Fishing the Drop Shot for Clear Water Smallmouths

The drop shot rig is a versatile technique that can be used to catch a variety of fish, especially smallmouth bass. 

When fishing a drop shot rig in clear water, there are a few key tips to keep in mind including:

Use a 6.5-ft to 7.25-ft medium-light to medium power, fast action spinning rod with matching high speed reel spooled with either straight 4-lb to  8-lb fluorocarbon line or equivalent braided line with fluorocarbon leader id preferred.

Match hook size to the style of bait and rigging method (nose vs. weedless hooked).

Use the lightest weight possible depending on wind and current conditions and match the weight shape (cylinder, teardrop or round) to the type of bottom cover being fished.

Take a moment and watch as Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chris Johnston gives several more useful drop-shotting tips in this Michiana Outdoors video...

Here are a few additional tips that can help you catch more smallmouth bass on a drop shot rig:

Fish in areas with clear water, rocks and a hard bottom that smallmouth bass seem to prefer.

Smallmouth bass often take the bait quickly, so be prepared to set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.

There is no one perfect way to fish a drop shot rig, so experiment with different baits and presentations until you find what works best during each trip.

Understanding Bass Forage

When it comes to fishing for bass, it's important to understand the different types of forage they eat. 

Matching the hatch by using lures that imitate these natural food sources can greatly increase your chances of success. Following is a quick summary of the most common forage for bass and the common artificial lures that imitate them.

Golden Shiners - These small fish are a favorite of largemouth bass and can be found in many bodies of water across the country. When looking for artificial lures to imitate golden shiners, try using jerkbaits, soft swimbaits, squarebill or lipless crankbaits in a gold with black back color pattern.

Blueback Herring - Found in larger bodies of water, blueback herring are a favorite of both largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. To imitate these baitfish, use swimbaits, lipless crankbaits, blade baits, or topwaters like poppers or walking baits.

Alewives - Similar to blueback herring, alewives are a popular food source for bass in larger bodies of water. Try using swimbaits or different types of crankbaits to imitate these baitfish.

Chubs - Found in streams and smaller bodies of water, chubs are a common food source for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Use crankbaits or swim jigs in natural colors like brown or green to imitate these baitfish.

Crawfish - Crawfish are a staple food source for bass in many bodies of water. Use crankbaits, jigs, chatterbaits, or soft plastic craws in natural colors like brown or green to imitate these crustaceans.

Threadfin Shad - Another common baitfish in many bodies of water, threadfin shad are a favorite of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Try using small spinnerbaits, paddletail swimbaits, or lipless crankbaits in silver or white colors to imitate these baitfish.

Gizzard Shad - Gizzard shad are larger baitfish that are found in many larger bodies of water. Use larger swimbaits or larger lipless crankbaits in natural colors to imitate these baitfish.

Spiralling Fluke Style Baits?

Fluke style soft jerkbaits are common choice by many bass anglers when fishing for cruising or finicky bass when they are up in the shallows.

Did you know they can also be deadly when fishing for suspended bass at deeper depths as well?

Take a moment and watch as Strike King Pro Keith Combs provides some great insight into his unique rigging approach for using soft jerkbaits to fish for stubborn suspended bass...

What Is the Moping Technique for Bass Fishing?

Moping (a.k.a. a Damiki rig), is a highly effective technique for catching bass, especially during the cold and warm water months when many bass move offshore; tend to hold close to bottom cover; and tend to be less active. 

This do-nothing technique involves using a soft plastic bait (often a fluke-style lure) rigged on a 3/16-oz to 3/8-oz minnow-style jighead with a 90 degree hook eye. Choose a color pattern that imitates the natural prey of bass in your area. The bait should be about 3-4 inches long with a realistic shape and color. 

Next, select a jighead that matches the depth of the water you are fishing as well as existing weather conditions. A heavier jighead is needed for deep water and windier conditions where a lighter one can be used for shallow water and lighter winds.

When fishing the rig, start by identifying fish-holding cover near the bottom, then lower jig and position it a foot or two above the bass. Next, hold the jig at that deoth and allow it to hover over the fish with minimal movement of the bait. This slow, finesse movement is key to imitating the movement of suspended baitfish and enticing the bass to strike.

What Are You Throwing - Prespawn #1

I am one of those people who love open-water bass fishing and for those times when I can't be casting, I'm definitely thinking about it! 

After a long winter's respite, I always like to consider my approach when exposed to new waters.

So here's an image and background info regarding a potential early spring opportunity for all like-minded bass folk to ponder and respond too in the social media feed or post comment section if desired :)

The Setting

Season/location: Early spring fishing cove/pocket in northern section of lake; water temps - upper 40s to mid 50s

Water depths & clarity: 0-ft at shore to 10-ft at entrance; water is tea colored with ~ 3-ft visibility

Bottom composition: Some "clean" sand and gravel but most areas are organic muck over sand & gravel

Structure/cover: Two main points at entrance plus a few secondary points around pocket; two ditches running from each arm of pocket into main lake; several laydowns around shoreline with a number of scattered stumps throughout pocket as well; pocket is fairly heavily vegetated during warmer months so there are many patches of pad,reed, cabbage stems throughout.

Forage: Perch, shiners, sunfish, minnows & crawfish

So, what are you throwing?

Choosing Walking vs Popping Frogs

Two common types of hollow belly frogs used in frog fishing are the walking frog and the popping frog. While both can be effective at catching bass, they have different actions and are better suited for different scenarios.

The question is, how do you know when to choose a walking rather than a popping frog when encountering perfect frogging conditions when out fishing?

Take a couple minutes and watch as Spro bass pro and frog fishing expert Dean Rojas explain his reasons for choosing between these two types of hollow belly frogs...

Both walking and popping frogs are effective baits for bass fishing but are usually used in different conditions. Walking frogs ,on the other hand, are best used in water with a lot of dense vegetation, lay-downs and when skipping docks. Popping frogs are best used in open water with scattered patches of vegetation, along weedlines and over submerged grass beds.

Fishing a Wacky Rig in Heavy Cover

A wacky rigged worm is a highly productive bait when fishing shallow water but many anglers shy away from casting it into heavy cover with the exposed hook that is normally used.

Fishing a wacky rig in heavy cover for bass can be an effective technique too, but it does require some special considerations to be successful.

Here are several tips for fishing a wacky rig in heavy cover for bass:

Choose the right rod and reel: Select a medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip, a high-speed reel, and 10-15 lb braid or fluorocarbon line to give you enough power to pull bass out of heavy cover.

Rig the wacky worm: Use a weedless wacky rig hook and rig the worm around the center to create a wacky worm that will fall slowly and look enticing to bass as it sinks.

Select the right bait: The best bait for fishing a wacky rig in heavy cover is a stick bait, such as a Yamamoto Senko or Zoom Fluke Stick. These baits are designed to fall slowly and erratically, which is perfect for enticing bass in heavy cover.

Choose the right weight: Use a weight that is just heavy enough to cast accurately and reach the bottom, but light enough to allow the bait to move naturally. A weightless wacky rig is a good option for heavy cover, as it will help the bait fall slowly and naturally.

Cast strategically: Look for gaps and openings in the heavy cover where bass might be lurking and cast your wacky rig in those areas. You can also cast to the edge of the cover and slowly work the wacky worm back toward you.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Brandon Cobb explains his system for fishing weedless wacky worms through heavy cover: 

Overall, fishing a wacky rig in heavy cover requires patience, skill, and the right gear. With practice and persistence, you can develop a technique that works for you and catch plenty of bass in the process.

Using Walking Topwater Baits for Spring Bass

Walking-style topwater baits are one of the most exciting lures to use for spring bass fishing. These baits are designed to mimic the movement of a fleeing baitfish creating a commotion on the surface of the water that can trigger aggressive strikes from hungry or bed-guarding bass.

Start fishing a walking-style topwater bait by casting it out into an area or piece of cover you believe holds bass. These targets range from the outer edges of shallow flats in the early and late spring as bass move from/to deep water or across flats through mid-spring as bass move shallower to feed and spawn.

Working the bait

Once the bait hits the water, wait a few seconds for any ripples to dissipate, and then give the rod tip a sharp twitch. This will cause the bait to dart and zigzag across the surface of the water, imitating the erratic movements of a panicked or dying baitfish.

It's important to keep in mind that bass often strike walking-style topwater baits aggressively, so it's important to be ready for the strike. Keep your rod tip down and be prepared to set the hook quickly when you feel a bass take the bait.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Brandon Palaniuk gives an on the water demo on where and how he uses walking topwater baits to catch spring bass...

When it comes to choosing a walking-style topwater bait, there are a variety of options available. Some popular choices include the Heddon Zara Spook, the Lucky Craft Sammy, Berkley J-Walker, and the Strike King Sexy Dawg. 

Experiment with different colors and sizes until you find the lure that works best in your local waters.

Cranking Rock Piles for Big Springtime Smallmouth Bass

Fishing rock piles with crankbaits can be a very productive way to target big smallmouth bass in the spring. By using the right gear and fishing the bait properly, you can put yourself in a position to land some great bass.

Here are a few tips for fishing rock piles with crankbaits:

• Use a 7' medium power moderate-fast action rod and medium speed reel;
• Choose the right type of crankbait for the depth of the water and the structure of the rock pile;
• Work the bait slowly and methodically keeping the bait in contact with the bottom;
• Pause the bait occasionally; &
• Be patient and persistent.

Take a moment and watch the video below to see how Frank Scalish with Lurenet approaches crankbait fishing rock piles for big spring smallmouths...

Using Scrounger Heads when Fishing Deep to Shallow Cover

A scrounger style jig head is a type of fishing jig head that is designed to create a realistic swimming action in soft plastic lures, such as swimbaits or grubs. 

The scrounger jig head typically features a round jig head with a molded plastic bill that extends from the front of the head. The bill is usually curved and angled upwards, which creates a wobbly swimming action as the lure is retrieved through the water.

To use a scrounger jig head for bass fishing, you would typically rig it with a soft plastic bait, such as a swimbait, fluke-style bait, or grub, by threading the hook through the bait to the back-side of the bill of the jig head. The combination of the weighted head and the curved bill creates a realistic swimming action that can be very effective for attracting bass. 

To fish with a scrounger jig head, you would typically cast it out, count down to the desired depth, and retrieve it slowly, using a steady retrieve to create the swimming action. You can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to find the most effective presentation for the conditions and the bass you're targeting.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Joss Stracner explains why he uses a scrounger-style head to probe both hard and soft cover throughout the water column opposed to other more "standard" baits...

Fishing Riprap Structures for Bass

Riprap structures are common in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers; they can be a great place to target bass. 

Riprap is essentially a collection of large, durable rocks or concrete debris placed along the shore or in the water to prevent soil and sediment erosion. These man-made structures are often found around dams, bridges, piers, jetties, and other areas where rocks have been placed for current or sediment control.

These structures provide an excellent habitat for bass, as they offer cover, shade, and food as well as current breaks when placed in areas with moving water.

Take a moment and watch the following video from the folks at Lurenet covering some more in depth info on how to effectively fish riprap structures for bass...

Cranking Rivers for Spring Bass

Spring is a great time to fish for bass on rivers. As the weather warms, the Sun rises higher in the sky, and the water starts to heat up, bass become more active, move towards the bank and feed-up before they spawn. 

One of the most effective ways to target spring bass on rivers is by fishing cover near strucutre with crankbaits. 

Here are several tips to help you more bass this spring:

Focus on structure and cover: Bass will often hold near structure such as channel swing banks with cover like rocks, logs, or docks, so focus your cranking efforts in these areas. Crankbaits can be particularly effective since they can be used to bounce off the cover triggering reaction strikes from bass staging in it.

Select the right crankbait: Different styles of crankbaits work best in different depth conditions. For example, shallow-running crankbaits are ideal for cranking shallow water, while medium to deep-diving crankbaits work better for fishing deeper cover.

Match crankbait color to the water color: The color of your crankbait can make a big difference in how many bites you get. If the water is clear, go with natural colors like perch, shad or crawfish. In murky water, try brighter colors like red, chartreuse or orange.

Vary your retrieval speed: Experiment with different speeds of retrieval until you find the one that the bass are most responsive to during that outing. Sometimes, a fast, erratic retrieve will work, while other times a slow, steady retrieve will be more effective.

Pay attention to the current: Rivers are always moving, so it's important to cast your crankbait upstream and retrieve it downstream with the current. Retrieving the crankbait with the current makes your lure look natural triggering more strikes from bass holding around cover.

Take a few moments and watch the following video from the folks at W2F where bass pro Bob Downey provides an on the water demo of his approach for cranking river for spring bass...

Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits for Spring Bass

Fishing with squarebill crankbaits in the spring can be a great way to catch bass. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger the bass to become more active and feed more aggressively. 

Following are the basics of squarebill crankbait fishing in the spring, including what gear you'll need, where to look for fish, and how to retrieve the bait.

Gear for Squarebill Crankbait Fishing in the Spring

Before you hit the water, you'll need to make sure you have the right gear. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need for squarebill crankbait fishing in the spring:

Rod: A 6.5-ft to 7-ft medium or medium-heavy power rod with a fast tip is recommended for fishing squarebill crankbaits. This will allow you to cast the bait more accurately and farther to present the squarebill around bass holding cover.

Reel: A baitcasting reel with a 6:1 or 7:1 gear ratio is ideal for squarebill crankbait fishing, as it allows for fast retrieves and quick hook sets.

Line: A 12-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament line is recommended for squarebill crankbait fishing, as it provides good sensitivity allowing you to feel the bait and detect strikes.

Bait: A squarebill crankbait in natural color patterns, such as bluegill, shad brown or green crawfish in clear water and  black-back chartreuse, chartreuse or red crawfish when fishing in stained water, is a good choice for fishing squarebills in the spring. A good starting size when fishing squarebills in the spring is a 1.5 size then experiment with smaller and larger sizes and let the bass indicate their preference during that outing.

Where to Look for Fish

In the spring, bass tend to move from their winter haunts in deeper water towards shallower areas where they can feed and spawn. In early spring start your search around points and breaklines closest to main lake wintering areas. As you move deeper into spring, look for areas with shallow water and cover, such as weed beds, docks, fallen trees, boulder fields or rock banks. These areas provide cover for the bass to hide and ambush prey.

Basic Squarebill Retrieve

When fishing with a squarebill crankbait, the key is to make the bait look as natural as possible. To do this, you'll want to retrieve the bait in a stop-and-go motion, with occasional twitches and pauses to mimic the movement of prey.

Using Football Jigs for Spring Bass

Spring is a fantastic time to fish for bass, and football jigs can be a great bait for catching them. Football jigs imitate crawfish and can be fished in a variety of ways to entice bass into striking. 

Here are seven tips for using football jigs to catch more bass this spring:

Match the jig to the conditions: Choose the weight and color of your jig based on the depth and clarity of the water, and the type of cover you're fishing. When fishing shallow, clearer water or areas with dense cover, start with a lighter (1/4-oz or 3/8-oz) jig and use heavier jigs when fishing deeper water (early prespawn or late post spawn).

Match the color to the water conditions: The color of your football jig should match the color of the water you are fishing in. If the water is murky or stained, go for a darker color like black or brown. If the water is clear, use a lighter color like green or brown.

Use a trailer: Adding a trailer to your football jig can make it look more lifelike and increase your chances of getting a strike. A crawfish or creature bait trailer can work well in the spring.

Use fluorocarbon line: Fluorocarbon line is abrasion resistant and less visible in the water than other types of line, making it a great choice for fishing with jigs.

Fish it slow: Football jigs are best fished slowly, so drag the jig along the bottom and let it bounce off any rocks or other structure and if the bite is slow, try dead-sticking the jig for several seconds during the retrieve. Restarting the retrieve after dead-sticking can often trigger finicky followers into striking. Even though slow retrieves usually work best, don't be afraid to experiment with different retrieves to see what works for the conditions you're fishing.

Pay attention to bass movement: Changes in the spring weather can affect how bass behave and where they're located. During the prespawn and part of the post spawn, many bass will be moving either from or back to deeper water. During these times focus some of your attention on the deep to shallow transition areas for migrating bass. Use upslope retrieves during the prespawn and down-slope retrieves during the post spawn to intercept transitioning bass.

Focus on cover: Football jigs are great for fishing around cover like rocks, logs, and weed beds. Look for areas where bass are likely to be hiding and fish the jig slowly around and through those spots.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to catching more bass this spring with football jigs. Remember to stay focused and keep experimenting until you find what works best for you and the conditions you're fishing in.

Gear Adjustments to Enhance Crankbait Presentations

Crankbait fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to use the right equipment to maximize your chances of success. Two key factors to consider when using crankbaits are the length of your fishing rod and the size of your fishing line. 

Here are some tips to help you enhance your crankbait performance:

Longer rods are better for deeper water: If you're fishing in deep water, a longer rod will allow you to make longer casts and achieve deeper depths than shorter rods. Look for a rod that's at least 7.25 feet long.

Shorter rods are better for shallower water: If you're fishing in shallower water, a shorter rod will give you more control and allow you to make more accurate casts. Look for a rod that's between 6.5 and 7 feet long.

Use light line for better crankbait action: The lighter your line, the more action and depth you'll get when retrieving your crankbait. This is because lighter line has less resistance in the water and allows your bait to move more freely thereby triggering more strikes. Try using a 10-12 lb. test line when greater depths and enhanced action are desired.

Use heavier line for more control: If you're fishing in heavy cover or around structure, you may want to use a heavier line to give you more control over the fish. Look for a line that's between 14 and 20 lb. test.

Using Large Soft Swimbaits for Big Spring Bass

When fishing for big bass in the spring, it's important to understand their behavior as they prepare to spawn. Bass are typically found moving into shallow water during early spring, as they feed more aggressively  and prepare to spawn. One effective way to target these fish is to use a large, pre-rigged, soft swimbait that resembles forage in your local waters.

Large soft swimbaits are lures designed to imitate the natural movement of common baitfish. They typically range in size from 4 to 12 inches; have a soft, realistic body; and are molded to look like a real fish. 

Most brands offer a variety of color patterns to match local forage. In addition to color, the size of the bait should match the size of the fish you are targeting. For big bass, a 5-8 inch soft swimbait is usually a good starting point and some of the most popular brands/models include: Megabass Magdraft, Storm Wildeye Shad, Bull Shad Bacca Burrito, Optimum Baits Rigged Boom-Boom, and Huddleston Deluxe swimbaits.

One of the key advantages of using a soft swimbait is its realistic swimming action. Unlike traditional hard-bodied baits, soft swimbaits are made of flexible materials that allow them to move and shimmy in the water like a real forage fish. This lifelike action can draw bass from their hiding spots and often entice even finicky lunkers into striking.

Using the Z-man Micro Finesse System for Cold Water Smallmouths

The Zman Micro-Sized Finesse System Baits are a great way to catch smallmouth bass in cold water. These baits are small and slow-moving, which makes them irresistible to bass that are looking for an easy meal.

To use Zman Micro-Sized Finesse Baits, you'll need a balanced light-power rod and reel, 4-18 pound test fluorocarbon line, and a small micro finesse jighead. The jighead should be no more than 1/10 ounce, and the bait should be no larger than 2.5 inches.

When fishing with Zman Micro-Sized Finesse Baits, it's important to keep your presentation slow and subtle. Cast the bait out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, slowly retrieve it with a twitchy motion. The key is to make the bait look like a small, injured baitfish. Dead stick and stop and go presentations are great alternatives when steady retrieves do not produce.

Smallmouth bass are often found in cold water around rocks, boulders, and gravel situated on deep water (>15-ft) drop-offs and structures. These areas provide cover and ambush points for bass. When fishing these areas, focus on casting your bait around cover at the preferred depth and varying retrieve action to find what triggers smallmouths during that outing.

If you're still not getting any bites, try changing up your retrieve. You can also try using a different color bait. Sometimes, a change in color is all it takes to trigger a bite.

Take a few moments and watch the following video as the folks from "On The Water" magazine provide an overview of how effective the Z-man Micro System is for cold water smallmouths in a pond near Cape Cod...

Quick Tips When Fishing Chatterbaits in the Spring

A chatterbait is a type of fishing lure that consists of a jighead and a blade attached to it along with a skirt made of silicone or rubber to increase the profile of the bait. The bait creates a vibration and a distinct "chattering" sound plus an erratic, rolling action as it's retrieved through the water mimicking the movement of struggling forage thereby attracting bass and triggering strikes.

Though chatterbaits are effective throughout the year, they can be especially productive in the spring. Following are several quick tips to consider anytime you're throwing chatterbaits during the spring:

Choose the right rod/reel combo: Ensure that you have the right combo for chatterbait fishing in the spring including a 6.5-ft to 7.25-ft medium-heavy power, moderate fast action baitcasting rod; 12-20 lb fluorocarbon line; and a high-speed reel. Line size can be adjusted based on cover being fished or to help adjust the depth of retrieve (thinner line = deeper retrieve depth).

Match the hatch: Match the size of your chatterbait to the size of the baitfish that are present in the water. Use smaller/lighter weights when the baitfish are smaller or when fishing shallow water, and larger/heavier chatterbaits when the baitfish are larger or fishing deeper water.

Keep color selection simple: Four basic color patterns are highly effective in the spring: black and blue when fishing stained water or in low light conditions; white or shad pattern when fishing clearer waters and shad-like baitfish are present; green pumpkin in clear water, under low light conditions or when local forage is sunfish or crawdads; and red crawfish particularly in early spring, when crawdads are present, or in tea-colored water.

Use soft plastic trailers: Adding a trailer to your chatterbait can change its action, running depth, and make it more appealing to fish. Try different types of trailers, such as paddle or blade tail swimbaits, fluke-style baits or crawfish imitations matching color to chatterbait and forage present.

Fish in windy conditions: Windy conditions can help break up the surface of the water creating a more secure environment for bass, thereby making your chatterbait attractive to more aggressive bass.

Vary your retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval techniques such as slow rolling, ripping, and hopping the bait along the bottom to determine what works best for the bass during that outing.

Target shallow water cover: During the spring, fish tend to move towards shallow waters to feed and spawn. Look for shallow water areas with cover such as weeds, rocks, stumps, docks, and fallen trees keeping chatterbait close to cover whenever possible.

Mopping Up Prespawn Bass

A mop jig is a type of bass jig designed to mimic the appearance of a crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey that bass feed on. The lure features a skirt made of extra-long, heavy, living rubber strands that resemble the appearance of a mop, give it a lifelike action in the water.

In addition to the skirt, mop jigs often feature a flat-sided, arky-style or football head that helps the jig sit in a defensive position on the bottom further enhancing its crawfish appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for fishing in almost any water depth or in areas with strong currents.

To use a mop jig for bass fishing, you would typically cast the lure out and then retrieve it slowly along the bottom of the lake or river, pausing occasionally to allow the lure to sink back down and imitate the behavior of a crawfish or other prey. The soft strands of the skirt float up from the bottom and move with the water current, creating an enticing motion that can attract the attention of nearby bass.

Take a moment as bass pro Grae Buck describes how he uses the Buckeye Lures Mop Jig paired with a floating craw-type trailer to trick transitioning prespawn bass into biting...

Using Soft Plastic Hellgrammite Baits for Bass

Soft plastic hellgrammite lures are a great choice for bass fishing since they mimic a natural prey of bass in many bodies of water. 

These lures are designed to look like the larval stage of a dobsonfly, a common insect found in many ponds, rivers and streams.

Several bait companies produce a version of soft plastic hellgrammites designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real hellgrammites.

Crazy Hick Peach Bugs

Some popular brands of soft plastic hellgrammite-like baits include:

• Crazy Hick Bait Peach Bug
• Case Plastics Hellgrammite
• Berkley Gulp Hellgrammite
• Nikko Hellgrammite
• Mister Twister TwisterMite
• Lunker City Hellgie
• Bass Pro Shops Hellgrammite

One of the benefits of using soft plastic hellgrammite lures is rigging versatility. Hellgrammite baits can be set-up on a variety of rigs, including on a Ned jighead, split shot, drop shot, finesse Neko rig, Carolina rig, or Texas rig. They can also be rigged as a trailer on a finesse jig allowing you to fish them in and around heavier cover where bass may be lurking.

Try a Neko Rig on Following Smallmouths

Have you been frustrated when catching one smallmouth bass on one rig only to have several more quality smallies follow it up to the boat then disappear by the time you land your fish? 

I know I have!

Did you know there's a pretty simple trick that will help catch more of those ghostly bronzebacks?

Take a moment and listen as bass pro Drew Cook describes how to use a readily-deployed Neko rig to draw strikes from those elusive following smallies...

Pretty cool and simple trick I know I'll be trying this season...

Need to stock up on Neko rig gear?

If you do, click on the following link to see the great assortment of Neko rigging gear available at Omnia Fishing:

Omnia's Neko Rig Tackle Assortment

Fishing Docks Using a Shaky Head for Early Spring Bass

A shaky head is a fishing rig used for bass fishing that consists of a jighead with a hook and a soft plastic worm or other bait attached to it. The jighead is designed to sit on the bottom while the worm wiggles and shakes when moved, creating a lifelike action that attracts fish.

The shaky head rig is particularly effective for early spring bass fishing when the water is still cold and the fish are less active. The slow, subtle movements of the worm on the shaky head rig mimic the natural movement of prey in cold water making it an enticing target for early season bass.

Fishing docks with a shaky head in early spring can be a great presentation for catching prespawn bass moving shallow to feed before the spawn begins.

Here are some tips to help you fish docks with the shaky head successfully:

Choose the right tackle: Use a 6.5-ft to 7-ft medium-light or medium power, fast action spinning rod matched with a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel, spooled with 6-10 lb fluorocarbon line.

Use the right bait: Choose a shaky head jig with a 4-7 inch soft plastic finesse or trick worm in natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon or black.

Fishing Buzzbaits for Spring Bass

One of the most effective lures for spring bass fishing is the buzzbait. Buzzbaits create a unique sound, water disturbance, and vibration that attract bass, making them a great choice for anglers during the spring.

Buzzbaits are wire-framed topwater lures that create a buzzing sound as they are retrieved across the surface of the water. The sound is created by the winged-blade on the top arm of the frame that spins as the bait is retrieved. The spinning blade also creates a disturbance on the surface, mimicking the movements of feeding or struggling prey, making them highly attractive and sometimes aggrivating to bass.

Here are some tips to help you successfully use a buzzbait when fishing for spring bass.

Fish in shallow water: In the spring, bass move into shallow water to feed as they prepare for the spawn. When fishing with a buzzbait, you should focus on shallow targets in water depths of less than 5 to 10 feet.

Lipless Crankbait Retrieve Tips

A lipless crankbait is a hard-bodied lure that is designed to mimic the swimming action and vibration of fleeing forage, which can be very effective in attracting all species of bass and other gamefish.

When fishing lipless crankbaits, you can vary the speed and action of your retrieve to see what works best on a given day or on a particular body of water. Some of the more popular retrieves include:

Cast and retrieve: This is the most basic retrieve and involves simply casting the lure out and reeling it back in at a steady pace when fishing open water. Vary your retrieval speed and lure action to make the lure look more natural and like struggling forage.

Rip and pause: This technique involves ripping the lure through the water with a sharp upward jerk of the rod, then letting it sink and pause for a moment before repeating. This can mimic the erratic movements of a wounded baitfish and trigger a reaction bite.

Yo-yo retrieve: This presentation involves casting the lure out, letting it sink to the bottom, then quickly reeling it up and letting it sink again. This can imitate a baitfish that is darting up and down in the water column, which can be particularly effective in moderately deep water.

How to Fish Swimming Worms for Spring Bass

Fishing with swimming worms can be an effective way to catch bass in the spring. These soft plastic baits are designed to mimic the natural movements of forage swimming about in shallow water so they can be deadly when used correctly. 

Here are a few tips to help you fish swimming worms effectively for spring bass:

Select the right gear: Start with a 6'6'' and 7'6" medium-heavy power, fast action rod, paired with a matching, high-speed spinning or baitcasting reel spooled with 12 to 20 lb. fluorocarbon line. Next, tie on a Texas rig with a pegged 1/8 to 1/4 oz tungsten bullet weight, a 2/0 to 4/0 light wire worm hook size appropriate for the length of the worm you'll be using.

Choose the right worm: Select a swimming worm around 5-8 inches in length, with a paddle tail (Zoom Speed Worm or Big Bite Baits Tour Swim Worm) or vibe-cut (Zoom Ultravibe or Gambler Burner) tail design that creates a lot of movement in the water. Colors that work well in the spring are natural greens, browns, and pumpkinseed in clear water, black, red bug or junebug in stained water as well as brighter colors like chartreuse or pink when standard colors fail.

Finesse Skipping for Bass

Spinning rods are one of the most versatile types of fishing rods that are useful for a variety of fishing techniques, including skipping lures beneath overhanging cover for bass. 

Skipping lures under cover is a technique where you cast the lure under overhanging branches, docks, pontoon boats or other obstacles imitating an intruder into the bass' shallow water hideout. If done correctly, this technique can be very effective for catching bass tucked tightly under different types of shoreline cover. 

Consider these step when preparing to use a spinning rod for skipping lures under cover for bass:

Choose the right spinning rod: To skip lures under cover, you'll need a 6.5' to 7' medium to medium-heavy power, fast action spinning rod with matching reel. This will give you the necessary tip action for making the cast, the sensitivity you need to detect bites, while also providing enough backbone to set the hook and fight the fish out from cover.

Pick the right lure: There are a variety of lures that can be skipped under cover, but soft plastic lures (soft stickbaits, worms, creature baits, tubes, etc.), hollow-body frogs, and jigs are good choices. You'll want to choose a lure that is small enough to fit under the cover, heavy enough to cast well, but bulky enough to trigger a reaction from the bass.

Line selection: Use a braided line with a low diameter, high strength and low stretch. This line will allow you to detect even the slightest bites. If high water clarity is a concern, pair the braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of about 3-4 feet in length, which will provide a low visibility connection between the lure and the line.

Fishing Wacky Worms for Spring Bass

Springtime is an exciting time for a little bass fishing after a long. cold winter. Since the days are getting longer and Sun higher in the sky, the fish start to invade the shallows, become more active, and feed more aggressively. 

If you're looking to catch more bass this spring season, then one bait to add to your arsenal and consider fishing: the wacky worm. In this article, we'll explore what wacky worms are, why they're effective for spring bass, and how to fish with them.

What are Wacky Worms?

A wacky worm is a soft plastic bait that is rigged in a unique, almost comical manner. Instead of rigging the worm through the head and down the length of the worm as in a Texas rig, a wacky worm is hooked through the middle at 90 degrees to the worm's length. 

This definitely creates a "wacky" appearance but provides a presentation that mimics the movement of struggling forage, making it an appealing target for bass.

Why are Wacky Worms Effective for Spring Bass?

Spring is a time when bass are starting to move from their winter haunts to their shallow spawning grounds. During this time, they are looking for food and tend be more active and aggressive as they feed-up for the coming spawn. Wacky worms are particularly effective during this time because they offer a slow and natural presentation that mimics wounded or dying bait, which is an easy food source for hungry bass.

Early Spring Smallmouth Bait Tips

It's early spring, the ice has just exited your favorite smallmouth pond and you're ready to make a long winter's cabin fever a thing of the past.

It's time to dust off and freshen up your smallmouth gear, head off to the pond and connect with some of the big, prespawn smallies as they ascend from their winter haunts invading the flats to "put the feed bag on".

But after opening your tackle packs, decisions have to be made; 

What baits are going to give you the best shot at enticing one of those big ole smallies into striking?

Being a northern smallmouth bass guy,  bass guru Kevin VanDam has a few suggestions his top baits when chasing smallies on his favorite northern waters. 

Take a few moments and listen as KVD describes the baits and presentations in this short video from the folks at Strike King:

Although KVD mentions specific SK baits in the video, any similar bait from your favorite manufacturers will work too!