The surface temps at our local largemouth lakes are still in the low to mid 40's but will be climbing into the high 40's in the next couple of weeks.

We have some funky weather in the forecast for the rest of the month. I was thinking about trying to "wake" up some big early spring largemouth on the Slammer. I usually do most of my damage on a big thumper Colorado blade spinnerbait, cranks, traps and a jig when the water is below 50 degrees. I was curious if any of you Slammer fans have had success in cooler water when the fish are just starting to move up.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'd say go for it. My biggest was caught on presidents day about 5 or 6 years ago. I was waking the bait at 8:30 am and caught a 17.3 pounder. So it is definately possible.

Like with most swimbaits the fish will most likely hit on the first couple casts to a prime spot. So cover water early and fast.

Thanks, CT. Much appreciated....

I throw big topwaters (9"+) all winter long. I seem to be able to find big fish shallow no matter what the water temp. I have fished over the tops of trees that have 15 + feet of water over the top of them and had fish come up and jump all over the bait. I have been working this pattern lately on the lakes around me. Yesterday I caught 3)5's,1)6.5, and 1)8 lber. throwing a 3:16 Wake Bait. Water temp. was 49-50. My partner caught a 9 lber 2 weeks ago in 47 degree water, fish was right on the bank, 3:16 Armegeddon. We have been doing so well on top waters the last couple months that we have'nt been throwing swimbaits at all. Top water bites are way more fun!

GGR are you also throwing them at all hours of the day as well, or a particular time? Waiting for the water to warm up with the sun?

thx

bpm 2000,

I throw the baits from sun up to sun down. We usually start throwing them at night in early March. I have caught some of my biggest fish at night in the first week of March. It gets really hard to stick it out sometimes when the temp. is dropping down in the 30's. We mainly throw the M.S. Slammer at night. These baits seem to displace more water then other baits, plus, it really sucks when you hear your $200 + dollar bait hit a rock you did'nt see in the dark. Durring the day in clear water I mainly stick with the 3:16 baits. Hope this helps.
-GGR

much appreciated - sorry for the hijack Tag, thought it was a related-enough question :7

Thanks for all the great posts, guys. I'm definitely going to give the Slammer a good workout this Spring. Hoping to make it out this weekend. If I'm able to get out I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

I had an 8lber do this to my bait just a few weeks after ice-off. Water temp was 48 I think? Notice the snow still on the ground

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/ryeguy03/berryessa047.jpg