What Is Hover Strolling?

Hover strolling is a finesse fishing technique that is used to target suspended bass. It is a relatively new technique that originated in Japan, but it is quickly becoming popular with bass anglers across the U.S. as well.

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The hover strolling also known as the hover shot rig is simple to set up. You will need a few items including a 90-degree hook, a small nail weight, and your favorite soft plastic bait. 

Insert the hook point 1/8-1/4 inch behind the head of the bait and thread it through until the plastic is approximately halfway up the shank of the hook. Next, expose the hook point in the center of the bait's back before you finish embedding the hook completely. This positioning will help to keep the bait horizontal in the water column. Next, slide the nail weight into the nose of the bait below the hook shank, then tie the line to the eye of the hook.

When fishing the hover strolling rig, cast it out and let it sink to the desired depth. Since the nail weight is pushed back into the body of the bait, the weight balance is shifted back as opposed to being front loaded as a jig head would. This position gives the bait a spiraling action while sinking, an action that often triggers strikes. 

If a strike does not occur while sinking, start reeling it in slowly and steadily once it is at the desired depth. As you reel, twitch the rod tip occasionally to impart a subtle swimming action to the bait. This will help to attract the attention of suspended bass in the area.

Hover strolling is a great technique for fishing clear water lakes and reservoirs. It is also a good technique for fishing pressured waters or during the winter months when bass are often suspended in deeper water.

Here are some additional tips for using the hover strolling rig:

• Use light line and a small hook. This will help to keep the bait natural in the water column.
• Use a slow and steady retrieve. This will help to keep the bait in the strike zone for longer.
• Use a variety of small, soft plastic baits. Different baits will work in different situations.
• Experiment with different depths. Bass can be found at different depths, so it is important to experiment to find the depth where they are holding.

Hover strolling is a great technique for catching bass and if you are looking for a new way to catch bass, especially on clear and pressured waters, give hover strolling a try.