How to Simply Add Rattles to Soft Plastics

Most bass anglers know there are times when modifying a bait leads to more bites while you're out on the water. Sometimes it means adding a different color; others by adding some scent but when fishing soft plastic baits that are quiet by design, adding a noisemaker like a rattle can make all the difference in the world.

Though many rattles are formed with a pointed end, they're sometimes difficult to insert into even softest plastic bait but especially difficult when it is made from an Elaztech type of plastic like those in the ZMan Fishing lineup.

In order to streamline the rattle insertion process into Elaztech and even more traditional types of soft plastic baits, Zman recently introduced the "Rattle-Snaker", a tool to simplify rattle insertion and store extra rattles as well. 

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Joey Nania demonstrates how to quickly use the Rattle-Snaker to create a rattling wacky worm even in the midst of a day on the water...

If interested, you can check out the ZMan Rattle-Snaker and extra rattles by clicking on the images below!

Why Spinning Rods Are "Reeling" In Bass Anglers

For decades, baitcasting combos reigned supreme in the bass fishing world. In recent years, however, a quiet revolution has been brewing. 

Spinning rod and reel combos are making a splash, gaining popularity among both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. 

But what's behind this shift? Let's dive into the reel reasons why spinning tackle is reeling in the bass:

• Finesse Takes Center Stage: Modern bass fishing is all about finesse. From weightless plastics to small crankbaits, these delicate presentations require a sensitive touch. Spinning rods excel here, offering a lighter feel and more flexibility than their baitcasting counterparts. This translates to better lure control, allowing anglers to work baits with unmatched precision, enticing even the most finicky bass.
• Casting Like a Champ: Gone are the days when spinning reels were relegated to light lures. Today's advanced models boast powerful drags and smooth casts, making them capable of handling a wider range of lures, from finesse offerings to jigs and compact spinnerbaits. This versatility allows anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and target bass in various depths and structures.
• The Comfort Factor: Let's face it, fishing is supposed to be enjoyable. Spinning reels are ergonomically designed, placing less strain on your hands and wrists compared to baitcasters. This is especially beneficial for long days on the water or for anglers with limited hand strength. Plus, the simple, open-faced design makes them easier to learn and use, perfect for beginners or those transitioning from other fishing styles.
• A "Reel" Bargain: Spinning combos often offer better value for money than their baitcasting counterparts. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious anglers or those starting out. Plus, the wide range of available combos means finding one that perfectly suits your fishing style and budget is easier than ever.

But don't be fooled by their subtle appearance. Modern spinning combos can pack a punch, with powerful rods and smooth drag systems capable of handling hefty bass. This versatility makes them ideal for various techniques, from topwaters to paddletail swimbaits and jerkbaits. In many situations, bass anglers can seamlessly switch between finesse and power presentations without needing multiple setups.

One issue many newcomers to the world of spinning tackle is how to minimize line twist, especially when not using braided line. It all starts with properly spooling line on your reel as highlighted in this video from the folks at Seaguar Line Co...

Though improper spooling is one of the biggest reasons for line twist on spinning reels, the use of wobbling (spoons) or spinning baits (inline spinners) and even drop shot rigs; old line left on reels causing coiling to set in or by simply reeling to close bait after casting are other factors leading to line twist.

Consider using a barrel swivel for spinning bait situations; changing the line more frequently and closing the bail by hand after casting to minimize twist from these three factors.

While baitcasting reels still hold a place in many bass anglers' hearts, the rise of spinning combos is undeniable. Their versatility, finesse, and user-friendliness are making them a go-to choice for both experienced anglers and newcomers alike.

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.

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...

What Is a Hovering Fluke?

Simply put, it's an adaptation of using Core Tackle's Hover Rig jig hook with a fluke style soft plastic bait.

Core Tackle's Hover Rig Basics

The Core Tackle Hover Rig is a fishing lure that is designed to imitate a dying baitfish. It features a 90-degree jig hook with a cone-shaped weight on the hook shaft. The weight is placed about 1/4" behind the head of the soft plastic bait, which causes the bait to fall slowly and erratically through the water column. This creates a very realistic presentation that is very attractive to bass and other fish.

The Core Tackle Hover Rig is also very easy to use. Simply insert the hook point about a 1/4" down from the head of the fluke into the body of the soft plastic bait and slide the bait up the hook shank until it snug against the weed guard. Then, pull the head of the bait forward and push the point of the jig head down into the head of the plastic bait. This will lock the bait in place.

This rig is used to develop a very versatile lure and can be used in a variety of situations. It is especially effective in fishing around cover, such as sunken trees, docks, and weed beds. It can also be used in open water.

Bass pro Randy Blaukat is definitely a proponent of using the hover jig head with a fluke as he explains in the folowing video:

Adjusting Rate of Fall of Texas-rigged Soft Plastic Baits

The Texas rig is a versatile fishing rig that can be used to catch bass in a variety of situations. One of the advantages of the Texas rig is that it allows you to adjust the rate of fall of your soft plastic lure to help trigger more strikes. 

There are a few factors that affect the rate of fall of a Texas-rigged soft plastic lure including:

• Matching the fall rate to the water depth: If you are fishing in shallow water, you will want to use a lure that falls slowly so that it doesn't sink too quickly and spook the fish. If you are fishing in deeper water, you will want to use a lure that falls more quickly so that it reaches the bottom faster.
• Matching the fall rate to the baitfish: Bass are ambush predators, so they often target baitfish that are moving slowly. By matching the fall rate of your lure to the movement of the baitfish, you can make it more attractive to the bass.
• Creating a more natural presentation: A slow-falling lure will create a more natural presentation, which can be especially important in clear water.
• Triggering strikes: Increasing the size of the weight or limiting the number of appendages on a soft plastic bait increases the fall rate helping trigger strikes from finicky bass.

There are a few different ways to adjust the rate of fall of a Texas-rigged soft plastic lure including:

• Use a heavier weight: A heavier weight will cause the lure to fall more quickly.
• Use a smaller weight: A smaller weight will cause the lure to fall more slowly.
• Use a different type of weight: There are different types of weights available, such as bullet weights, round weights, and split shot weights. Each type of weight will affect the rate of fall differently.
• Use a different soft plastic lure: Some soft plastic lures are designed to fall more slowly than others.

Bassmaster Elite pro Hunter Shryock relies on adjusting the fall rates of different bass baits to trigger more strikes throughout the tournament season to ensure his success. Take a few moments and watch as Hunter describes his approach to adjusting fall rates in his pitching and flipping game:

Bottom line: Experiment with different weights and soft plastic lures to find what works best for you in different situations.

A True "No Twist" Jig Head?

The Big Bite Baits Pendulate jig head is an open hook jig designed for suspending soft plastics when fishing vertical presentations especially when using modern sonar technology like forward facing sonar.

It features a unique, pendulum-style head with a built in swivel that helps to keep the bait in a more natural, horizontal position in the water. This makes it ideal for fishing in clear water situations, where fish can be more easily spooked.

The Pendulate Jig Head is available in a variety of sizes and weights, so you can choose the perfect one for your fishing application. It is also available in a variety of colors, so you can match your bait to the forage in the water.

Here are some of the features of the Big Bite Baits Pendulate Jig Head:

Pendulum-style head with a built-in swivel that helps to keep soft plastics in a more natural position in the water.

Built-in swivel that helps prevent line twist and keeping fish from throwing the bait.

Available in a variety of sizes and weights.

Available in a variety of colors.

Take a few moments and watch as fishing pro Wade Middleton gives an on the water presentation about the construction and benefits of Big Bite Bait's Pendulate jig head...

Do Red Hooks Matter When Bass Fishing?

Red hooks have been a hot topic of debate among bass anglers for years. Some swear by them, while others claim they make no difference. So, what's the truth?

In short, who knows... 

Some anglers do find that red hooks help them catch more fish, while others don't. It really depends on a number of factors, including the water clarity, the type of lure you're using, and the time of day.

Do Bass Even See Different Colors?

Bass have dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of color receptors in their eyes. This allows them to see a range of colors, but not as many as humans do. Bass are most sensitive to red and green, and they can also see some yellow and blue. They have difficulty seeing purple and violet. Bass' color vision is also affected by water clarity. In clear water, they can see better than in murky water.

Bass use their sense of sight to find food, mates, and to navigate their environment. They are attracted to bright colors, especially red and green.

When to Consider Red Hooks

There are a few times when red hooks might be a good choice for bass fishing.

• Red is a highly visible color in water. In clear water, red stands out against the background, making it more likely to attract fish.
• Red is associated with forage like colors of fish and their gills, worms and even some crayfish. Fish are predators, and they are instinctively drawn to the color red, which they associate with food.
• Red hooks can still be effective in stained or murky water. When fishing off-colored water other colors of hooks can be difficult to see but red hooks will still stand out and may help trigger some additional strikes.

So, when should you use red hooks for bass fishing?

• Use red hooks in clear water. This is where red hooks will be the most effective.
• Use red hooks in stained or murky water. In these conditions, other colors of hooks can be difficult to see, but red hooks will still stand out especially in tea-colored water.
• Use red hooks when you're fishing for bass that are feeding on baitfish. Red is a natural color for many baitfish, so the flash of red on your bait will make your lure more realistic.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use red hooks is up to you. If you're looking for a way to increase your chances of catching bass, then red hooks may be worth a try. Several years ago I started using red hooks with many baits since my experience has been that sometimes they help but never seem to hurt my results. So why not?

Just remember to experiment and find what works best for you.

Does Sinker Weight Matter?

I am one of those bass anglers that lives by the "use the lightest weight possible" rule any time I am fishing a Texas rig, bass jig or any type of jig head.

Typically it's one of two factors that impact the weight size of the rig I am using: water depth or wind; the deeper the cover/structure being fished or windier it is means I use a heavier than normal weight.

From time to time there's another factor that comes into play (when I am in-tune enough to recognize it at least), the best weight size needed to trigger more strikes from bass!

Take a moment and see how selecting the right weight size helped bass pro Luke Palmer catch several huge sacks of bass and propel him to winning a recent (2023) spring bass tournament he was fishing...

Something I definitely have to remember when I see bass following or short striking weighted baits is to up-size and see if it helps trigger more strikes!

Targeting Bass During the Shad Spawn

Fishing for bass during the shad spawn can be a productive time for anglers to catch lots of bass with a few trophies thrown in as well. 

During this time, shad are spawning in the shallows, and bass are taking advantage of the opportunity to feed on these easy targets after just completing their own spawning rituals. 

What is the shad spawn?

The shad spawn is a period when shad, a small forage fish, moves into shallow water to spawn. The spawn typically occurs in late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The shad spawn usually occurs in the early morning hours, and it lasts for several weeks, making it an excellent opportunity for bass anglers.

Where to find shad spawn?

Shad spawn in shallow water near rocky banks, docks, riprap, sea walls, weed lines or bridge structures that provide cover. Bass will often position themselves near the same structure, waiting to ambush the shad. Look for shallow areas with a hard bottom and plenty of cover, such as brush piles or laydowns, where bass can hide.

What are signs of the shad spawn?

Look for signs of feeding activity such as breaking fish, birds diving, or ripples on the surface of the water. These can be indicators of bass feeding on the shad.

What baits work best?

An Interesting Perspective on Bass and Colors

Over the years there has been lots of information produced on the influence of colors when you're bass fishing.

Most of that information pertains to how a bass sees colors and the best color palette for lures anglers use to entice and trigger strikes from our sometimes elusive prey.

But here's an interesting perspective from the "Bass Professor" Doug Hannon (R.I.P.) about his thoughts on how the color of his boat and clothes influenced his success at catching big bass from the clear waters of the Sunshine State!

Take a moment and watch what he has to say on the influence of colors above the water's surface on bass catching success...

I know I've always leaned towards natural colors on my vessel and tend to wear colors that blend with the surrounding environment; perhaps with good reason!

Picking the Right Reel Gear Ratio

Given the numerous companies manufacturing fishing reels, it's confusing enough for a new angler trying to buy a baitcasting reel. 

Add in the variety of gear ratios for many models, it's almost overwhelming and knowing which gear ratio works best with each presentation is a big factor in fish catching success!

Take a moment and watch as MLF bass pro Stephen Browning provides key insight in how different gear ratios impact retrieves and how to select the best gear ratios for the baits you intend to fish with the reel you're purchasing...

Looking for a new baitcasting reel?

Check out the great selection of baitcasters available at Omnia Fishing by clicking on the following link:

Baitcasting Reels @ Omnia Fishing

Tying the Jimmy Houston Knot

 Many bass anglers tout the double pitzen a.k.a. the Jimmy Houston knot as the strongest knot in use today.

A number of pro anglers (including Jimmy & Shaw Grigsby) have created demo videos showing how to tie the knot but this version is one of the clearest I have found.

Enjoy!

Keep Your Tournament Fish Alive

Ever since the early days of pro bass fishing and the change from "Catch & Keep" to "Catch & Release" tournaments bass anglers have been striving to keep their bass alive. 

Though we all work to keep bass alive, some days it’s just plain tough to do so…

I know we’ve all heard the phrase, “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me”

For those of us who have lost fish during more than one tournament, that’s pretty much how we feel.

My Personal Live Well Frustrations…

A few decades ago during my first full season of fishing club tournaments, I was in contention for the annual “Angler Of The Year” (AOY) title. As it turned out, everything was on the line during the last tournament of the season and it was very tight between me and another club member.

I managed to catch a decent limit of bass during the event but so did my closest competitor. When all was said and done, I ended up finishing in second place for the year; a mere 3 ounces behind the AOY winner.

Though that was both frustrating and painful, what really hurt was the fact I had two dead fish at the final weigh-in not only costing me 8 ounces off my total weight for the day but obviously the AOY title.

Can you say OUCH!

I think I remember using a few other choice words when I heard the results!

Now let’s fast-forward a few decades.

A buddy and I were fishing a night team tournament on a local lake during one of the longest heat waves for the year. As our night’s fishing got underway, we quickly connected with several nice largemouth including one, 22 inch bass weighing about 6 pounds.

As we started to place the fish and live well, I noticed the water was quite warm. So I made sure that the re-circulation system was operating; added “catch and release” preservative to the water; as well as a couple of ice blocks to help keep the fish alive.

It turned out, most of the fish catching happened early that evening. The rest of the fish caught during the final hours of the tournament wouldn’t help our weight and were instantly released back into the water so we never checked the live-well since we heard the pump system working away.

A short time before we headed into weigh-in, I open the live well to check on our fish. As soon as I popped the lid I was met with a rush of hot, musty air rising out of the well.  As my headlamp beamed into the live well, I noticed three of the bass, including our largest, were floating belly up. Ugh!

Even though were fishing out of an expensive bass boat with a modern, recirculating live well system with extra precautions, 60% of our limit died.

Although there wasn’t an AOY title at stake, those three dead fish did cost us financially as we dropped from first to third place. The only upside, one of the anglers love to eat bass and ended up with quite a meal.

One of the things that stuck with me after that night was the feeling of the relatively hot air and odor that came rushing out of the live well when I popped the lid.

It seemed to me that the buildup of heat as well as the stagnation of the air above the water in the live well might have had something to do with killing the fish.

Does a lack of ventilation kill bass in live wells?

After learning about a new product invented by the folks at New Pro Products, it seems the lack of ventilation was the culprit.

A short time ago, New Pro Products introduced a new live well ventilation system they call V-T2. The V-T2 system involves the installation of flush mounted ventilation portals on the live well covers.

These portals that allow the exchange of fresh air from the atmosphere with the stagnant air that builds up in the air space of a live well as shown in the image below:

It is also designed to prevent sloshing water in the well from splashing up onto the deck.

The result – purging the hot, stagnant air over the water with cooler air replenished with oxygen!

A pretty ingenious invention if you ask me; obviously one that may have helped me keep my fish alive in the past.

You can bet New Pro Products’ V-T2 system will be added to all my live wells from this point forward.

You can check out the details of the V-T2 system by clicking on the image above…

Five "Must Have" Rod Combos for Bass Fishing

Considering the never-ending possibilities when shopping for rod and reel combos for bass fishing, it's easy to see why many anglers are left scratching their heads when trying to make a decision on the best combos to buy.

In this video from MLF pro Edwin Evers, he reviews the five combos he feels every bass angler should have in his order of importance...

Interesting list and reasons though mine might be slightly different. Still a great starting point none the less.

How to Minimize Baitcasting Reel Backlashes

If you are new to the world of baitcasting reels and have been attempting to use the reel, you've likely spent as much time unraveling backlashes as you have actually casting the reel.

Though backlashes can never be completely avoided, proper setup of your baitcasting reel will help minimize the frequency and severity of backlashes/bird's nest/professional over-runs when they do occur.

In the following video, pro angler Ott Defoe explains the steps he takes to setup a baitcasting reel to cast properly with a minimum of backlashes:

As Ott states in the video, the price point of the reel often determines the types and number of casting controls on a given reel (the BPS Platinum he demos is a $230 reel). Most of the baitcasting reels I own are in the $80 - $120 price range and only have two of the three spool tension controls he mentions. Many old school "round-type" reels only have the main spool tension knob between the reel body and handle (1st tension adjustment know he uses in video). Just adjust the controls you have to dial the reel in as best you can.

Also keep in mind, when changing baits (heavier to lighter baits or compact, wind resistant baits like crankbaits to larger wind catchers like spinnerbaits and buzzbaits), adjustments will be required to prevent more backlashes.

The more you use the reel and get used to it's quirks and adjustments, the versatility baitcasting combos offer is well worth the time to learn to use it.

Tips for Making Longer Casts

One of the secrets to achieving the maximum diving depths with deep crankbaits is making longer casts using your casting or spinning rod combo.

Take a moment and listen to bass pro KVD as he explains his approach to getting the longest cast possible when necessary...

Make Your Own Fuzz-E-Grub Bodies

The Lindy Fuzz-E-Grub is a great fish catching bait that has been around for decades. 

Although often thought of as a panfish or walleye lure, the Fuss-E-Grub can shine on bass, especially smallmouth bass under certain conditions (early to mid-spring for example) :)

One problem with the bait is the cost where a pre-rigged two-pack costs between $3 to $4 and there are limited options available for finding larger packs of un-rigged bodies. 

The solution? 

DIY of course which can make knock-offs of the originals plus adaptations for larger baits as well.

One thing I would do a little differently from this demo; shorten the quill end before pulling the marabou through the plastic body.

Need any of the components to make your own fuzzy grub style bodies or worms? 

Check out the wide variety of bait making and modifying items available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!