On the water, look for clues like a dead baitfish that can help you match your lure to what the bass are eating. When I fish a lake with a lot of shad, white swimbaits are my go-to for fish that ...

Shad or brood minnows are the top striper baits. Use electronics to locate schools of shad and stripers should be nearby. Conklin said anglers should downsize lures and line when going after crappie.

As to selection, baits such as the Rat-L-Trap, by Bill Lewis Lures, or the One-knocker by XCalibur are in their prime when used to target bass chasing shad. The time is also at hand to use the Alabama ...