By Allen Christenson

I’ve heard from health experts laughter is aerobics for the soul. In that case, Lake Travis fishing has been providing a good workout for my clients and me.
It is important to always bring along your sense of humor when fishing. The fish always seem to bite best when you leave your serious side at home. Like most sports, relaxation is important to success, and nothing eliminates tension like laughter. The coves are teeming with pre-spawn bass eager to make us laugh. Soft plastic stick baits like the Senko, Yum Dinger, Tiki Stick and Zero have been providing the most entertainment for the fish.
Bass are occupying a wide range of depths, from five to 25 feet. The Senko-type bait is ideal because it can be fished effectively at any depth. In fact, it is one of the most versatile lures I’ve ever used. Rigging it weightless works best when the bass are up close to the shorelines in less than 10 feet of water. Texas-rigged and wacky-style both work great. Most of your strikes will occur on the initial fall.
Allow the lure to wiggle down on a slack line. Watch your line where it enters the water to detect the subtle pick-ups. A smooth, sweeping hook-set works the best. Experiment with colors. My favorites are green pumpkin, smoke hologram and pearl shad. The bass will let you know their preference if you just listen.
The Senko works great for bass in the 10-25 foot range when rigged with a light slip sinker or a weighted wacky hook. I also like to rig a three- or four-inch Senko on a drop shot rig on deep points and around boat docks. Dark colored hues usually work best in deep water, but solid white can be dynamite at times.
The great spring fishing is about to break loose on Lake Travis. The lake level is as high as angler expectations.
For updated info or a guided excursion, call 261-3644, or e-mail achristenson1@austin.rr.com.