End of the spawn doesn't mean bass aren't hungry

Just because most bass have quit spawning doesn't mean they've quit being bass. They are still at work at Yuma waters. A favorite spawning bait is also very effective during post spawn and a favorite is the very productive Berkley Power Lizard in green pumpkin. Try Carolina-rigging the lizard and fish if for areas where you'd expect to find fish coming off beds.

Work the power lizard even fishing offshore, either Texas or Carolina rigged to catch bass the rest of the year. If the post spawn coincides with the shad spawn, look for shallow chunk rock or riprap that will hold spawning shad and target the predatory bass nearby.

When fishing shallows try the Berkley Power Tube jig rigged with a lightweight slip sinker for a slow fall to allow the bass to see the bait longer. To trigger a reaction strike, use a heavier sinker like a 5/16- or 3/8-ounce and fish it around any type of cover you can locate - you should get a strike as soon as the bait hits the water and begins to fall (if the time is right). If a bass doesn't take the bait on the fall, pop the lure up one or two times off the bottom - if you still don't get a bite, move to another piece of cover and try again. Thanks to Scott Suggs, 2007 FLW Champion angler for today's tips

Wherever you fish at any Yuma area waters, be sure to clean your boat, live wells, engines and trailer before leaving the area you've been fishing to keep from spreading invasive species such as Giant Salvania as well as Quagga Mussels now in residence. Although Zebra Mussels are not now in Arizona, be on the lookout to prevent them from being introduced as they are definitely moving to western waters. Check out page 39 in the current Arizona fishing regulations for good suggestions on controlling species that put a damper on our fishing.

Fishing clubs

*Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Get out to Fisher's Landing with your children early today to fish the Father and Child Derby with weigh in at 1 p.m. All youngsters will be presented with a free fishing pole and T-shirt. There will be refreshments for all anglers and their families during the derby. The free hotdog lunch will begin at 1 p.m. Sign up early today and begin fishing as soon as you arrive. Results of the clubs IRS Bass Derby (5 fish limit): 1. Lannes Brock 17.17, 2. Alvy McKay 12.37, 3. Jon Fugate 10.30, 4. Eddie Strom 8.96. Good fish'n! Top thirty qualifying club fishermen will fish the May 4 Big Bass Derby with weigh-in at 1 p.m. at Fisher's Landing - call Lanny Brock at 210-8128.

*Yuma Pro/Am: A new record has been set for the club with 32 anglers on the water at the April Tournament and all teams bringing in fish to the scales. Kwame "Hammer" Kuanda and Chad Black took first place handily with 16.02 pounds and also nailed down first place Big Fish with a fat 5/34 pounder. Not far behind was Scott Steffins and Rick Johnson at 13.50 pounds. Second and third place Big Fish was enjoyed by Rick Johnson and Manuel Garcia. Everyone who signs up to fish the May Tournament (details next week) will get at least one "free" package of Preferred Plastic Custom Baits, the company who has just joined Yuma Pro/Am. If you like these baits, Fisher's Landing may be stocking a line of them later this summer. Call Bob La Londe at 580-1270 or visit bob@yumabassman.com.

*Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: Congratulations to Elaine Yates, on the Club Boards with her 1.7-pound channel catfish and 4.0-pound largemouth bass caught this week at Colorado River waters. Other members will get a chance to fish and get on the board at the May 3 Family Outing (special trophies to all youngsters catching fish) at the Mittry Lake "Bill Kerekes" Ramada with potluck lunch at noon-time. On May 10, see club members at the Women's Expo being held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center. Call Jean Wilson at 726-0953.

*Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: Get together May 3 at Fisher's Landing for that day's Colorado River Team Tournament - call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

*Yuma Bassmasters: Check next week's column for results of the April 12 Charity for Saddles of Joy Tournament. Attend the 6 p.m. May 6 meeting at River Marine to assist in planning May pro/am fishing competition. Call Curtis Cernic at 941-2993.

*Bass class on the water: Get together with Yuma fishing guide Dave Willhide to learn to catch bass just like the pros with bass boat and all gear furnished. Instructional seminars available to individuals as well as RV Park and home groups.
Call Willhide at 782-2621.

*Note: Game and Fish, now working on improvements to the Mittry Lake Boat Ramp area have finished the first part with use of the new ramp now open once again. Paving roads, parking areas and the installation of a Americans-with-Disabilities-Act approved restroom will begin soon - watch my column for dates.

Shooting clubs

*Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers are most welcome to shoot the trail of 3D animals at 8 a.m. each Sunday at the Foothills Archery Range with the adult fee $5, used for range maintenance and targets. Youngsters always shoot free of charge. Great recreation for the whole family and great practice for the bowhunter. Youngsters groups are also welcome with an instruction program available, also free. Call me at 726-0953.

*Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday with Tuesday and Thursday shooting as needed through April at Adair Park. Call Jaime Almazan at 246-8299.

*Yuma Territorial Longrifles: Open black powder matches and club meeting to be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Adair Park range. Call James Ingram at 72606632.

*Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Ron Foster, shooting his MI Gerand Rifle, won the April Vintage Match while Paul Lerma won the Regular NRA Rifle Match at the Adair Park big bore range. The club will host a Long Range Match May 18 at the range. Call Lerma at 783-6766.

*Southwest Bowhunters: Shoot archery at Adair Park at 9 a.m. Sundays with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.

*Call Ron Gissendaner at 726-0022 for information on Yuma Matchmasters at the Adair Park small bore range; call Glenda Graves at 314-1029 about Cholla Gun Club shooting week-ends at the metallic silhouette range at Adair Park.