Ever since their introduction decades ago, paddletail swimbaits have been a bass catching staple in most anglers tackle box.
The bass catching appeal of a paddletail lies in its captivating movement. That wide, flat tail thumps with an irresistible rhythm, mimicking the frantic escape of a fleeing baitfish.
Unlike many lures, paddletails excel at a variety of retrieval speeds. Crank them fast for a high-speed chase, slow roll them for a seductive glide, or even let them sink and flutter enticingly near cover. This versatility makes them adaptable to ever-changing conditions helping trigger more strikes from even extremely finicky fish.
In most situations, paddletails are simple to rig. Add it to a swimbait jig head or a weighted swimbait hook, and you're ready to go. Ease of rigging makes them perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
There is one other rigging method however that can actually help improve the strike to catch ratio when fishing solid body paddletails; a simple line thru rigging alternative. It's definity a favorite of many bass pros, even the G.O.A.T. himself, Kevin VanDam!
Take a few minutes and watch as KVD tells when he prefers this rigging method over others and them explains exactly how he puts the rig together...
Definitely a rig to remember the time the fish are hitting but short striking your favorite paddletail swimbait!
The choice between a green pumpkin and watermelon soft plastic worm for bass fishing depends on a variety of factors, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Here are some key reasons why an angler might choose one over the other:
Water Clarity:
Clear water: In clear water, where bass can easily see details, watermelon's translucency can mimic baitfish or crayfish. Conversely, green pumpkin's opacity can stand out as a silhouette against the bright background.
Stained water: In murky water, green pumpkin's visibility is better due to its darker hue. Watermelon's translucency might be less effective with limited light penetration.
Light conditions:
Bright sunny days: Watermelon's translucent nature and subtle shimmer from its flakes can reflect light attracting more bass. Green pumpkin's richness might be overlooked.
Cloudy or low-light conditions: Green pumpkin's contrast provides better visibility. Watermelon's translucency might disappear in the dimness.
Personal preference:
Some anglers have more success with one color over the other based on past experience or local water conditions. Confidence in a specific color can play a psychological role in the angler's approach.
Bass pro Randy Blaukat definitely has his preferences regarding when to use each of these green variations. Take a few minutes and watch as he explains why...
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment! Both green pumpkin and watermelon are versatile choices, and what works best can vary depending on the specific fishing situation.
Don't be afraid to try both colors and see what gives you the most bites!
Bass fishing is as much about strategy as it is about skill and choosing the right bait can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and a frustrating one. One popular soft plastic bait that has proven its worth among anglers is the Senko soft stickbait.
Despite its overall effectiveness under a variety of conditions, the size of the Senko-type soft stickbait can significantly impact your success anytime you're on the water.
In the following post, we'll identify some of the conditions when a 4" Senko may trigger more strikes than its larger counterpart, the standard 5" Senko.
Matching the Hatch: Bass are sometimes selective eaters and their preferences can vary based on the available forage in a particular water body. The 4" Senko closely mimics smaller prey such as young baitfish, flying insects like dragon flies and smaller worms. If the bass in your area are feeding on smaller forage, presenting a 4" Senko can often be more appealing and trigger more strikes.
Subtle Presentation in Clear Water: In clear water conditions, bass can be more discerning when it comes to inspecting lures. A 4" Senko provides a more subtle and finesse-like presentation compared to a 5" Senko. The smaller size closely mimics natural prey, making it an enticing option for bass that may be hesitant to strike a larger, more conspicuous lure.
Coldwater Conditions: During colder months, bass metabolism slows down, and they are less likely to expend energy on chasing down a meal. Downsizing to a 4" Senko caters to the bass's diminished appetite, offering a more manageable and enticing target. The slower fall rate of the smaller lure can be particularly effective in enticing sluggish bass in colder water.
Post-Spawn Period: After the bass have completed their spawning activities, they can be in a recovery phase and may be more interested in smaller, easier meals. The 4" Senko, resembling juvenile prey, can be particularly effective during the post-spawn period when bass are looking for an easy and satisfying meal.
Pressured Waters: In heavily fished waters, bass can become conditioned to larger lures commonly used by anglers. Downsizing to a 4" Senko presents a different profile and may catch the attention of bass that have become wary of larger offerings. This strategy plays on the element of surprise, increasing the chances of triggering strikes from cautious bass.
While the 5" Senko remains a popular and effective choice for bass anglers, there are specific scenarios where downsizing to a 4" Senko can make a significant difference in triggering strikes.
Understanding the factors that influence bass behavior and adapting your lure selection accordingly is key to becoming a more versatile and successful angler. Experimenting with different sizes and paying attention to the conditions will allow you to fine-tune your approach and increase your chances of landing that trophy bass.
The choice of blade color on a vibrating jig comes down to several factors, all aimed at attracting and triggering bites from fish. Here's a breakdown of the main reasons:
1. Mimic or Contrast:
Matching prey: Different blade colors mimic natural prey fish found in different waters. Silver mimics shad, while gold can resemble baitfish like golden shiners. Black blades can offer a silhouette contrast against muddy waters.
Attracting attention: Flashy metallic blades like silver and gold create more light reflection and vibration, attracting fish from afar in murky water or low light conditions.
Subtle approach: Black or other non-bright painted blades offer a less flashy presentation, which can be effective in clear water or with pressured fish that might be wary of bright lures.
2. Water Clarity and Conditions:
Clear water: In clear water, natural colors like white, green pumpkin, or black work well as they appear more realistic.
Stained water: Brighter colors like gold, red, chartreuse, or orange provide increased visibility in murky conditions.
Sunshine vs. overcast: On sunny days, duller blades or those with less flash can be better to avoid spooking fish. In overcast conditions, brighter blades can add needed attraction.
3. Personal Preference and Experimentation:
What works for one angler might not work for another, so experimenting with different blade colors based on local conditions and personal experience is key.
Some anglers prefer certain color combinations based on the skirt color of their vibrating jig to create a cohesive presentation.
Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Mark Davis discusses his thoughts on vibrating jig blade color and how it helps him catch more bass...
Ultimately, the best blade color is the one that gets you the most bites!
Don't be afraid to experiment with different options based on the factors mentioned above, and you'll find what works best for you and the fish you're targeting.
The hollow body frog, a topwater meal for hungry bass and other aggressive predators, is a summertime staple for many anglers.
But what happens when the weather throws you a curveball? Don't shelve your frog just yet!
With a few tweaks to your approach, you can keep the strikes coming even as the skies shift.
Tip 1: Mind the Bass' Mood
A bass's metabolism slows down in calmer and cooler water, so they'll be less inclined to chase down a speedy frog. Adapt your retrieve to a slower, more deliberate pace with longer pauses. Let the frog sit enticingly on the surface, mimicking a vulnerable froggy snack. This gives the fish time to zero in and commit to eating the frog.
Tip 2: Match Color to Light Conditions
Ditch the bright colors of summer for more subdued tones in low-light conditions. Think black, brown, or olive green with subtle hints of chartreuse or white. These hues offer better visibility for fish in overcast or murky water.
Tip 3: Embrace the Edges
As water temperatures drop and light levels decline, fish tend to gravitate towards warmer shallows and structure. Focus your casts on areas like weed edges, fallen logs, and docks where bass might be basking or hiding in ambush. These sheltered spots offer both comfort and potential prey, making them prime targets for your froggy friend.
Take a little time and watch as bass guru Kevin VanDam describes how he approaches changing his frog and presentation according to current weather patterns...
Remember, the key to success with hollow body frogs in changing weather is adaptability. By adjusting your retrieve, color selection and target areas, you can keep those explosive frog bites coming all season long.
Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! Different retrieves, like walking the frog or using a popping motion, can be effective depending on the conditions and the fish's mood. The more you practice, the better you'll understand how to make the frog dance to your way, no matter what the weather throws your way.
I love fishing soft stickbaits like the Yamamoto Senko from the time ice leaves our lakes until it returns each year.
Why?
Simply put, they catch bass under almost any condition!
I'm also like most bass anglers that are always interested in new baits even it's just another company's version of a popular bait like the Senko. Though I always try and do my own on the water comparisons between similar baits even weighing the baits before I hit the water and conducting rudimentary sink rate tests when on it, it's great to find videos where other anglers have done more intense underwater testing.
A few days ago I came across this video where bass pro Mark Fisher conducted underwater tests of 5 different 5" soft stickbait brands evaluating them for relative sink rate, wobble while sinking, durability, cost/bait and notes on scents. The brands include the Senko, Yum Dinger, Berkley Maxscent General, Strike King Ocho and BPS Stik-O.
Though there were a few hiccups relative to scent content and relative costs which he addressed in a later video, his efforts produced some great insight regarding sink rate, wobble and durability for sure. Take a few minutes and watch the following video to see what I mean...
I thought it was pretty cool that after my own testing I found the BPS Stik-O has the closest fall characteristics yet more durable to the Senko as well. Both are the most prevalent soft stickbaits you'll find in my soft stickbait bag :)
Check out more of Mark's videos by clicking on the link below:
Micro crankbaits are compact fishing lures that range from 1 to 1 3/4 inches in length and weigh around 1/16 to 3/16 ounce.
They're designed to mimic the size and action of small baitfish, making them ideal for tempting bass, especially when they're pressured or feeding on forage fish. Even bass pros like Rick Clunn and Matt Stefan have noted many instances where micro cranks helped fill the livewells and cash checks in tournaments over the years.
Setting Up to Fish Micro Crankbaits
Ultralight or light spinning tackle: Choose a rod with a moderate fast action and light line (4- to 8-pound test) to cast the lightweight baits and feel subtle bites. Newer light power BFS casting combos can also work great when fishing these lightweight baits.
Preferred line types: Though each major line type may be used, each one has certain properties that may make it more suitable depending on conditions. Fluorocarbon line offers lower stretch and almost complete invisibility in the water; monofilament and copolymer lines tend to be easier to work with and offer more stretch if needed while braid provides better sensitivity for feeling the most subtle strike.
Here are several tips on how to fish micro crankbaits for bass:
Cast to shallow water. Micro crankbaits are most effective in shallow water, up to 5+ feet deep. Bass often ambush prey in shallow areas, so casting your crankbait near cover, like weeds, rocks, or logs, is a good strategy.
Retrieve slowly. Since many micro crankbaits have a tight wobble action, so you don't need to retrieve them quickly. A slow, steady retrieve is usually the most effective way to fish them.
Vary your retrieve. Try pausing the retrieve occasionally, or twitching the rod tip to make the crankbait erratically. This can trigger strikes from bass that are following the lure.
Experiment with different colors. Bass can be picky about the color of lures, so experiment with different colors to see what works best in the water you're fishing.
Here are some popular micro crankbaits for bass:
Strike King Bitsy Minnow: This is a classic micro crankbait that has been around for years. It's available in a variety of colors and has a tight wobble action that bass love.
Rapala Ultra Light Crank: This is another good option for bass. It's a little bit bigger than the Bitsy Minnow, but it still has a tight wobble action and dives up to 8 feet deep.
Bill Lewis Gnat (New in 2023/24): This compact powerhouse (1.5”, 1/8 oz) delivers precision throws and dives into the strike zone at 3 feet. With stunning finishes, mesmerizing action, and a rainbow of 8 fish-tempting colors, the GNAT makes catching a breeze.
Micro crankbaits can be a great way to catch bass, especially from the post spawn through early fall when bass are often feeding on fry and small baitfish. In addition to being great options for bass, micro crankbaits will also catch just about anything that swims including perch, crappie, sunfish and even trout!
With the right tackle and technique, you can have a lot of fun fishing with these tiny baits.
As the water cools through the winter, bass continue to be less active and head to cover/structure near deeper water. One of the best places to find active bass during the colder months is along bluff walls and drop-offs.
Bluff walls are steep underwater cliffs and ledges that bass use for ambush points to attack schools of baitfish.
Here are some tips for fishing bluff walls and catching more winter bass:
Location - Use your electronics and maps to find bluff walls that drop into deep water. Focus on bluffs on main lake and river channel ledges and points. The bass will hold tight to the walls and break lines during winter. Irregularities along the bluff like rock points, small stair step ledges, rock slides or wood tangles are excellent holding spots for forage and winter bass.
Lures - Crankbaits and jerkbaits that can reach deeper depths work well for bluff fishing. Use lipless crankbaits, blade baits, spoons and suspending jerkbaits to fish the sides and irregular contours along bluff walls. Slow rolling spinnerbaits can also produce along bluffs. Use natural baitfish patterns like shad and perch.
Presentations - Make long casts parallel to the bluff walls and count the bait down to depth. Use a stop and go retrieve bouncing the lures down the contours. Also make fan casts to hit different spots on the wall. Switch up lures and retrieves until you trigger strikes.
Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Luke Palmer describes his approach to probing bluff walls for hungry winter bass...
Be thorough and methodical in your approach. Bass will relate to subtle rock piles, depth changes and wood cover along bluff walls. Pay close attention to your electronics and mark productive spots to revisit later.
Fishing bluff walls is a go-to pattern for catching more bass when the water turns cold.
As the weather gets colder, bass go deep and become lethargic. However, they will still readily strike a tasty meal that drifts by. Boat docks provide an excellent opportunity to catch inactive winter bass.
Here are a few tips to help you catch more bass around docks when the water turns plunges below the mid 40s:
Slow Down - The metabolism of bass slows way down in the winter, so you need to slow down your presentations. Use plastics rigged Texas-style, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits. Work them extremely slow and let the bait sit still for long pauses at times to see how they want the baits presented.
Fish Deep Docks - Target docks in deeper water, at least 6+ feet. As water around shallow docks get colder, bass will move out to deeper docks. Focus on dock posts, edges, corners, and boat slips. Vertical jigging can also be very effective if bass are found holding on brush piles around docks.
Downsize Your Offerings - Big baits catch big fish, but that changes in the winter. Scale down to more compact baits in the 2.5-4 inch range. Finesse plastic creature baits, ned rigs, and scented finesse plastics can all produce when retrieved slowly.
Bass pro Brandon Cobb often relies on docks to find hard cover oriented bass during the cold water period. Take a couple minutes and watch as he explains his approach to finding and catching winter bass when fishing boat docks...
Remember winter bass are usually less active, often preferring finesse over power fishing presentations. Always consider using finesse techniques like:
Drop shotting: Rig a small finesse worm and a light drop shot weight and delicately "tickle" the bottom around dock supports and outside shaded areas.
Jigging: Work a compact jig and trailer with a slow crawl or lift-and-fall retrieve under docks and along the edges.
Ned rigging: Thread a Ned worm or similar size soft plastic bait onto a mushroom-style Ned jig head, letting it drift naturally near cover or cast it just under dock edges and slowly drag it out.
As winter tightens its icy grip, seasoned anglers know that bass behavior undergoes a significant change. With the cooling temperatures, bass tend to migrate towards deeper waters, congregating around funnels and pinch points where baitfish like shad and perch are concentrated. To capitalize on this winter bass pattern, one effective technique stands out - the shaky head jig and straight-tail worm combo.
Understanding the Strategy:
The shaky head jig and worm technique is a finesse approach that excels in enticing sluggish winter bass. The subtle movements of the shaky head mimic natural prey, triggering a predatory response from the lethargic bass. To maximize your success, it's crucial to know where and how to deploy this technique during the winter months.
Choosing the Right Gear:
Start by selecting a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a high-quality reel spooled with 8-12 lb fluorocarbon line. This setup provides the sensitivity needed for detecting subtle bites while offering the strength to handle winter bass in deeper water.
Selecting the Right Jig and Worm:
Opt for a finesse shaky head jig in the 1/4 to 1/2-ounce range depending on depth and weather conditions. Pair it with a 4 to 6-inch straight-tail worm in natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, or brown. This combination closely mimics the appearance of forage, enticing bass even in the coldest water.
Targeting the Sweet Spots:
1. Deeper Water Funnels: Identify key structures such as points, humps, creek channels and drop-offs in deeper water. These areas often serve as natural funnels, concentrating bass as they move between shallow and deep zones.
2. Pinch Points: Look for narrow passages or bottlenecks in the underwater topography. Bass tend to stack up in these pinch points, taking advantage of the concentrated baitfish movement.
3. Bluff Walls: Pay attention to bluffs, especially those adjacent to creek/river channels, where bass and baitfish often stage as they migrate. Bass are likely to hang out in these zones, enjoying the comfort of quick access to deeper water while awaiting an easy meal.
Technique and Presentation:
Cast the shaky head towards the targeted structure and let it sink to the desired depth. Once on the bottom, employ a slow, subtle dragging or hopping retrieve. Mimic the movements of injured baitfish, enticing the winter bass to strike.
Take a few moments and watch as bass pro Brandon Cobb describes his approach to using a shaky head to probe winter haunts and catch cold water bass:
Mastering the shaky head during the winter months can unlock the secrets of deep bass fishing and help put more chilled fish in the boat.
By understanding their behavior and strategically targeting areas with concentrated baitfish, anglers can increase their chances of success even in the coldest of waters. So, gear up, head to those deeper water funnels, fire out your favorite shaky head rig and prepare for some exhilarating cold water bass action!
Spinnerbaits are versatile lures known for their ability to attract a variety of game fish species. While pre-made spinnerbaits are readily available in the market, many anglers enjoy the satisfaction of crafting their custom lures.
In this post, we'll walk through the steps of constructing a double-bladed spinnerbait using a preformed spinnerbait head, blades, skirts, swivel, clevice, and spacing beads.
Materials Needed:
Pre-formed spinnerbait head (choose your desired weight and style)
Two blades (typically Willow-leaf, Colorado, Indiana)
Spinnerbait Skirt (choose your preferred colors and material)
Swivel
Clevis
Spacing Beads
Needle-nose and/or Round-nose plus Split-ring Pliers
Scissors
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Ensure you have all the necessary components for constructing your double-bladed spinnerbait. Lay them out on a clean, well-lit workspace to make the assembly process more efficient.
Step 2: Select the Blades
Choose the two blades you want to use for your custom spinnerbait. Consider factors such as blade color, size, and shape, as these can affect the bait's visibility, action, and vibration in the water.
Step 3: Attach Blades to Clevis
Insert the lead smaller blade into the clevis, ensuring it spins freely on the upper arm of the spinnerbait form. The clevis is a small, U-shaped metal component that connects a blade to the spinnerbait form.
Step 4: Add Spacing Beads
Slide spacing beads onto the spinnerbait's wire shaft above and below clevice. These beads serve to separate the blades, preventing them from tangling during retrieval and clevice to rotate freely.
Step 5: Add Larger Blade to Swivel and Affix to End of Upper Arm
Attach the larger blade to a split ring on the swivel then use either the needle-nose or round-nose pliers and start to form a small loop on the end upper arm of the spinnerbait wire. Place the other swivel's split ring in the open loop then use the plier to close the loop against the wire arm to secure the swivel/blade combo to the upper arm of the spinnerbait.
Step 6: Attach Spinnerbait Skirt
Select and attach selected skirt to the spinnerbait head. Spinnerbait skirts come in various materials, colors and patterns allowing you to customize the bait's appearance. Trim the skirt to your desired length using scissors for optimal appearance and action in the water.
Tips:
Use different blade combinations to create varying water displacement and vibration. Willow leaf blades offer little vibration but more flash, while Colorado blades produce more lift and a greater thumping action.
Experiment with skirt colors and materials to match the hatch or attract attention in murky water.
Need additional components to make your own spinnerbaits?
Check out the wide variety of materials to create your own custom spinnerbaits available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following links!
Your boat's battery is the lifeblood of its electrical system. It provides the power to start your engine, run your fishfinder, and keep your lights on at night.
But with so many different types of marine batteries on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
Types of Marine Batteries by Use
There are three main types of marine batteries: starting, deep cycle, and dual-purpose.
Starting batteries are designed to deliver a short burst of high power, like the kind you need to crank your engine. They don't last long when discharged, so they're not a good choice for running your fishfinder or other electronics for extended periods.
Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged slowly and deeply over a long period. They're perfect for running your trolling motor, fishfinder, and other electronics.
Dual-purpose batteries are a combination of starting and deep cycle batteries. They can provide both cranking power and power for your electronics.
Different Marine Batteries by Technology
The marine environment throws unique challenges at batteries. They need to withstand vibrations, salt spray, and temperature extremes, all while delivering reliable power. To meet these demands, there are several different types of marine batteries available, each with its own construction technology. Here's a short breakdown:
1. Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA):
Technology: The classic choice, FLAs use a liquid electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water surrounding lead plates.
Pros: Affordable, readily available, high surge current for engine starting.
Cons: Require regular maintenance (checking and adding water), susceptible to spills and gassing, shorter lifespan.
2. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM):
Technology: Uses a fiberglass mat to absorb and suspend the electrolyte between the lead plates, making it spill-proof and maintenance-free.
Pros: Maintenance-free, vibration-resistant, good surge current, longer lifespan than FLAs.
Cons: More expensive than FLAs, not as good in extreme heat as gel batteries.
3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4):
Technology: The latest and most advanced option, LiFePO4 batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and a graphite anode, offering superior performance and safety.
Pros: Extremely lightweight, long lifespan, fast charging, deep discharge capability, excellent safety.
Cons: Most expensive option, requires special charging systems, not as readily available as other types.
Choosing the Right Battery Technology:
The best type of marine battery for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like:
Boat size and type: Larger boats with more electronics will require more battery power.
Battery usage: Starter batteries deliver high bursts of power, while deep-cycle batteries are designed for sustained discharge for use with trolling motors, electronics, etc. Dual-purpose batteries combine both functions.
Budget: FLAs are the most affordable, while LiFePO4 batteries are the most expensive though longer life span may offset cost.
Maintenance: FLAs require regular maintenance, while AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries are maintenance-free.
Here are a couple other things to consider when choosing a marine battery:
The type of electronics you use: Fishfinders, trolling motors, and other electronics can draw a lot of power, so you'll need a battery that can handle the load.
How often you use your boat: If you only use your boat occasionally, a smaller battery may be sufficient. But if you use your boat frequently, you'll need a larger battery that can be recharged more often.
Tips for Maintaining Your Marine Battery
Once you've chosen the right battery for your boat, it's important to take care of it. Here are a few tips for maintaining your marine battery:
Keep it clean and corrosion-free: Battery terminals can corrode over time, which can reduce their performance. Clean the terminals regularly with a wire brush and baking soda.
Keep it charged: A marine battery should be kept at a full charge to prevent sulfation, which can damage the battery. If you're not going to be using your boat for a while, put the battery on a battery maintainer.
Don't let it get too hot: Heat can damage marine batteries. If you live in a hot climate, store your battery in a cool place.
Get it checked regularly: Have your marine battery checked by a qualified technician every year.
Take a few minutes and watch as the folks from W2F for some great insight into selecting your next battery set for your fishing rig...
In addition to the tips above, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
When choosing a marine battery, be sure to buy one from a reputable marine supply store.
Read the warranty carefully before you buy a marine battery.
If you're not sure how to maintain your marine battery, consult a qualified technician.
With a little care, your marine battery will provide you with years of reliable service.
.jpg)
