Tweaking Zman Soft Plastics for Better Performance

Zman Fishing's soft plastic baits are known for their unique material and design, which set them apart from traditional soft plastic baits offered by other companies.

Zman baits are made from a proprietary material called ElaZtech. This material is extremely durable, buoyant, and flexible, providing a lifelike action in the water. ElaZtech is more durable than traditional soft plastics, which means that Zman baits can withstand more bites and catches before needing replacement.

ElaZtech is buoyant, allowing the baits to float naturally in the water. This feature is especially beneficial when using techniques like the Ned Rig, where the bait stands upright on the bottom, imitating a feeding or injured prey.

Although ElaZtech is a buoyant plastic, Zman does add salt into the formulation helping to add weight and adjust sink rates. The salt content also decreases the buoyancy sometimes causing bait to lay flat on the bottom especially if any current is present in the waters you're fishing.

Nick from the Bass Hookup YouTube channel created a pretty cool underwater video showing how a simple tweak to Zman's finesse soft plastics can greatly enhance a bait's buoyancy and performance.

Take a few minutes to watch and see what I mean...

When to Use Flat-Sided vs. Squarebill Crankbaits

When it comes to shallow diving crankbaits, two popular choices rise to the top: the flat-sided crankbait and the squarebill. While they share some similarities, their subtle differences can make a big impact on your fishing success. 

Let's dive in (pun intended) and explore what sets these crankbaits apart.

Body Shape:

Flat-Sided: As the name suggests, these crankbaits have, well, flat sides. This gives them a wider profile and a more subtle wobble compared to their squarebill counterparts.

Squarebill: These crankbaits have a wider body and prominent, square-shaped lip that deflects off cover and digs deeper. This creates a wider wobble and a more aggressive action.

Action and Vibration:

Flat-Sided: The flat sides creates a tighter wobble with a higher-pitched vibration. This can trigger more reaction strikes, especially in colder water, in finesse situations or when fish are pressured.

Squarebill: The square lip creates produce a wider, rolling action with a low-frequency vibration. This can be deadly when aggressive bass are hanging around shallow cover waiting to ambush unsuspecting forage.

Diving Depth and Use:

Flat-Sided: Can dig a little deeper, allowing you to crank around thicker cover or target sluggish, suspended fish.

Squarebill: Choose for situations when bass are staging on shallow cover and bumping the cover helps trigger reaction strikes.

Bass pro Bill Lowen loves cranking the shallows for bass throughout the year. Take a few minutes and watch as he explains his process for chosing between squarebills and flat-sided baits as well as the line he uses to maximize success with each...

Using Castable Sonar to Catch More Bass

New castable sonar devices like the Garmin Striker Cast GPS are giving bass anglers an exciting new tool to use when fishing from shore or a boat. This type of sonar removes the need to permanently mount a transducer on your watercraft and allows you to cast a floating sonar sensor from shore. 

Most castable sonars are designed with the angler in mind. They connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and the included app displays the sonar data in an easy-to-understand format.

While this new technology shows a lot of promise, there are some key pros and cons to consider before investing in a castable sonar setup for your next bass fishing adventure.

Advantages:

- Portability - Castable sonar gives you the flexibility to quickly scout new fishing spots without installing permanent mounts or transducers. You can use it from the shore, a kayak, canoe, or small boat without modifications.

- Cost - Castable sonar units are very affordable compared to permanently mounted fish finders and transducers. The Garmin Striker Cast retails for under $200.

- Ease of Use - The castable sonar lets you read the underwater terrain and find promising spots like drop-offs, submerged vegetation, or structure where bass may be hiding. This allows for better shore and boat fishing.

- Personalized Contour Maps - Many GPS-enabled, castable sonar units can scan to depths over 100 feet, giving you the ability to not only find fish in fairly deep water but also create more detailed contour maps of the spots you fish. This allows the savvy angler to idenitfy the nuances in subsurface cover (rock piles, stumps, weed edges) and structure (breaklines/drop offs) and help understand the ways fish relate to them. 

- Predator Identification - The Garmin Striker Cast offers Garmin's ClearVu technology which provides higher resolution target separation allowing you to distinguish bass from other gamefish species or cover objects.

Disadvantages:

- Limited Sensor Range - While castable sonar can scan to depths over 100 feet, its wireless sonar signal is limited to about 200 feet from the handheld device. So you have to stay relatively close to where you cast it.

- Battery Life -Castable sonar devices have limited battery life span ranging from 4 to 10 hours depending on the model and settings used. You'll need to recharge after each trip.

- Slower Scanning - Scan rates are typically slower than permanently mounted transducers, meaning your scans update less frequently.

- Can Spook Fish - The splashing of the castable sensor floating on the surface may spook more wary fish in very clear and shallow water.

Overall, castable sonar opens up a lot of new opportunities for bass anglers to quickly locate fishable structure, vegetation, baitfish, and bass without extensive equipment installations. However, the limitations in range, battery life, and scan speed need to be considered. With realistic expectations, this new technology can take your shoreline or small watercraft bass fishing to the next level.

A Quick Guide to Ultralight Rod Actions

Ultralight fishing is a unique and exciting way to target bass. It's not about brute force; it's about finesse, feel, and the thrill of the fight. But to truly master this fishing style, you need to understand the different actions of ultralight rods and when to use each one.

U/L Rod Actions Explained

The action of a fishing rod describes how it bends when pressure is applied. In ultralight bass fishing, there are three main actions to consider:

Fast Action: These rods bend only in the top quarter to one third of the blank, making them incredibly sensitive and ideal for feeling light bites and working small lures with precision. Finesse rigs like small worms, jigs, and drop shots are best suited for fast action rods.

Moderate Action: More forgiving than fast action rods, these bend throughout the middle third. They offer a good balance of sensitivity and power, making them suitable for a wider range of lures, from small crankbaits, topwaters to spinners.

Slow Action: Bend throughout the entire blank, providing maximum forgiveness and shock absorption. They're perfect for soaking baits, live bait, fighting big fish on light line, and absorbing headshakes from aggressive bass.

Matching the Action to Fishing Situations

Now, let's break down when to use each action:

Fast Action:

Ideal for:

• Pinpoint accuracy when casting to tight cover
• Feeling subtle bites from finicky bass
• Working finesse worms, jigs, and drop shots

Moderate Action:

Ideal for:

• A wider range of lures and techniques, especially moving baits
• All-around versatility for different fishing situations
• Ned rigs, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters
• Balancing sensitivity with fighting power

Slow Action:

Ideal for:

• Soaking baits like live minnows or nightcrawlers
• Fighting large bass on light line
• Absorbing headshakes and preventing pulled hooks
• Deeper crankbaits, minnow baits and swimbaits

Although I have often included ultralight rod combos in my bassin' tool kit, I honestly did not give much thought to the rod actions and how they might optimize success with different presentations. 

I mean a buggy whip i a buggy whip, right? 

Well that's what I thought until I came across Ethan Huyvetter's Fish Anything YouTube channel when my insight on the details and nuances of ultralight grew exponentially...

Take a few moments and watch Ethan's 2022 U/L rod breakdown where he not only discusses the different actions and uses but also provides some great insight into great combos at several different price points!

Understanding the nuances of ultralight rod actions allows anglers to tailor their gear selection to different techniques and conditions. Whether you're aiming for precision, versatility, or flexibility, there's an ultralight power rod action that best fills your need.

Want to learn more regarding ultralight fishing?

Ethan's YouTube channel, Fish Anything, is definitely a great place to explore the world of U//L fishing.

5 Best Bass Hooks for Plastic Baits

Choosing the right hook for your plastic bait can be the difference between catching bass and a pretty empty livewell at the end of the trip. With so many options on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed. 

To help weed through the options, this guide will break down the 5 best bass hooks for different types of plastic baits and show you when to use each one to maximize your hook-up rate.

The Extra Wide Gap (EWG) Hook:

The EWG is the undisputed king of bass fishing hooks. Its wide gap and offset bend provide a huge target for bass to slam, while the strong shank stands up to even the biggest bruisers. Use an EWG for paddletail swimbaits, creature baits, bulky craws and Texas rigged thick-bodied stickbaits and worms.

The Wacky Rig Hook:

The wacky rig is a deadly finesse technique, and the right hook makes all the difference. Look for a straight shank hook with a weed guard and a keeper barb to hold your worm in place. Use a wacky rig hook for worms/stickbaits, weedless drop shot rigs, and neko rigged worms.

The Straight Shank Flipping Hook:

Don't underestimate the classic straight shank hook! Its simple design and strong construction make it a workhorse for specific situations. Use a straight shank hook for flipping, pitching and punching into heavy cover.

The Offset Straight Shank Worm Hook:

The offset straight shank worm hook is a Texas rig specialist. Its bend keeps the plastic bait weedless and provides a good hook angle for solid penetration. Use an offset shank hook for relatively thin worms, lizards, and creature baits all benefit from the weedless presentation whether rigged with a weight or weightless.

The Drop Shot Hook:

The drop shot is a delicate dance, and the right hook makes all the difference. Look for a small, lightweight hook with a long shank and a wide gap. Use a drop shot hook for finesse worms and baits. The light wire hooks help small worms and creature baits come to life and work with the drop shot's subtle action.

It just so happens that bass pro Brandon Cobb concurs with the list of hooks provided above as he describes in the following short video:

Bonus Tip: Remember, hook size matters! Match your hook size to the size of your bait, the cover you're fishing and the size of the bass targeted. A big hook on a small bait will hinder action, while a small hook on a big fish might bend or break, especially if fighting the fish through heavy cover.

Using Deep Diving Crankbaits in Winter

Mastering the art of deep diving crankbait fishing in 40-degree water temperatures requires a combination of the right gear, understanding bass behavior, and strategic lure presentation. By targeting key structures and adjusting your techniques to suit the conditions, you can increase your chances of landing that elusive winter bass. 

In this post, we'll explore the best types of cover and structures to fish with deep diving crankbaits when water temperatures hover around the 40-degree Fahrenheit mark.

Understanding Deep Diving Crankbaits:

Deep diving crankbaits are lures designed to reach and explore water depths ranging between 12 to 20+ feet. They typically feature a large, bill-shaped lip that helps the lure dive deep and maintain its trajectory. In colder water, bass tend to move to deeper structures, making these lures a valuable asset for anglers.

Selecting the Right Crankbait:

Choose crankbaits that are specifically designed for deep diving, typically those with a larger bill and a slender profile. The goal is to get the lure down to the bass's level while imitating the appearance and action of their preferred prey.

Optimal Water Depth:

When water temperatures hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, target depths ranging from 12 to 20+ feet. Select a model where the diving depth of your crankbait matches the targeted depth. This will help ensure it runs just above the underwater cover and structures where bass might be lurking during the cold water months.

Targeting Key Structures:

a. Rocky Structures and Bluffs: Bass often seek refuge around rocky structures and bluffs in colder temperatures. Crankbaits with a tight wobbling action are effective in mimicking injured baitfish around these areas.

b. Submerged Timber and Brush: Deep diving crankbaits can be worked effectively around submerged timber and brush piles. Slowly retrieve the lure through these structures, enticing sluggish bass hiding in the cover.

c. Channel Drops and Points: Bass tend to migrate to deeper channels and points during colder months. Work your crankbait along the edges and over these structures to entice strikes.

Retrieve Techniques:

In cold water, a slow and steady retrieve is often more effective. Allow the crankbait to reach its maximum depth and maintain a consistent retrieve speed to keep it in the strike zone for an extended period.

Truth be told, most anglers braving the weather conditions for wintertime bass rarely even think about probing deeper cover with crankbaits. Those that do are offering a bait and presentation that most deep water winter bass haven't seen for several months triggering a few additional strikes at a time when any bite is "warmly" received.

Need to add a few deep diving crankbaits to your winter tackle box? Check out the selection available via the folks at Omnia Fishing by clicking on the following link:

Deep Diving Crankbait Selection

Go With the Flow and Catch More Bass

Bass fishing is often praised for its methodical nature, its reliance on precision, patterns and strategic thinking. But there's another side to the sport, a side where instinct takes over and the only guide is the feeling in your gut. That's what it means to "fish the moment."

It's that fleeting window of opportunity when everything seems to align. The sun breaks through the clouds, a previously unseen piece of cover. A bass explodes from the depths, shattering the stillness with a splash. Or maybe it's a subtle twitch on your line, a hint of movement beneath the surface.

Whatever the trigger, you react. Thought gives way to instinct. Your cast is smooth, precise, and instinctive, the lure landing right where it needs to be. You work the bait with a rhythm that feels natural, not calculated. Your focus is laser-sharp, attuned to every ripple, every swirl, every telltale sign of a lurking bass.

In those moments, you're not just fishing; you're actually living as part of the moment. You're reading the water, the fish, the environment, and responding without hesitation. It's a beautiful blend of skill and intuition, a testament to the deep connection between angler and nature.

Fishing the moment isn't about guaranteed success. It's about embracing the unknown, the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of a well-timed strike. It's about trusting your instincts, letting go of the plan, and simply being present in the moment.

Here are a few tips to help you capitalize and "fish the moment":

• Pay attention to your surroundings: Be observant of the water, the weather, the time of day. Look for changes, subtle or dramatic, that might signal feeding activity.
• Trust your instincts: Don't overthink it. If something feels right, go with it.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things, new lures, new techniques. Sometimes the best results come from breaking the mold.
• Relax and have fun: The more you enjoy yourself, the more attuned you'll be to the moment.

Fishing the moment is about more than just catching fish. It's about connecting with the natural world, experiencing the thrill of the chase, and pushing your limits as an angler.

When Switching Lures Catches More Bass

So you've tied on your lucky crankbait, cast to your favorite spot, and...nothing. Minutes turn to hours, and the only thing tugging on your line is frustration. Sound familiar?

Here's the secret weapon you might be overlooking: adaptability.

Bass, like all creatures, are fickle. Their preferences shift throughout the day, influenced by changing light, water temperature, and even the mood of the moment. Sticking to one bait, no matter how "hot" it is, can leave you stuck in a bite-less rut.

There aren't to many anglers who have spent more time on the water chasing bass than TV bass fishing celebrity Jimmy Houston. Take a few minutes and watch as Jimmy explains his approach to changing baits throughout the day and put more bass in the boat...

The Best Time of Day for Winter Fishing

When it comes to bass fishing in winter with water temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the "best" time of day isn't as straightforward as warmer months. 

Bass become less active in colder water, so the timing becomes more situational than predictable. However, here are some factors to consider to maximize your chances of success:

Sun exposure:

• Midday: When the sun is highest, it warms shallow areas slightly and increases visibility, potentially activating lethargic bass for brief periods.
• Late afternoon: The warm surface layer from midday might linger for a while, creating pockets of slightly warmer water that could attract bass.

Forage activity patterns:

• Dawn and dusk: These times sometimes see increased feeding activity from baitfish that bass prey upon. Targeting areas near baitfish concentrations during these periods can be productive.

Weather conditions:

• Sunny vs. cloudy: Warm, sunny days can offer a slight edge over cloudy ones due to the aforementioned surface water warming.
• Wind: Moderate winds can stir up the water, potentially bringing oxygen and prey to areas where bass are holding. But strong winds can make fishing difficult.

Overall, when fishing in cold water, remember:

• Focus on areas with potential bass hiding spots: Sunken logs, rocks, docks, and weed edges hold heat and offer ambush cover for prey.
• Slow down your presentation: Use finesse techniques like Carolina rigs, drop shots, and small jigs with minimal movement.
• Experiment with bait color and size: Some colors stand out more in cold, murky water, and smaller baits might be more enticing to sluggish bass.

Bass pro Randy Blaukat has his own thoughts regarding the best time to be on the water for a successful day of winter bassin' as hes duscusses in the following video...

Remember, the best time to fish may vary depending on your specific location, waterbody characteristics, and weather conditions on any given day. Experimenting with different times and adjusting your approach based on the factors mentioned above can help you find success even in the coldest winter months.

Fishing Brush Piles for Cold Water Bass

When the winter bass bite gets tough, one productive type of cover to target dormant largemouth and spotted bass is in brush piles. Using jigs is an effective technique to entice cold, winter bass that are usually holding tight to cover in deeper water or at least close to it.

The Ideal Brush Pile

Focus your efforts on brush piles located off main lake points, at the mouths of creeks, or along channel swings in major coves or suts. Submerged brush piles located in about 10-25 feet of water are considered prime winter habitat. The best piles have a mix of branches and occasional stumps or logs that bass can tuck into waiting to ambush unsuspecting forage.

Gearing Up Properly

A 7’ heavy power, fast action rod with a high speed reel spooled up with 15 to 25 lb test fluorocarbon line makes it easier to muscle bass out of thick woody cover. Tie on a 1⁄2 oz. or heavier bass jig in black blue, brown, or green pumpkins colors tipped with a chunk-style trailer. The combination of heavier jig and line makes it easier to saty in contact with the jig and also reduces snags in the brush.

Finessing Your Presentation

Position your boat upwind and make long casts past the edges of the brush pile. Let your jig sink to the depth of the cover and work with a slow, dragging retrieve mixing in occasional hops. Watch your line for any ticks indicating a strike. When you make contact with a branch, slowly pull and pop your jig free, letting it fall back to the strike zone. Concentrate on thoroughly working all parts of the brush pile.

Set the Hook!

The light tap of a bite can quickly change to the weight of a solid bass rapidly inhaling the jig. Be ready to set the hook quickly but not too aggressively to ensure a solid hook set and not pull the jigs away from lethargic bass. Use a heavy power, fact action rod to expertly guide the bass away from the snag filled pile.

North Carolina bass pro Brandon Card relies on his jig fishing system for enticing and extracting winter bass from offshore brush piles. Take a few moments and watch as Brandon explains his process to locating and catching sluggish winter bass from his favorite deep water tangles...

Does Bulging a Spinnerbait Work?

Waking or bulging a spinnerbait is a presentation used to retrieve a spinnerbait just below the surface of the water. This retrieve creates a wake or bulge often attracting bass since it mimics fleeing baitfish. This technique is most effective when bass are feeding actively and are close to the surface, particularly in shallow water. 

To wake or bulge a spinnerbait, you will need to use a rod with a medium-heavy power and fast action along with a reel with a high gear ratio (> 6:1). You will also need to use an appropriately balanced spinnerbait with a mag willow leaf, Indiana or Colorado blade, as these blades will create the most disturbance at the surface of the water.

Here are the steps on how to wake or bulge a spinnerbait:

• Cast your spinnerbait to your target area.
• Reel your spinnerbait back at a fairly fast speed.
• Pay attention to the action of the spinnerbait. You want the blade to be creating a wake or bulge on the surface of the water.
• If the spinnerbait is not creating a wake or bulge, adjust your retrieve speed.
• If you are not getting any bites, try changing the size or color of your spinnerbait or using different blades.

The bulging spinnerbait retrieve is one I have used for many years after reading an article by bass fishing celebrity Jimmy Houston on his favorite spinnerbait presentations. Take a few minutes and watch as he gives his thoughts on when, where and why to use the bulging and bubbling retrieves when targeting bass with a spinnerbait...

When Crawling a Crankbait Shines

Crawling a crankbait is a slow, deliberate retrieve that is designed to imitate forage moving in and around cover. 

This technique is very effective for fishing submerged brush and grass for bass, as it allows the bait to slowly bump and grind periodocally ticking the cover, making it irresistible to bass that are lying in wait. looking for an easy meal.

Take a few minutes and watch as long time fishing personality Jimmy Houston demonstrates his approach to crawling crankbaits over and around submerged cover...

Here are a few more tips re: crawling a crankbait:

• Use a crankbait with a tight wobble and close to neutral bouyancy. This will allow the bait to stay down close to cover, where lurking bass are waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
• Reel slowly and steadily. The goal is to keep the bait just ticking the tops of grass beds, rock piles and submerged wood.
• Pay attention to your line. If you feel the bait get heavy, stop reeling and let it sit for a moment. The bass may be trying to take the bait; pausing the bait typically results in more hooked bass.

Crawling a crankbait can be a very effective way to catch bass, especially around submerged cover. With a little practice, you can master the crawling retrieve and use it to put more fish in the boat!

Fishing Jigs for Fall to Winter Transition Bass

As fall fades into winter, bass feeding patterns change drastically. The forage bounty of spring and summer dwindles, sending bass into a more lethargic, opportunistic feeding mode. 

This transition can frustrate anglers counting on reaction bites, but offers opportunity for anglers willing to slow down and finesse cold water bass into biting. One of the most effective ways to tempt a tough transitional bass is with a finesse jig paired with a soft plastic trailer.

Downsize Your Jig

The keys to any finesse presentation are lightweight and slow. As bass metabolism slows in the cooling water temperatures of fall sliding towards winter, bulky moving baits become less appealing. Scale back your jig size to 3/16 or even 3/8 ounce models, which allow for an ultra-slow falling rate to mimic dying baitfish. Light to heavy wire hooks also increase hooks ups on sluggish, chilled biters.

Match Your Trailer

Pair your jig with an equally diminutive soft plastic trailer, like a 2-3 inch straight tail, craw, or mini creature plastic bait. Keep your color selections natural, matching native forage colors like greens, browns, and blacks.

Slow Your Retrieve

With your downsized jig rigged, focus on high-percentage areas like steep drops, creek channel bends, stump flats, or any cover positioned near deep water drops. Make long casts and allow your jig to sink slowly, sometimes subtly shaking your rod tip to impart only the faintest movement. Bass will softly inhale the jig, so be ready to set the hook when feeling even the slightest of bites.

Make Multiple Casts to Cover

Cold water bass are often reluctant chase down a bait no matter how slow it's moving. Be sure to make multiple casts to cover at varying angles to have the best chance of enticing bites from these sluggish bass.

Take few moments and watch as the folks from Lurenet provide a short demo video with several tips on jig fishing for fall to winter transition bass...

Top Lures for Winter Bass Fishing

Winter is often considered the off-season for bass fishing, but with the right approach and lures, you can still catch fish even when the bass feel like chunks of ice. 

Bass metabolism slows down in cold water, so they tend to be less active, feed less and move to deeper water. This means that you need to use lures and presentations to entice them into biting.

Here are some of the top lures for catching bass during the winter:

1. Hair Jigs: Hair jigs are a versatile and effective lure for winter bass fishing. They may or may not be tipped with a soft plastic trailer, particularly scented minnow imitations. The hair jig's slow fall and subtle movement are often irresistible to cold-water bass.

2. Blade Baits: Blade baits are a type of metal lure that resembles a thin, flat fish with two treble hooks on the bottom. They are typically made of steel, brass, or other metals and come in a variety of sizes and colors. When jigged or retrieved through the water, the blade creates a unique vibration that mimics the movements of injured baitfish attracting the attention of cold water bass.

3. Underspin Jigs: Underspins are a type of fishing lure that consists of a jig head and minnow-style trailer with a small blade attached underneath. The blade spins as the lure is retrieved, creating a flash that attracts fish. Underspins are especially effective for catching bass in cold water, since they can be fished slowly and still produce a lot of strike-triggering action.

4. Suspending Jerkbaits: Suspending jerkbaits are a good choice for winter bass fishing. They are minnow-shaped baits that can be fished at a slow speed with frequent pauses, which is what you need to trigger reactions in cold water.

5. Ned Rigs: Ned rigs are a popular finesse technique for catching bass, and they work well in the winter as well. They consist of a small jig head and a small soft plastic bait, such as a Z-Man TRD or Finesse Hula Stick. The Ned rig fished slowly and with a subtle shake can be deadly for enticing winter bass into striking.

Bass pro Brandon Cobb spends much of the winter period chasing largemouth and spotted bass on reservoirs across the southern U.S. Take a few minutes and watch as he highlights his favorite baits when trying to trick sluggish, winter bass tnto eating his bait...

Fishing Effectively in Standing Timber

Standing timber offers excellent habitat for bass, providing shade, cover, and ambush points for these popular gamefish. Fishing in and around standing timber can be challenging however, if you don't know the tips and tricks to locate where bass are hiding. 

Follow these tips to fish standing timber effectively and catch more bass:

Locating the Sweet Spots:

Before casting your line, take the time to identify key areas within the standing timber. Look for submerged points, pockets, creek channels or any irregularities that could serve as ambush points for bass. Use your eyes and electronics to locate underwater structures and potential hiding spots, as bass are known to lurk in the shadows to ambush unsuspecting prey.

Choose the Right Baits:

Given the intricate structure of standing timber, it's crucial to select baits that can navigate through the branches without constant snagging. Weedless soft plastics, such as creature baits, senkos, or crawfish imitations, are excellent choices. Additionally, jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective in enticing bass hiding within the timber.

Work the Perimeter:

Start by targeting the outer edges of the standing timber, casting parallel to the structure. Bass often patrol these areas, using them as travel routes and ambush points. Retrieve your bait slowly and deliberately, allowing it to mimic local forage and be prepared for a sudden strike as the lure deflects off the wood as it passes by.

Probe the Depths:

Experiment with different depths within the standing timber. When possible, use your depth finder to locate the fish and adjust your presentation accordingly. Bass may suspend at different depths depending on the water temperature and time of day, so varying your bait's depth can increase your chances of triggering more strikes from bass lurking in the depths.

Precision Casting:

Develop your casting accuracy to navigate through the tight spaces of the timber. Practice pitching and flipping techniques to place your bait precisely where it needs to be. A pinpoint cast into a small opening or next to a submerged branch can trigger a reaction strike from opportunistic bass.

Bump the Stump:

More often than not, bass in standing timber are in a neutral to negative mood and not actively feeding. When bass are not actively feeding, work your bait methodically, "bumpig the stump" as much as possible to help trigger more reaction strikes from passive fish.

Safety First:

Always prioritize safety when fishing in standing timber. Watch out for underwater obstructions, and navigate cautiously to avoid accidents. Wear polarized sunglasses to help you see submerged structures and potential hazards more clearly.

Bridgford Foods pro Matt Stefan has spent numerous hours breaking down acres of standing timber on water bodies across the U.S. Take a few minutes and watch as Matt describes the process he uses for identifying the best areas to target when fishing large flats chock full of standing timber...

Mastering the tricks of bass fishing in standing timber can be incredibly rewarding. By honing your skills, choosing the right baits, and understanding the habits of bass in this unique environment, you'll increase your chances of landing more and bigger fish each time you fish in timber stands.

The Berkley Fishing Color Board

Pretty cool video showing how the color of different plastic works change with depth in an ultra-clear lake (Lake Mohave, AZ) via an experiment done by pro angler Gary Klein. 

The video is shared from his Facebook page...

Definitely gives you something to think about...

Can You Change Hooks on Hollow Belly Frogs?

Can you change out the hooks in your favorite hollow belly frog?

Absolutely and here are a few reasons why you might want to change the hooks on your favorite frog:

• To improve hookup ratio. Hollow belly frogs are often used in heavy cover, where bass can easily short strike the bait. By changing to a sharper or more gapped hook, you can increase your chances of setting the hook and landing the fish. 
• To change the size or style of the hook. The stock hooks on hollow belly frogs are often sized for medium-sized bass. If you're targeting larger bass, you may want to upsize the hook to a heavier gauge or a larger size. You may also want to change to a different quality of hook.
• To replace a damaged hook. If the stock hook on your hollow belly frog is dull, bent or rusty, it's important to replace it before using the bait again. A damaged hook can reduce your hookup ratio and make it more difficult to land fish.

Want to learn more?

Take a few minutes and watch as the guys from InFisherman discuss the reasons for changing out frog hooks and show you how easy it can be...

Need to grab some hooks to modify or rehab yout frogs? 

Check out the wide variety of hooks and bait rehab gear available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!

Fishing for Bass from Shore in Winter

When the water temperatures drop in winter, bass become less active and more lethargic. This makes bass a little harder to catch from shore at this time of year. 

Targeting the right cover and structure however, can help you find and catch more bass during the colder months as long as there is open water available in your area. 

Here are some of the best types of cover and structure to focus on when winter bank fishing for bass:

Wood Near the Bank - Submerged trees, stumps, branches, and laydowns provide excellent winter habitat for bass. The wood absorbs heat from the sunlight during the day, which attracts baitfish. This naturally draws in bass looking for an easy meal. Focus on fishing around wood cover in warmer, sunny areas of the lake.

Docks - Docks provide shade and protection for bass in winter. Look for docks in deeper water, as bass will move a little deeper when the water gets colder. Pitch jigs, creature baits, and grubs around and under the docks. The pilings and posts also serve as ambush points for bass.

Rocky Banks - Rocky banks and riprap absorb heat and provide hiding spots for bass. Target any rocks, boulders, and rubble along banks with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and rattling lipless crankbaits that imitate crawfish. The bass will tuck in tight to structure to stay warm.

Points - Points and tapering ledges are bass magnets year-round. In winter, focus on inside turns or points that are wind-blown. The wave action churns up the warmer water and micro-organisms from below, attracting baitfish and bass. Fish the points thoroughly with crankbaits, blade baits, drop shots and jigs.

Weed Edges - Even in winter, some weeds will remain. Look for edges of weeds or plants left over from warmer months. Bass will gravitate to the remaining vegetation for cover. Working jigs, lipless crankbaits and soft plastics along the weed lines can pay off. Slow rolling spinnerbaits around weed patches can also trigger strikes.

Take a few minutes and watch as the guys from Tactical Bassin' provide some great "on the water" insight in identifying winter bank fishing locations...

Targeting productive winter bass cover and structure from shore simply requires patience. Move slowly, make repeated casts, and cover water until you locate where the bass are hunkering down during the colder months. 

Though there will be days when the skunk wins out, you can find and catch bass even when fishing from shore in winter. Beats just sitting around on the sofa or playing with your tackle collection in my book!

The Spinnerbait: A Bass Angler's Multi-Tool?

As an avid bass fisherman, I'm always looking for lures that can handle a variety of situations and catch fish under diverse conditions. That's why the spinnerbait is one of my absolute favorite baits to tie on when chasing both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The versatility of a spinnerbait makes it one of the most valuable tools that should be in all bass angler's tackle box.

A spinnerbait is essentially a safety-pin shaped wire frame with a lead head, dressed hook, and spinning blade or blades. This simple but effective bait can be retrieved steadily, fished with a stop and go retrieve, ripped through vegetation, slow rolled,  fluttered or bounced along the bottom. And it will catch bass relating to cover, suspended in open water, cruising the shallows, or holding tight to cover/structure.

One of the best things about spinnerbaits is that they can be fished at just about any depth. Want to burn a spinnerbait high in the water column? Go for it. Need to bump a bait along rocky bottom? The spinnerbait has you covered. Even working a spinnerbait through thick grass or wood is no problem with the right blade configuration and retrieve.

Of course, choosing the right spinnerbait for the job is important for success. Colorado, Indiana and willow leaf blades are the most common blade types and each one have different flash/vibration profiles when being retrieved. Double willow leaf spinnerbaits have an incredibly fast thumping motion with lots of flash that mimics shad, while big Colorado blades produce maximum vibration. And spinnerbaits can be purchased in a rainbow of colors to match any water clarity conditions or selected to "match the hatch" when bass a being picky and feeding on certain types of forage.

Light wire models are perfect for clear water finesse situations, while heavy wire 1oz+ spinnerbaits let you bulldoze through the nastiest cover as well as probe the depths for bass relating to structure. I make sure to carry a variety of blade configurations, wire frame types (standard, compact, finesse, etc.) and weights in my tackle box to adapt to changing conditions on the water.

Though often thought of as a soft plastics expert, bass pro Larry Nixon has leaned on the effectiveness of the spinnerbait to hone his success while out on tour. Take a few moments and listen as he shares his views on how the versatility of the spinnerbait has helped him win some of the biggest events of his career...

The next time you hit the water for some heart-pounding topwater blows or find the bass tucked up in vegetation, tie on a spinnerbait. The ability to quickly change things up by modifying your retrieve and spinnerbait type is the key to maximizing your efficiency while out on the water. This do-it-all bass catcher should be a go-to in every angler's tool kit!

The Floating Drop Shot: A Unique Rigging Option

The drop shot rig is a versatile and effective finesse fishing technique that is particularly well-suited for catching bass in a variety of situations. 

The basic setup consists of a main line, a leader, a drop shot weight, and a hook. The leader is tied to the main line, and the drop shot weight is attached to the leader a few feet below the hook. The hook is baited with a soft plastic bait, such as a worm or a minnow.

Traditional drop shot rigs, while effective in many situations, have some drawbacks that anglers should be aware of.

Potential for line twist and tangles: The drop shot rig can be prone to Line twist/tangles, especially if the line is not properly spooled or if the bait is not rigged properly. This can be a major frustration when fishing, and it can often lead to lost bait, fish and time.

Prone to line breaks at hook: Due to the content tension fron the fish and weight, the is a fairly high potential for the line to break at the hook knot when fighting fish.

Time-consuming setup: Drop shot rigs can be time-consuming to set up, especially for anglers who are not familiar with the technique (think about the previous point).

As luck would have it however, there's at least one drop shot rigging option that not only simplifies the preparation but also enables the bait to be presented in a unique way most bass have likely not seen.

Enter the floating drop shot rig!

As a follow-up to his introduction to the reverse wacky rig, bass pro Matt Stefan lets the "cat out of the bag" in the following video where he discusses setup and advantages of the floating drop shot rig. Enjoy!

The Reverse Wacky Rig: A Unique Way to Catch Bass

The wacky rig is a popular bass fishing technique that involves rigging a soft plastic worm with the hook point inserted into the middle of the bait. This creates an erratic, darting action that is irresistible to bass. 

However, the wacky rig can be difficult to fish in deeper water and is a popular rig bass are exposed to on almost a daily basis. So is there a way to change up the standard wacky rig and address these issues? Absolutely, enter the reverse wacky rig.

What is the Reverse Wacky Rig?

The reverse wacky rig is a variation of the wacky rig that allows you to fish a soft plastic worm deeper in the water column using a unique presentation bass likely have not seen. To rig a reverse wacky rig, you will need a highly buoyant soft plastic worm, a light wire hook, and a small weight.

How to Rig a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Thread a closed-eye, drop shot styles weight onto your line.
• Tie a light wire hook onto the end of your line.
• Insert the hook point into the middle of the soft plastic worm.

How to Fish a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Cast your bait into the water around cruising bass or submerged cover.
• Allow the bait to sink to the bottom.
• Twitch the bait by adding and releasing tension to the line pulling the worm down to the weight and then float back toward the surface.
• Work your bait slowly by the bass or cover.

Tips for Fishing a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Use a highly buoyant soft plastic worm that is designed for the wacky rig.
• Use a light wire hook so that the worm will readily float when line tension is released.
• Use a small weight when possible so that the bait will not sink too quickly.
• Twitch the bait erratically to increase action.
• Reel in your bait slowly so that the bass has time to strike.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Matt Stefan discusses the conditions he uses the reverse wacky rig as well as his approach to rigging and the gear he uses in the following video…

Beyond using the reversed wacky rig as a sight fiishing tool, it interests me even more as a wacky rig option when fishing heavily pressured waters. I believe that when lurking bass see the bait slowly rise to the surface with an undulating motion will trigger more strikes from fish wary of typical falling wacky presentation.

Fishing for Bass from Shore in November

November marks the end of the open water fishing season in many parts of the northern U.S. As water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, bass become less active and head for deeper water. 

While bass fishing gets tougher this time of year, you can still catch fish from shore if you adjust your techniques. 

Follow these tips to improve your chances of hooking up with fall bass from the bank:

Slow Down Your Presentation

When water temps are cold, bass metabolism and activity levels decline. They are not going to chase fast-moving lures. Slow down your retrieves and allow baits like soft stickbaits, lipless crankbaits, jerbaits, and spinnerbaits time to get in front of lethargic fish. Use occasional pauses and twitches to trigger sluggish bass into striking.

Downsize Your Offerings

Big baits tend to work better when bass are actively feeding. In November, you’ll often catch more bass on smaller presentations that require less energy to inhale. Good options include 2-3 inch curl tail grubs on 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig heads, finesse worms rigged wacky style, underspins, and finesse presentations like the Ned Rig. Stay away from large spinnerbaits and big swimbaits unless larger baitfish are the primary forage in your local waters.

Fish Slow-Tapering Points

Look for long, gradually sloping points that extend into deeper water. Use castable sonar pods (if you own one) and/or contour maps to find areas that drop into 10+ feet of water near the bank. Bass will move shallow early and late in the day to feed up on baitfish using these steeper transition features. Position yourself for casts that run parallel to the slope.

Target Areas with Darker Bottoms

In cooling water, you want to find the warmest, and likely most productive areas. Darker bottom types like mud, darker rocks and sand soak up more solar radiation and warm faster than lighter colored bottoms. Focus your effort fishing from shorelines with these bottom compositions. The warmer water draws baitfish and therefore oredators like bass to feed on them.

Fish On Sunny, Warmer Days

Cold fronts really shut down shoreline bites in November. Target fishing on warmer, sunny days in the 50+ degree range when possible. The sun helps warm shallows drawing more baitfish and bass tend to be more active. Overcast, windy, rainy days make fishing tough. Watch the weather and try hitting the water on the best weather days.

Try Live Bait

Sometimes finicky fall bass want the real rather than artificial baits. Live bait like minnows, shiners, crawfish, and leeches can entice big bites when the fishing is slow. Hook minnows through the lips on #6 hooks and fish under a float or add a few split shots to your line slowly work them along the bottom. Pitch craws and leeches into productive areas and let them sit to draw the attention of cruising bass.

Think Simple

Now is not the time to break out complicated techniques and presentations meant for more aggressive fish. Stick to simple offerings like jigs, Texas rigs, jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, and paddletail swimbaits and make repeated casts to productive areas. Keep moving until you locate actively feeding fish. A combination of patience and persistence will help you locate, trigger and catch more bass during the last weeks of the open water in your area.

Following these tips will help you find and catch more bass in November, even when fishing from shore. Finding the right location and using the right bait and presentation, more bass including a few big bass can still be caught during the fall to winter transitional period. Do your homework, dress for the elements, and you can extend the open water fishing season well into late fall.