Chase and I loaded up in the boat and headed for the Highway 287 bridge to a
point by Oak Cove Marina. I had seen several sandbass schooling the week before
on a nightfishing trip. It wasn't long after we got there that the first fish started
breaking the surface. The water seemed to boil with feeding fish all around.
Needless to say, Chase was chomping at the bit.

    I had a 6'6" spinning rod rigged up with 10# Trilene XL line ready to go. On the
end, I had a chrome and black topwater lure called "The Tailback" tied. The
Tailback is a new lure in my arsenal. It resembles several other topwater baits,
but, has some unique characteristics about it.

    It floats tail down in the water and has a different action when worked back to
the boat than other topwaters. It spits more water and further than any topwater
bait I've ever fished. It comes equipped with rattles and a #2 hook on it, which is
larger than most other baits in its class. It is sure to become a standard lure for
all fishermen. At least it is for Chase and I, we caught lots of fish on it.

    After catching several medium to sized sandbass, I tried a new bait in
conjunction with the Tailback; the Front Runner. I used the 1" model (also comes
in 11/2" and 2" sizes) in the smokey shad color and boy, did I see results. I
began catching larger fish and several times I caught two fish at one time. Here's
how it works.

    First, tie the Front Runner onto your line. Next, tie on a piece of leader to the
Front Runner about 12" to 18" long. Then tie the Tailback to the leader. What you
have created is two lures working together to look like a fleeing shad, which drives
fish wild. It creates a naturally occurring look, which really increases your chances
of catching fish. The Front Runner and the Tailback were both invented by Doyle
Hodgins, a touring BASS professional fisherman. Both are marketed through
Norman Lures, and are available at tackleshops, Walmart and Bass Pro Shop.

    If you want to increase the fun of catching these fish, try using light tackle,
such as a medium or medium light spinning rod from Castaway. The er fish
feel bigger and the big ones, well, they really feel huge with the soft tip on these
top of the line rods. As long as you play them out a little bit, 10# line should be
sufficient, but don't try "hausin' em" too much.

    Chase and I caught several fish, but more importantly we had a great evening
together. On the boat ride back to the lakehouse, he remarked, " I don't know of a
better way to spend my sixteenth birthday than on the lake catching fish." If you
are looking for some fast action fishing, give the schooling sandbass a try. It's a
rush.

Until next time, enjoy the Texas outdoors.