Master Class On a Classic Bait: Lipless Crankbait

A Rat-L-Trap and similar baits is a type of fishing lure, also known as a lipless crankbait, that imitates a wounded or fleeing baitfish. It is a popular lure among bass anglers and is known for its ability to cover a lot of water quickly and trigger aggressive strikes from bass and other predatory gamefish.

Most lipless cranks have thin, flat profiles with a tapered nose and a wide belly forming a shape imitating common baitfish like shad and perch. It typically features one or more metal balls inside that rattle when the lure is retrieved creating a sound that can attract fish from a distance especially in off-colored water.

Lipless crankbaits come in various styles (rattling and silent), sizes and colors, and it's best to match the size and color of the lure to the prevailing conditions such as water clarity, weather, and the type/size of bait present in the area.

When fishing a lipless crank, it's important to pay attention to the conditions and adjust your presentation accordingly. For example, if the water is cold, you may want to fish the lure more slowly and pause it frequently to make it look more vulnerable. If the fish are feeding on smaller baitfish, you may want to use a smaller-sized lure to match the hatch. Experiment with different techniques and retrieve speeds until you find what works best for the conditions and the fish.

Take a moment and watch as bass expert Tim Little gives a Master Class on many of the nuances on fishing the lipless crankbaits...

Ultra-light Bass Fishing Fun

Ultra-light tackle is a popular choice for anglers who enjoy the challenge of light line bass fishing. 

This type of tackle set-up consists of 5.5 ft to 7 ft ultra-light power spinning rods and matching reels spooled with a 2 lb to 5 lb line and small baits for the ultimate in finesse presentations. 

Here are some of the reasons why using ultra-light tackle for bass fishing is a great option for bass anglers wanting to increase their versatility and skill level:

Increased sensitivity: Ultra-light tackle is designed to be lightweight and extremely sensitive, allowing anglers to feel even the lightest bite when fishing with timy baits. This increased sensitivity can be especially useful when fishing in highly pressured waters, where bass are very finicky and often extremely spooky.

Improved finesse: Ultra-light tackle provides anglers with more control and finesse when presenting very small baits. This allows for more precise tiny bait presentations, making it easier to imitate natural prey and trigger a strike from wary fish.

Natural presentation: By using ultra-light gear, anglers can present their bait or lure in a more natural manner. The small size and light weight of the tackle allows for a delicate presentations and subtle retrieves, which can imitate the movements of local forage, making it more attractive to bass.

More enjoyable fishing experience: Fishing with ultra-light tackle can be a more enjoyable experience for anglers. Because of the light weight and sensitivity of the gear, anglers are able to feel more connected to the fish and the water. This can result in a more relaxing and fulfilling fishing trip, especially on waters where smaller bass and panfish are plentiful.

Better opportunities for catch-and-release: By using ultra-light gear, anglers tend to handle the fish more carefully and minimize the stress on the fish during the catch-and-release process. This not only benefits the individual fish, but it can also help to preserve the overall health of the fishery for future generations of anglers.

Popular ultra light lures (1/32 oz to 3/16 oz weights) that are commonly used for bass fishing:

Rapala Ultra Light Minnow: This lure is a classic and is well-suited for bass fishing in clear or shallow water.

Panther Martin Spinner: This popular in-line spinner comes in a variety of sizes and is effective for catching a variety of fish, including bass.

Strike King Bitsy Minnow: The Bitsy Minnow is a small, but effective lure that is great for catching bass in shallow water.

Rebel Wee & Teeny Crawfish: These 1/5 to 1/10 oz lures mimic the appearance and movement of a crawfish, making it a great choice for bass fishing in streams and rivers.

Mepps Aglia Ultra Lite Spinner: This small spinner is perfect for ultra light fishing in streams and rivers. Its blade creates a flash that attracts fish, and its small size makes it perfect for catching bass and other panfish.

Heddon Teeny and Tiny Torpedo: Two great topwater lures that create a lot of surface commotion, which can attract bass that are feeding on the surface.

3"  & 4" Yamamoto Senko: This soft plastic bait is a popular choice for bass fishing because it is incredibly versatile and can be rigged in a variety of ways.

Johnson Beetle Spin: This lure is great for catching bass and other fish in shallow water. It features a bright spinner blade that attracts fish and a soft plastic grub that mimics a natural bait.

2" Mister Twister Grub: This lure combines the action of a jig with the appeal of a soft plastic bait, making it a great choice for bass fishing in deeper water.

Ultra-light tackle is a great option for those looking to improve their bass fishing experience. Combining increased tiny bait sensitivity, improved subtle presentations, longer battles, and more fun, it's no wonder that more and more anglers are making the switch to ultra-light tackle.

Let Roadbeds Lead You to Prespawn Bass

Roadbeds can be productive areas for catching prespawn bass since they serve as migration routes for bass moving from deep water to shallow water areas.

Here are several tips for fishing roadbeds for prespawn bass:

Locate the Roadbeds: Look for areas where roadbeds run parallel or perpendicular to the shore near drop-offs that lead to deeper water. Roadbeds can also be identified on a lake map (see image below), so it's worth doing some research before heading out on the water.

Fish the Drop-Offs: Target the drop-offs along the roadbed with a slow-moving bait such as a jig, Texas-rigged worm, or creature bait. Focus on the areas where the roadbed transitions from shallow to deep water as this can be a prime location for staging bass.

Try a Crankbait: Square bill and lipless crankbaits can also be effective on roadbeds. Use a slow and steady retrieve and make sure the lure bumps the roadbed occasionally to mimic struggling forage.

Experiment with Different Depths: Vary the depth of your bait until you find the depth where the bass are holding. Try fishing at different depths along the roadbed until you locate staging bass.

Keep an Eye on Water Temperature: The prespawn/spawn period is triggered by the warming of the water, so monitor the water temperature regularly. When the water temperature reaches around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, the bass will start moving up to shallower water to spawn.

Use a Slow Presentation: During the prespawn period, the bass are often lethargic and not as aggressive as they will be in a cool water period. Start by using a slow presentation and then experiment with different retrieve speeds and actions then let the bass' reactions identify the best prsentation to trigger strikes.

Take a moment and watch the following video by bass pro Shane LeHew as he gives an "on the water" demo on cranking roadbeds for prespawn bass:

Fishing for Prespawn Bass on Lowland Reservoirs

A lowland reservoir is a man-made body of water that is typically located in a low-lying area. It is created by constructing a dam or similar structure across a river or stream, which then causes the water to collect and form a large, lake-like body of water. The term "lowland" refers to the fact that these reservoirs are typically located in low-lying areas as opposed to mountainous regions.

Lowland reservoirs are often used to store water for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and as a source of drinking water for nearby communities. They can also provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.

Structure and Cover in Lowland Reservoirs

Lowland reservoirs typically have a variety of structures and covers that bass use for cover and foraging. Some common types include:

Points and Humps: These are underwater structures that jut out into the reservoir, forming a point or hump on the lake floor. They create a drop-off that bass use as an ambush point for prey.

Creek Channels: Reservoirs often have creeks that feed into them, and bass will frequently hold along the channel edges, especially where the channel makes a turn or narrows.

Brush Piles: Brush piles can be man-made or natural, and they provide cover for bass as well as baitfish.

Standing Timber: Standing timber is a popular cover for bass, especially if it's in deeper water. It provides shade, cover, and ambush points for bass.

Underspin Jigheads: Effective Year-round Bass Catching Tools

Underspin jigheads are fishing lures that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These jigheads feature a small spinner blade that spins as the lure is retrieved, creating added flash and subtle vibration. When rigged with a minnow imitating soft plastic trailer, underspins can often entice finicky fish to bite.

If you are looking for a reliable underspin jighead to use for your next fishing trip, here are some of the most popular brands to consider:

Strike King - Strike King is a popular brand among fishermen for their high-quality fishing lures, and their Tour Grade Underspin jigheads, featuring a premium hook and a ball-bearing swivel, are no exception. Their underspin jigheads come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit different fishing conditions and target species.

Gambler - Gambler's Meano Underspin jigheads are a popular choice among bass anglers. They feature a double head design that allows for a variety of rigging options, and a custom Gamakatsu hook that provides excellent hook-setting power.

Owner - Owner is a premium fishing tackle brand that is trusted by many professional anglers. Their Flashy Swimmer Underspin Jigheads are a popular choice among anglers due to their realistic design and durable construction. They feature a ball-bearing swivel that allows for a more natural blade rotation and they are available in a range of sizes and colors.

Picking Swim Jig Trailers

When it comes to picking the right trailer for your swim jig, there are a few key factors to consider that can make a big difference in your bassin' success. 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best trailer for your swim jig:

Size and Profile: The size and profile of your trailer should match the size and profile of your swim jig. A larger swim jig will typically require a larger trailer, while a smaller swim jig will need a smaller trailer. Additionally, you'll want to consider the shape of your trailer and how it will complement the action of your swim jig. A trailer that has a similar profile to your jig will create a more natural-looking presentation in the water.

Action: The action of your trailer is also an important consideration. Different trailers will create different types of action in the water, so you'll want to choose a trailer that complements the action of your swim jig. For example, a paddle tail trailer will create a more pronounced swimming action, while a craw-style trailer will provide a more subtle action.

Color: The color of your trailer can also make a big difference in your fishing success. Consider the color of the water you'll be fishing in and choose a trailer color that will stand out and attract fish in those conditions. Additionally, you may want to choose a trailer color that complements the color of your swim jig.

Great Soft Stickbait Options

Soft stickbaits are a versatile and effective bait that has become increasingly popular among anglers. Their lifelike appearance and realistic action make them ideal for a variety of fishing scenarios, especially when you're targeting bass. With so many soft stickbait brands available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best. 

Here is a list of several soft stickbait brands that are worth considering. Each of these brands offers a 5” length; many offer other lengths as well. All brands have a variety of bass catching color patterns in their lines and links to more information for each brand’s bait are provided in the description below as well.

• Gary Yamamoto Senko - The Gary Yamamoto Senko is arguably the most popular soft stickbait brand on the market. Its unique design and lifelike action have made it a go-to choice for many anglers.
• Zoom Zlinky - Zoom is a well-known brand that offers a variety of soft plastic baits, including soft stickbaits. Their 5” Zlinky claims to be loaded with salt, soft yet durable, includes a hook slot for Texas rigging, and comes in a variety of popular colors.
• Berkley PowerBait MaxScent “The General” - The Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General is a great choice for bass fishing. Its soft, yet durable design provides a realistic feel plus the added Powerbait scent makes it difficult for fish to resist and helps bass hold onto the bait longer than other brands.

Drop Shotting Smallmouth Bass in Submerged Grass

Fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation for smallmouth bass can be a highly effective way to target these elusive and hard-fighting gamefish.

Smallmouth bass are known to be highly opportunistic predators, and they will often seek out cover in submerged vegetation (cabbage, sand grass, etc.) in search of food like minnows and crayfish. By using a drop shot rig, anglers can effectively present a bait to smallmouth bass while avoiding getting snagged in the thick vegetation.

Here are several tips on techniques to help you get started with fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation for smallmouth bass:

Choose the right gear: When fishing a drop shot rig, it is important to choose the right gear. You'll need a spinning rod and reel with a sensitive tip, as well as 6 to 10 lb fluorocarbon line that can effectively transmit bites. A medium or medium-light power rod is ideal, as it will give you the sensitivity you need to feel for bites while also providing enough backbone to handle the fight of a smallmouth bass.

Choose the right bait: When fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation, you'll want to use a bait that is weedless and can effectively mimic the prey that smallmouth bass are feeding on. Some great options include finesse worms, small soft plastic craws, and small baitfish imitations. It is important to choose a bait that is the appropriate size and color to match the forage in the area you are fishing.

Fishing Crankbaits for Prespawn Bass

Crankbaits can be an effective lure for catching prespawn bass looking for food before spawning season begins. 

Here are some tips for fishing crankbaits for prespawn bass:

Use shallow to medium diving crankbaits: As the water is still cool but warming during the prespawn period, bass are moving from their deeper wintering areas. So, using a crankbait that allows you to reach the depth where the bass are feeding is key.

Vary your retrieve speed: Experiment with different retrieval speeds until you find what the bass are responding to. Start with a slow and steady retrieve and then gradually increase the speed until you find the sweet spot.

Target structure and cover: Prespawn bass will be looking for areas to feed and hide, so focus your efforts on areas with structure and cover such as weed lines, drop-offs, wood, and rocky points.

Fishing the Zman Hula Stickz

The Zman Fishing Hula Stickz is a soft plastic bait that has gained popularity among anglers for its versatility and effectiveness in catching various species of fish. This bait is designed with a unique hula skirt that adds a lifelike movement to its already impressive action in the water.

One of the key features of the Zman Fishing Hula Stickz is its buoyancy, which allows the bait to stand up on the bottom and create a more realistic presentation. This is especially effective when fishing in clear water where fish can get a good look at the bait.

Two common rigging methods used with the Zman Fishing Hula Stickz; a Texas rig or a Ned jig head. When using a Texas rig, simply insert the hook into the head of the bait and slide it through until the hook is exposed and your favorite bullet weight. This will allow the bait to slide through cover without getting hung up.

Is the Tokyo Rig Better Than the Texas Rig?

Ever since the Tokyo rig was introduced in the U.S., many anglers have experimented with different uses for the rig.

At first glance, people see the rig as a combination of a compact, hardwired drop shot rig, stubby Carolina rig, oversized jika rig or very strange Texas rig. Looks to me like it's a uniqe rig with a number of interesting possibilities!

But does the Tokyo rig truly offer advantages over a traditional Texas rig as bass pro Mike Iaconelli states in the following video?

Take a moment, watch and see!

Fishing Tail Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing during late winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an excellent time to catch some big bass. One effective lure for late winter bass fishing is a tail spinner. 

A tail spinner is a lure that imitates a struggling or dying small baitfish and is designed to create a combination of vibration and flash that attracts bass.

Here's some of the basics about tail spinners and how to fish them for late winter bass.

What is a Tail Spinner?

A tail spinner is a lure that has a metal blade on the back that spins as you retrieve it through the water. The spinning blade creates a flash and vibration that mimics a small baitfish or other forage. The lure's body is often made of lead and it typically has at least one treble hook on the bottom of the metallic body. Popular tail spinners include: Mann’s Bait Little George, Savage Gear’s Fat Tail Spin, Lunker Hunt’s Big Eye Tail Spin Jig, the Molix Trago Spin Tail, and the Duo Realis Spin.

Tail spinners typically range in size from 1/4 oz to 1 oz as well as a variety of colors, so it's important to select a color pattern matching baitfish found in your local waters.

Year Round Shallow Water Bassin'

In today's world on high tech bass fishing, a growing number of bass anglers spend a considerable amount of time staring at a screen to uncover the location of bass in off shore areas.

Fortunately there are still a number of bass that live in shallow water areas throughout the year for anglers that prefer to probe shallow cover rather than probing the depths.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Bill Lowen explains what he does to key in on his personal fishing strength; finding and catching shallow water bass throughout the year!

Power Shotting for Spring Bass

As bass move into the shallows each spring, they start to stage around available cover both in search of food as well as bedding areas as they prepare to spawn. 

Though there are many days when reaction baits like chatterbaits and swim jigs may be effective, there will be times when a more subtle presentation may be needed to trigger these shalow bass into biting. One "deep water" finesse technique that has gained popularity when fishing the shallows over the last several years is the drop shot rig.

When fishing highly vegetated lakes and ponds however, a traditional drop shot may not stand up to bass that bury themselves in the grass and have to "horsed" out.  

Upsizing to a power shot rig (drop shot on steroids) maybe just the adjustment needed as bass pro Gerald "G-man" Swindle discusses in the following video...

Another case where the power shot works great? 

When wanting to fish a Carolina rig in an area where the bottom is covered with slimy algae. The power shot rig keeps the slime at the bottom of the rig rather than riding up the leader line and over the bait as it does on a Carolina rig since the power shot weight is below the bait not inline with it like on a Carolina rig!

Getting More Bass From Your Texas Rigged Senko

Fishing with a Texas rigged Senko or any soft stickbait can be a highly effective technique for catching bass. Because of the Senko's soft composition,however, some anglers may find that they're not getting as many bass per Senko as they wish. Luckily, there is one easy hack you can try to get more bass per bait when using a Texas rigged Senko.

When rigging a Senko onto the hook, insert the hook into the head (thick end) of the bait and push it through until it comes out the bottom. Next, turn the hook 180 degrees, pull the hook down the Senko until the hook eye is buried in the head and insert the hook point back into the bait.  The Senko should hang straight and the point of the hook either hidden in the body or punched through and Tex-posed on top. 

Each time the Senko is cast, runs into cover, or the hook is set, the hook tears the plastic around the hook eye as well as the body where the hook point penetrated. After several casts the torn areas often become large enough to make re-rigging next to impossible causing many anglers to discard the bait for a new one. 

Although some folks may use a soft plastic glue to temporarily mend the torn areas for another cast or two, here's another hack that gets several more casts and a few more bass too...

Simply flip the Senko around, pinch about a 1/4" off its tail end and set-up the Texas rig as depicted via the image below:

Since both the hook eye and point/shaft of the hook now penetrate solid, non-torn plastic, the nearly spent Senko is ready for more action and bass!

Fishing the Neko Rig for Pressured Bass

Fishing for bass can be a challenging and rewarding experience, especially when the fish are pressured. When bass are constantly exposed to lures and other baits, they can become skittish and difficult to catch. 

However, with the right technique and equipment, you can increase your chances of hooking a bass, even in pressured waters. One technique that has gained popularity in recent years is the Neko rig.

The Neko rig is a simple rig that involves threading a soft plastic worm, crawfish or stick bait on to a Neko-style hook parallel with the length of the worm then inserting a small nail weight in the head of the bait.

To fish a Neko rig, you need a spinning rod and reel, light line, and a small hook. The ideal spinning rod should be medium power with a fast action, and it should be around 6.5-7.25 feet long. The reel should have a good drag system to help you control the fish. Use light line in the range of 4-8 pounds, and choose a hook that matches the size of your soft plastic bait.

Start fishing by casting your Neko rig to the desired location and let it sink to the bottom. The Neko rig has a unique fall rate, and the weight will cause the bait to stand up vertically when it hits the bottom. Once the bait is on the bottom, lift the rod tip, and then let it fall again. Repeat this process, working the bait slowly and methodically. This technique mimics a dying or injured baitfish and can entice even the most finicky bass.

Great Lures for Late Winter Bass

Many anglers do not fish throughout the winter months, epecially northern anglers where their favorite bass lakes are covered with ice. Once winter’s grip releases and ice out occurs however, it’s time to prep the bassin’ gear and set up a box wit the best baits for catching late winter bass.

When setting up your late winter specialty box, here are some of the best lures for late winter bass you should consider:

1) Jigs and pig or craw trailers: use a slow drag or drag n pause retrieve keeping the jig around the bottom;

2) Single and double blade spinnerbaits to be slow rolled over and around bottom cover;

3) Lipless or flat-sided squarebill crankbaits fished slowly while deflecting off bottom weeds or rocks;

Fishing Wing Dams for Bass

Wing dams are man-made structures designed to control and regulate water flow in rivers and streams. They are often made of rocks, concrete, or other materials and are positioned perpendicular to the shoreline, creating an extended point into the water. These structures can greatly impact the way fish behave and can be prime spots for fishing.

Bass are known to position themselves differently on wing dams depending on the flow conditions and the time of year. During low flow conditions, bass will typically be found near the back of the wing dam, where the water is deeper and provides cover from predators. In high flow conditions, they will move to the front of the wing dam, where the current is strongest and provides more oxygenated water.

Bass position of on wing dams also changes throughout the year. In the warmer months, they will typically be found near the surface, where the water is warmer, while in the colder months, they will be found at deeper depths, where the water is cooler.

When fishing for bass on wing dams, it’s important to understand the flow conditions and the season. Here are a few tips to help you catch more fish:

Spring Smallmouth Bass and Buzzbaits

Here’s a great tip to both help catch more smallmouths this spring and explosive strikes at the same time …

It’s definitely a little slice of springtime smallmouth fishing paradise!

The technique involves fishing buzzbaits for smallmouth bass once the water temp approaches 50 degrees and continues right through the spring season.

The pattern is actually very straight forward and targets staging smallies as they either prepare to invade the shallow spawning areas or are starting to make the transition back to deeper water.

Position the boat along the first major breakline (usually in 8 to 12 feet of water) then fish the buzzbait parallel to the break and stopping to fan-cast the bait over the shallows every so often.

Play with the cadence of the retrieve and find what entices them, the hold onto your rod and enjoy the fight!

When fishing river situations, getting your buzzbait to plane as soon as it hits the water can be key as explained in this  video…

Fishing Inline Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing inline spinners is a popular and effective technique for catching late winter bass. Inline spinners are versatile lures that mimic the movement of a fleeing baitfish and trigger a predatory response from bass. They are available in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and are a go-to option for many anglers looking to target bass in late winter.

Late winter is a crucial time for bass, as they are starting to feed as they prepare for the spawning season. During this cold water period, bass tend to be sluggish and less active, making them a little harder to catch. However, fishing inline spinners can still be productive, as the subtle spinning action and vibration of the lure can attract bass when other baits fail.

A quality rod and reel combo is key to effectively fishing inline spinners. To start, you will need a 6.5' to 7' medium-light to medium power, fast action spinning rod and matching reel to balance the outfit. The reel should be spooled with 8- to 10-pound test braided main line, as it provides good sensitivity and casting distance. A fluorocarbon leader of 4- to 8-pound test is recommended, since it provides low visibility and abrasion resistance.

Inline spinners come in a variety of sizes, colors, and blade styles. For late winter bass, select inline spinners that mimic small baitfish or crawfish. Silver or gold blades are good starting choices for clear water, while copper, chartreuse or painted blades are better for stained or murky water. A size 1/8 to 3/8 oz inline spinner is a good starting point, as it allows you to fish at a variety of depths and retrieve speeds.

Yo-Yoing Lipless Crankbaits for Spring Smallies

Seems Rapala has been busy in their labs again, this time creating their third generation of lipless crankbaits, the Rippin’ Rap.

According to Doug Stange of InFishermanTV, this new design has a different profile than its predecessors (Rattlin’ Rap & Clankin’ Rap) as well as different sound, vibration and fall pattern.

In this instructional video, Doug uses a Yo-Yo type retrieve to connect with quality early spring smallmouth bass and explains the difference between the different Rapala lipless crankbaits…

From the look of the Ripplin’s Rap, it seems like Rapala might be mimicking Strike King’s Red Eye Shad…

What do you think?

P.S.

The yo-yo retrieve is a favorite of mine for bass in the spring and late fall using lipless cranks from several different manufacturers, just sayin’ 

Bass Fishing Using Curly Tail Grubs

Curly tail grubs are soft plastic lures that mimic the movement and appearance of small prey, such as worms and insects. They are commonly used for bass fishing because they are versatile, affordable, and effective at attracting fish. 

Bass are attracted to the movement and action of the grub, which can be rigged on a jig head or on a variety of different rigs. Grubs can be fished on the bottom, vertically pitched, or cast and retrieved, plus they come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an essential lure for bass fishing, especially under tough conditions.

The size and color of curly tail grubs used for bass fishing can vary based on the fishing conditions, water clarity, and the preference of the angler. However, some popular grub sizes for bass fishing range from 3 to 6 inches long, with 4 or 5 inches being the most common sizes. 

As for colors, popular options include watermelon, green pumpkin, white, black, chartreuse, and smoke. It's also a good idea to match the color of the grub to the hatch of the local forage or to use a color that contrasts with the water clarity. In murky water, brighter colors such as chartreuse or hot pink may be more visible to fish, while in clear water natural colors like watermelon or green pumpkin may be more effective.

Curly Tail Grub Rigging Methods

There are several ways to rig a 5" curly tail grub for bass fishing:

Open jig head rig: This is one of the most popular rigging methods for curly tail grubs. It involves threading the grub onto a jig head hook, with the hook point exposed through the grub's head. This allows the grub to swim naturally and triggering bass into striking.

Weedless jig head rig: This is one of my favorite rigging methods for curly tail grubs. It involves threading the grub onto a weedless jighead with an EWG offset hook and the hook point Tex-posed through the grub's body then the hook point skin hooked to make it snag resistant. This allows the grub to still swim naturally, work in and around different types of cover while still enticing bass to strike.

Quick Tip for Using EWG Worm Hooks with Soft Stickbaits

Ever since I started fishing soft stickbaits over 20 years ago, it became one of my go-to baits from the first trip after ice out until the last before ice in. Though I haven't formally tracked the numbers, the soft stickbait likely accounts for more than half the bass I catch each season. It’s definitely a bass catcher.

Most of the time, I use a 5" (some brands produce slightly longer versions) bait though I also use 4 and 6 inch lengths under certain conditions.

Rigging Soft Stickbaits with EWG-style Hooks

When fishing a soft stickbait, I often switch between a Texas and wacky rig depending on the type of cover being fished and the mood of the bass. A few trips each season, I have several rods rigged with the baits I use for an outing; one rod with a 5” soft stickbait Texas rigged on a 3/0 EWG hook and a second stickbait wacky rigged on a #1 or #1/0 wacky style hook.

Most of the time however, I fish from the bank or a kayak and only carry a couple of rods with me. During those trips, I use a 3/0 EWG hook for both rigs when regularly switching back and forth between the Texas and wacky rigs. That way I don’t spend extra time retying baits during short trips and when I have limited tackle available due to space concerns.

This approach works well when fishing cover like sparse weed patches, rocks/boulders, open docks or logs/stumps without lots of branches. When fishing heavier cover however, I’ll re-rig when switching since the wacky-EWG rig is far from snag proof.

Is this the best system when wacky rigging soft stickbaits?

Perhaps not but when time and gear are short and I want to quickly switch between a Texas and wacky rig, it works for me! :)

Fishing the Whopper Plopper for Spring Bass

Spring is a great time for fishing and the Whopper Plopper can be a great lure to use as both bass and prey move into the shallows to feed. 

Here are several tips for using the Whopper Plopper and similar plopper-style baits for spring bass fishing:

Choose the right size plopper and gear: It’s often important to choose the right size Whopper Plopper, when fishing for spring bass. The size of the lure should match the size of the bass forage and gear being used during your spring outing. The #60 size Whopper Plopper is usually best fished with light spinning tackle and when bass are eating small forage; the #75 & #90 sizes fished with medium power casting or spinning gear and when bass are targeting mid-sized forage; and the #110 & #130 sizes should be fished on M/H to H power casting gear when bass are on larger forage or you're targeting larger bass. As with all topwater baits, it's usually best to use either monofilament or braided line when fishing plopper-style baits.

Enhanced Bank Bass Fishing Tips

Bass fishing from the shore can be a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Here are several tips to help you catch more fish when on your next bank fishing trip:

1. Learn the water: Before you start fishing, take the time to study the water and learn about the different types of structure and cover present in the water you’re fishing that bass prefer. Look for deeper areas, surface and submerged weed beds, laydowns, docks, boulders, and any other structure or cover where bass are likely to be holding.
2. Use snagless rigs and baits: If you are fishing in an area with a lot of weeds or wood, it is important to use a snagless bait. This will prevent your bait from getting hung allowing you to keep fishing despite the presence of bait snagging cover.
3. Consider using live bait: Live bait, such as worms or minnows, can be very effective when fishing for bass from the shore. The scent and movement of live bait can attract bass and entice them to bite.
4. Try different lures: Popular baits when fishing from the bank include spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, various soft plastic baits, jigs with trailers, and topwater lures. When the water is clear, use color patterns that mimic the types of bait present in that water body. When the water is stained to dirty, use brighter colors (yellow, red, orange) or black to create a visual contrast with surrounding water conditions.

Fishing Spinnerbaits for Early Spring Bass

There is little doubt that spinnerbaits are a great bait and enhance early spring bass fishing success.  One of the key features relating to the effectiveness of spinnerbaits when fishing for bass is the versatility of spinnerbait styles and color patterns.

As a matter of fact, not only are spinnerbaits great for early spring bass, they also shine throughout the entire spring, summer, fall and yes even into the winter fishing seasons!

What are some of the reasons behind this versatility?

1. Spinnerbaits come in a variety of sizes, colors, blade combination and styles allowing bass anglers to chose a bait for almost any seasonal situation when on the water;
2. Spinnerbaits can be fished at almost any depth level by varying the speed of retrieve, lure weight and blade combination; &

Chatterbaits: An Effective Bait for Cold-Water Bass

As winter begins to wane and spring approaches, many anglers start to shift their focus to targeting bass as they move towards the shallows on a prespawn feed. One of the most effective lures during this time of transition is the chatterbait. Chatterbaits are versatile lures that can be fished effectively in a variety of conditions, making them a staple in the tackle boxes of many anglers.

What is a Chatterbait?

A chatterbait is a type of vibrating jig that features a metal blade connected to a skirted jig that creates a unique action when retrieved through the water. This action, combining a unique combination of flash and vibration, makes chatterbaits incredibly attractive to bass, and they can often trigger even the wariest fish to strike. 

Chatterbaits come in a variety of sizes, styles and color patterns providing a potential bait option for just about any fishing situation. The most popular sizes range from 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz with the 1/2 oz size being great option for most conditions. As with most bass lures, chatterbait color pattern options are numerous but white n chartreuse, black n blue, green pumpkin, and red craw are probably the most common colors found in angler's tackle boxes. Consider adding a soft plastic grub, swimbait, worm, or craw trailer to help enhance action and add "drawing power" to your chatterbait.

Why Chatterbaits are Effective in Late Winter/Early Spring

Ice-out and Early Spring Bass Tips

Here we are heading our way into the third month of the year in the north country and most of the bass anglers are really starting to notice the longer days and Sun rising in the afternoon sky.

Even in years like this when the local lakes have been frozen for months, feeling the increasing warmth of the Sun turns our thoughts to the approach of ice-out and gearing up for some early spring bass fishing action.

It has been a long and cold winter after-all!

So as you head out into the shed and start to dig-out your rods and reels along with all those boxes filled with your favorite bass catching baits, here are some success tips to help keep you in-tune with the changes at hand.

Location, Location, Location …

And when searching for ice-out and early spring bass, it really is about location.

Though most of us will take what we can get when it comes to accessing bodies of water, early season bass fishing success is definitely increased on smaller bodies of water since they are often more protected and water temps rise fairly rapidly.

With water temperatures still in the 30’s and 40’s, most fish (including bass) will often seek out warming sections of the lake or pond.  Since the Sun is still rising in the southern sky, coves and cuts on the northern shore (especially those with darker bottoms) offering protection from the wind are often bass magnets.

Add in rocks, stumps, logs and other types of solid cover and the magnetic character increases greatly!

Here is one of my favorite ice-out/early spring bass fishing haunts with several keys areas highlighted with white arrows:

Once you’ve located areas with these key fish-attracting elements, it’s time to turn your attention to selecting the right kind of bass tackle for ice-out conditions.

Fishing Lipless Crankbaits for Late Winter Bass

A highly effective bait when fishing for late winter bass is the lipless crankbaits. Lipless crankbaits are versatile lures that mimic the action and sound of a fleeing prey such as minnows and crayfish, thereby enticing bass to strike. 

Advantages of Lipless Crankbaits

Versatility: Lipless crankbaits can be fished in a variety of conditions, including clear and stained water, shallow or deep water, using different retrieve speeds and actions. This versatility makes them a great option for anglers who are unsure of what the conditions will be like on the water.

Attraction: Most lipless crankbaits emit a distinct vibration and rattling sound, attracting bass even in clear to low-visibility water. This makes lipless cranks an effective option when fishing in changing water clarities.

Sinking Ability: Unlike other crankbaits that float, most lipless crankbaits sink to the bottom when not being retrieved, making them ideal for fishing in deep water or reaching bass suspended in the water column.

Tips for Fishing Lipless Crankbaits During Late Winter

Location: Late winter is a time when bass move from deeper water towards the shallows, so focus on fishing breaks and flats near drop-offs, creek channels, weed lines, ledges, and other structures where bass are likely to be hanging.