Kriet's favorite baits for spotted bass are Yo-Zuri jerkbaits, mouse-colored War Eagle spinnerbaits, and white jigs. "I also catch a fair number of Kentuckies by throwing a Pop-R around the clay bank areas of the lake," Kriet said. "If it's windy, I throw a spinnerbait toward the clay banks, and have good success."

Spotted bass are known to be tenacious fighters when hooked, and the average catch will weigh 2 pounds. Kriet's best Texoma spot weighed 4 1/2.

Kriet says that when you find the shad you will find bass nearby; a good sonar device is invaluable. Another tip from Kriet is to be prepared to move around often.

"If I've learned one thing about Texoma that's different from other lakes, it's that you have to move often to catch fish," he said. "Some lakes you can stay put in one area and catch lots of fish, but on Texoma you have to be willing to move."

Reynolds agrees. "I call it running and gunning," he said. "When I'm successful on Texoma, I've covered a lot of water. I sometimes fish 50 different locations in a day. The bass definitely move around."

Reynolds recommends that anglers use fluorocarbon line when the lake is clear, and because of the line's amazing properties of being very strong and invisible. "Smallmouths can be very wary, and will not bite if they see the line," he said.

Evers said that one of the things that helps him the most on Texoma, as well as other lakes, is to never fish an area without a purpose. "Before I cast into an area, I expect a bass to be there, or I don't waste my time there. I also listen to what the fish are telling me, like what baits they like, and I have learned to change baits often when they aren't working for me."

Evers is a big fan of using high-speed reels, which enable him to make more casts, more often. Evers believes one of the biggest mistakes most bass anglers make is they stay in one spot way too long, and just because an area was good once doesn't mean it will always be good.

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Texoma is a huge lake with enough bass in it for everyone to get some action. Remember, it is no sin to release a big bass. Today's taxidermists have some incredible authentic-looking replicas that can give you the mount you desire. Allowing that big bass to return to the water allows it grow to be caught again another day. So be patient, and try some of these expert tips. You too may catch yourself a bucketmouth on the border.

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