My fishing partner and I are at odds about fishing dirty water, he says the bass will be holding tight to cover. I say they will be roaming but still holding to basic structure. Who is right? We have a tournament tomorrow on Lake Houston and with all the rain we have had the lake is 2ft high and looks like chocolate milk in some areas, we know to find the cleanest water possible, any other tips or ideas would be appreciated.

IMO how tight to cover depends more on light conditions and barometric pressure than clarity.

There is no question that they are up shallow in many lakes right now. The small pockets on the main lake will be your best bet. They are even farther back in that stuff than you thank. Make long cast into the spots where no one else has bothered with.
Baits:
- 1/2 oz. spinner bait in Shad colors with the 4.5 big blade will move plenty of water for them to find it.
- Frog fished as slow as possible.
- 1/4 T-rig Rage Craw for the pitching; but you will be casting it as far back as possible in the pockets.

If you have been keeping up with the rise in water and know where the old grass line, if any is located then some of the bigger spawned out females may still be in those spots holding in the deeper water. Always check out the good spots that you remember and can locate them easily. They will like the faster moving baits like a Chatter Bait and Cranks.

Thanks Donald. I had the same questions and your advice sounds great.
One question though: on spinnerbaits - 1/4oz or 1/2oz heavier?

God Bless

Great song by the Standells.

I custom make the half oz. with the big Colo. Blades and the half with the willow blades. I will have them both posted late tonight in the classifieds if you would like to build one like them.

It seems everyone likes the Colo. blades so I will make them. I do all my catching on the Willow Diamond Dusted blades in stained water. In muddy water the Colo. might be better; just haven't fished that much muddy water in the southern lakes that I fish.