WBL vs BEL for bass?

[Slyster]

What would you rate the best bass lake (of the two)?

1- Bald Eagle Lake

2- White Bear Lake

[Deitz Dittrich]

I would say that Bald probably has better quality fish.. but probably higher numbers in WBL...Both are pretty decent lakes.

[Slyster]

I like the variety of cover and fishing conditions Bald Eagle has to offer.. seems more varied than WBL... and it's amazing how different the actual water clarity is for a lake so close. I think the lower water visibility might actually help catch more fish?

[Ray Esboldt]

Sly,

I think just about every lake in the metro is a good bass lake (as good as or better than WBL and Bald Eagle). I would encourage you not get hung up on two lakes or even 10. Fish them all. If you want to develop into a better bass fisherman, fish water you don't necessarily want to fish. Those are situations where you learn the most.

I love going to WBL and hammering a school on a hump that I have fished 50 times before. However, I learned zippo there. It's fun, but not terribly adventurous. When you put yourself outside of your comfort zone, that's when you learn something. Even if you only catch 2 fish during the whole foray.

Be adventurous in your bait selection as well. I don't care what anyone says, there is no magic, do-it everywhere bass bait. Senkos, chatterbaits, expensive jerkbaits, swim baits, whatever - they all have there place. The deal is to learn when and where to use them. Your goal is to be effective when presenting a bait. Present it with a purpose. Don't just throw Senkos because you like fishing them. They don't fit the scence everywhere.

Just some friendly advice.

Have fun this weekend.

[Slyster]

Thanks for the tips. That is actually a goal of mine this season. New water is a bit scarey to me.. and those lakes are just so close by... but I do have other maps (paper and GPS) and I will be trying some new areas. I'd like to try Turtle, Demontreville, St. Croix (really new water), Peltier, Centerville- Lindstrom area- etc.. and even some "distant" lakes such on Tonka and Medicine... I do plan on trying pool 4 while camping at least 2 or 3 times this summer. You right though.. stick to just a few lakes and things are more habit than exploration.

I stocked up on top water baits this spring.. still haven't caught a fish that way believe it or not. Frogs, Spooks, Pop-Rs, Buzzbaits, Chatterbaits. THat's what I need to work on this year. Oh.. and JIGS-n-pigs etc.. want to try 'slop' fishing like I see watching bassmasters etc. I'm a bit lopsided on experience... with so much time using plastics (tubes and stick baits) and spinnerbaits... I even need to build some confidence with crankbaits too.