go’s well. Check out all the colors and patterns at Rapala.com Rick

Ken and I fished Tim’s yesterday from 8am until 1pm. We caught and released 11 total  (no big fish) with many about the size that you see above and smaller.  Lake is at 888 which is  summer pool and the water temp was in the 78-79 degree mark where we fished.  We did see some top water activity to far  away from us and we couldn’t tell if it was bass or hybrids. Still good to see.  The Crush City Green Pumpkin Blue Flake Clean Up Craw www.rapala.com  has produced a lot of bites for me in the last few trips. You can rig the craw in many different ways from Texas Rig with a VMC 4/0 Wide Gap Hook to what has become my favorite the VMC Finesse Jig (shown above) I’m not nor have ever been a power fisherman-finesse has always been my thing. These jig come in 4 sizes 3/32-1/8-3/16 and 1/4 ounce and 2 colors Green and Black Glitter finish. Each one has a needle point VMC 1/0 hook-Stainless Weed Guards and a Hollow Back that allows you to snug up the craw for a very small natural presentation. The Clean Up Craw is only  3.5 inches long  which fits my type of fishing extremely well.  Even though the Craw has a tight water moving kicking action when reeled at medium and faster speeds IT ALSO has a fantastic movement at slower inching along speeds as well. Now if you are someone that likes to Flip-Punch-Carolina Rig it is perfect for you as well. Infused with Color-Falke-Salt -Scent and Back Rib to hide hook points. Check out all the colors (17)  and additional info on both of these products at Ralala.com. Thanks for visiting my site  Rick

Just a quick explanation. I have been having a serious problem with my I Phone every since the Sunday update that Apple did. When Apple Tech was helping me-somehow my pictures from Center Hill and Nick-A Jack Dam was deleted and we couldn’t find them. (What happened to the cloud?)  So for today  I bought a cheap phone ($30.00)  just to take pictures with. Monday Ken and I had 9 on Center Hill-my best came on a VMC  1/8th Weedless Finesse Jig and soft plastics-20lb Sufix Yellow Braid and 8lb Sufix Fluorocarbon. Ken had the Big fish which was in the 3 lb range. Tuesday Jared and I had 7 total bites below the dam-there was minimal generation/current so I don’t have to tell you what that can mean-big fish 2 ½ maybe 3. . My best bait was a Rapala DT6 River Shad on 10lb Sufix Clear Blue Pro Mix. Now for Wednesday/today at Tim’s. I only had a few hours to fish s I put in at the state park  hit a couple spots with no results throwing a variety of baits.  I was almost out of time so I ran into the very back of a long pocket (5ft deep)  to work my way back out and that’s where I found the 3 that you see above (Total Weight  for the 3 was 8lb 1 oz)   and 2 that I lost all on a Crush City Green Pumpkin Blue 3.5 inch Clean up Craw rigged  on a VMC Worm Hook and a 1/8th VMC Tungsten weight The legs have a very tight kicking action and the ribbed hook slot on the back make it perfect for throwing into some thick stuff. Salt-Scent and flake infused–great small package. Back at it since the 100 degree days have passed. Thanks for visiting my site Rick

This is the 1st time I’ve been on Center Hill since the spring of 2024. I spent this summer fishing with my grandson Marshall on Tim’s trolling Rapala Ultra Light Baits www.rapala.com  (see posts below) but now he is back in school and it’s time to get back to what I normally do.  This isn’t post on BIG FISH just a honest recap of what happened yesterday.  Ken and I had 1 Smallmouth-1 Largemouth and 7 Kentucky’s all about the same size that you see pictured and lost 4 that we didn’t see. Very little wind-mid 80’s surface water temp and good color. All we did was hit and run from spot to spot for 5 hours. We tossed a variety of moving baits but the best technique was soft plastics on a VMC 3/32 weedless jig head www.vcmhooks.com 20 lb Sufix yellow braid and long 8 lb Sufix Fluorocarbon leader.  www.sufix.com Good to be back at it, although as a grandpa  I do miss my little fishing buddy. Thanks for visiting my site Hopefully I’ll have more info on the trips to come Lord willing. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

I thought I would repost thi article I wrote in July 2005. I hope it gives you some good insight during all the 100+ heat index that we have ben and will be having in the near future.  Rick

Tip’s For The Beginner

Hot Weather Danger

Heat Exhaustion-Heat Stroke

Originally Written July 2005

Written By; Rick McFerrin

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

First let me say this. I’m not a doctor, a paramedic or any kind of medical specialist. The symptoms and first aid advice that you read here in this article can be checked out and confirmed by the American Red Cross. I’m not a doctor but rather a full time fishing guide that encounters all types of weather situations throughout the 12 months of the year. My clients and I fish in everything from freezing temperatures to snow, sleet, rain and during this time of the year “Extreme Heat”

 I have found that every person is different when it comes to physical tolerances on the water. Some people (like me) can handle colder weather far better than the heat. For others it might be the other way around. I have also found that AGE isn’t always the determining factor.  When it comes to this time of the year, my concerns for myself and those with me are heighten greatly. When it comes to age Extreme Heat is no respecter of person. Why? Let me tell you a quick incident that happened to me 3 years ago on a very hot sunny day on Old Hickory Lake here in middle Tennessee.

 I was fishing with a medical doctor (thankfully) from North Carolina. True to my normal routine back then I didn’t eat anything before I got to the lake because I was always concerned about the possibility of having a upset stomach during the guide trip. No port a potties on the water you know. We started at daylight and by 11:00am the sun was straight up and air temperatures hovered near 98 actual degrees. No telling what it was with the heat index. I was feeling great. I had drank a couple bottles of water through the morning, the doc and I was on fish, and THEN IT HAPPENED!! I was instantly sick!  I turned to the doc and said “Man I don’t feel good and then the next thing I knew I didn’t have the strength in my legs to hold myself up and I more or less collapsed on the front deck. His first reaction was to ask if I was having a heart attack. I knew it wasn’t that,  but I had become pale-dizzy-nauseous-and began to (sorry) vomit. The doc knew right away that I was in the stages of either “Heat Exhaustion” or a “Heat Stroke”.  He quickly motored us to the nearest shade we could find, which isn’t easy on Old Hickory Lake. He helped me loosen my clothing and since there was no access to cold compresses began to pour water on me from the lake until it looked like it had rained inside the boat. When I was able, he had me drink some water, drove us back to the ramp, helped me to the Tahoe, and put my head directly into the air conditioner vents. Over a hour period I began to gradually feel better but I was still weak and washed out.  What Happened To Me? Heat Exhaustion!!!!! Oh yes, Big Bad Me, the guy that could handle any weather….Wrong! I shutter to think what would have happened to me if I had been by myself that day….I most likely wouldn’t be around to write this article.

 Yesterday when we launched the Stratos at 4:45am it was already 84 degrees. Temps yesterday reached the high 90’s and the heat index was soaring well above 100 degrees. This weeks forecast is much of the same. Please take some advise from someone that had a not so subtle wake-up call-  Stay Safe, Don’t Take Chances On The Water. No fish is worth it. I hope the following information will help you.

If Your Fishing During A Heat Wave

First of all a heat wave is what we are going through right now here in middle Tennessee and most of the country.  It’s a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. Temperatures with the heat index factored in can reach well above the 100 degree mark very early in the day. Let me say that again very early in the day! You don’t have to wait until mid day for the danger level to rise excessively, it can happen by 9 or 10 am easily. The National Weather Service has been issuing warnings concerning the dangers of heat related problems. Warning have gone out for everything from humans to animals. Slow down and avoid as much strenuous activity on the water as possible. If you like to fish at night this might be a good alternative. If your fishing during the day start as early as you can and get off the water as early as possible. I know the fish aren’t always where we want them to be-but try to utilize the shaded areas as much as possible. Wear lightweight-light colored clothing and head gear. Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Drink fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Contrary to some national beverage companies advertising campaigns, studies have proven that water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.  Avoid drinks with alcohols or caffeine, these just make the effects on you’re body during extreme heat worse. Eat small snacks several times while on the water. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so my your physician.

 What Are Some Signal Of Heat Danger?

(1) Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscle contractions, normally in the hamstring muscles in the back calve area of the legs. I have experienced these before and I can tell you that they can be very forceful and very painful. These cramps seem to happen in extreme heat.  Particularly if you are dehydrated or are in poor physical condition. OOP’s How many of us qualify there? I always thought that these cramps were due to some type of mineral imbalance, but from all the reports that I have read this doesn’t seem to be true.

 (2) Heat Exhaustion: This is brought on by excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of a heat stroke is exactly as I described in the paragraphs above. Paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting and a normal to moderately increased temperature.  This increase in body temperature isn’t a fever but rather caused by the heat.

 (3) Heat Stroke: Folks I can’t stress this enough. A Heat Stroke is a life threatening situation. It is the most severe form of heat illness. It can occur even in people who are NOT EXERCISING if the weather is hot enough.  Signs of a heat stroke is warm flushed skin and little to no sweat, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Body temperatures can be very high, as high as 105 degrees and the person may be delirious, become unconscious or go into seizures.

 Treatment Of Heat Related Emergencies

(1) Heat Cramps: Get to a cool place and try to rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink a 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not drink any liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, they can only make things worse.

 (2) Heat Exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and to a cool place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets. If available ice packs and a fan blowing on the person may also help. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure they drink slowly. Give 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes/ No alcohol or caffeinated drinks.  Rest and watch for a change in conditions.

 (3) Heat Stroke: Remember this can be LIFE THREATENING! Get the person to a cool location out of the sun. Loosen or remove clothing and pour very cool water on the person if possible. Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, also to the arm-pit and groin areas. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. Do not give medications, do not use rubbing alcohol…DO NOT give them anything to EAT or Drink….Continue first aid until medical help takes over.

 Conclusion

We can prevent heat related illnesses. It’s important to stay well hydrated to make sure that your body can get rid of the extra heat. Be sensible about exertion in this heat wave that we are currently in. The hotter more humid the harder it will be to get rid of excessive heat. Wear the right clothing, drink plenty of water, stay in the shade and if you begin to feel bad at all get off the water and into a cool place. I hope this will give you some food for thought………like I said it’s just a fish and it’s just not worth the risk.

Marshall and I put in at the state park ramp on Tim’s at 6:10am this morning (and hour later than we should have) We went to an area that I know holds suspended fish (all varieties & sizes) in the hot summer months (water temp 86 degrees) and it didn’t take long for him to hook up. (Big Largemouth is pictured 2 times) Everything he caught was on a 7 foot ultra light rod-a 20 series reel-8lb Sufix Revolve Low Vis Green Braid-Vmc Crank Bait Snap and the 1  1/2 inch # 4 RS Shad Rap  Shad you see in his hands. It was all over at 9:15 am.  If you want to have a good time-see a kid’s eyes light up and watch a battle just cut and paste my last few posts on ultra light trolling with Rapala Ultra Light Baits and Revolve Braid  on a ultra light rod put it to work and see what happens.  If you need more info on my Rapala Baits and Sufix Revolve Braid  feel free to contact me at rickm@ dtccom.net Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

M

I always look forward to fishing with my 7 year old grandson Marshall when he is on summer break.  He caught what you see above (including the big rock) yesterday morning on Tim’s trolling ultra lite baits pictured above.  He caught and released 17 total mix and we had a great time just look at his face. I started doing this ultra lite trolling with him when he was 5 years old and he  caught on quickly-it’s an easy way for him to learn the basics of rod-reel-line-baits and watching the Garmin for suspended fish and bait balls without over powering him with heavy tackle.  Let’s talk briefly about what he was using. He used a 7 foot mirco lite rod with a #20 size spinning reel filled with  Sufix Revolve green 8lb test (0.005dia) finesse line which Rapala designed for multiple  finesse applications (strong smooth and hassle free) We also used a VMC #00 Crankbait snap which I have always been a fan of on all my crankbaits. Bait selection was simple we stuck with shad colors (pictured above) Rapala Ultra Lite Shad 4 that is 1 1/2 inches long and weighs 1/8oz and is slow sinking and runs TRUE at trolling speeds Rapala Shad RS which is a balsa wood  suspending bait that 1 1/2 inches long and 5/16oz. And lastly A true legend  Rapala SR5 2inch long and weighs 3/16oz.  We missed last year because of my open heart surgery but  when Marshall was 5 he caught multiple Smallmouth-Largemouth-Hybrid-white bass-cat fish-and even a 15lb drum using this same equipment-and it’s not about what grandpa catches (I’ve caught my share) it’s about Marshall and him learning and enjoying. I believe this technique works really well when fish aren’t very aggressive-and it’s hot like yesterday 91 when we left the lake.  Try it and see for yourself-it works and it’s a whole lot of fun. Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com