ON TARGET.  While the next snow system has the upper Midwest in its sights, we choose to look ahead and key in on those things that predator fish seek out in their prey and talk about top targets in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo:  The Eyes Have It.  Spots on lures and plastics help simulate natural target areas for predators, like these curly tail grubs. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 3/8 – Spring? – Hi 28, Lo 10, Wind S@5
Tomorrow:  Sat 3/9 – Nope! 6” Snow – Hi 26, Lo 16, Wind NW@20, G30

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:10AM       6:39PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
8:24AM       8:47PM        2:31PM        2:09AM

Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (4% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  2:00-3:00PM.  Moon overhead will start a great afternoon bite off in the Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS:

EYES HAVE IT.  Predators target the eyes of fish to ensure a quick kill and a solid meal.  But what happens when the “eyes” are in the wrong place?  A cool study on file at the NIH talks about false eyespots, the hypothesis in their evolutionary development and more.

CARRY IT OVER.  Taking that idea, realistic eyes on a crankbait, or spots on a soft plastic can create the same sort of trigger mechanism in predators and entice a strike.  A staple in our boxes is the Mister Twister curly tail grub in white-and-black-dot and yellow-and-black-dot for both walleyes and smallies in spring.

BAIT PATTERNS. False eyes can be found on baitfish in our region as well, including spottail shiners in some clearer waters and gizzard shad, in Lake Oahe and the southern Missouri River, which have a prominent spot behind their gills.

Stay Sharp!