A couple questions

[Brett Neffendorf]

I have a few questions for you veterans.

First off.... I live right by the columbia river. Alot of BASS fisherman go out there in their boats and fish in the channel, but if I dont have a boat, is it still as good to fish out there? I heard that you wanna reel towards the middle when reeling back in the lure or bait. And what types of lures or baits would I use in a deep colder water such as the columbia?

What do you guys think of spinner baits? What colors are the best? And which ones could I use in cold deep waters?

Thanks guys

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Brett,
It is difficult to fish river systems without a boat, but can be done. Look for locations that have rock shorelines and don't overlook fishing around boat landings. When fishing from shore I recommend a white spinnerbait-3/8th ounce with twin silver willow leaf blades-or gold blades. Also look for boat harbors, they always hold a few bass. Day markers, wing dams, anything that will break the current near shore usually produces. I fish the Mississippi river a lot, and never cast out, I work the shoreline structures. I also use shallow diving crankbaits a lot. Good color patterns are firetiger, bluegill, chrome and greens. A jig and pig in black and blue is great too.
For spinnerbait selections good choices are 3/8 to 1/2 ounce with gold or silver blades, chartreuse blades are good too. Skirts-white, white/chartreuse/blue, black, pearl and gray. Good luck and don't give up. Johnnie

[Brett Neffendorf]

Hey Johnnie, thanks for the help.

Do you have any pictures of the specific spinner you are talking about? I saw some yellow and some whites at Wal Mart yesterday, and I could go pick some up this week to fish next weekend for them. I found a spot while salmon fishing. It was a rocky bank along the Willamette Chanell right by the columbia River here in scappoose. I think I will try that spot this weekend. Thanks