Using the Split Shot Rig for Shallow Stream Bass

The split shot rig is likely one of the first presentations used by most anglers as they start the fishing journey. No doubt the split shot rig is one of the simplest rigs to setup and rig. 

Tie a hook on the end of your line; add a small split shot several inches up the line; then thread on some sort of bait (usually a night crawler or some type of live bait) onto the hook and the new angler is on their way to catching just about any fish that swims.

Over time, bass anglers found this rig is also very effective and versatile on shallow bass just by swapping out the night crawler for a variety of small soft plastic lures such as curly tail grubs, small worms, craws and even Ned baits.

As part of their intro promotion for their new soft hellgrammite bait, the folks at Yum Baits produced the following tips video on how to use the bait on a split shot rig for shallow stream bass. 

Take a few minutes and see what they have to say...

Catching Finicky Bass from Shallow Cover

If you're an avid bass angler, then you know that fishing around cypress trees in shallow water can be an excellent way to catch finicky bass. 

Cypress trees provide bass with plenty of cover and shade, and they often hold a variety of insects and small fish that bass love to feed on. However, fishing around cypress trees can be challenging because the trees' roots and branches can make it difficult to get your bait to the fish. 

Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of catching stubborn bass around cover in shallow water.

• Use a slow presentation. Bass in stained water after cold fronts are often less aggressive, so you need to give them time to see and react to your bait. Use a slow retrieve or let your bait sit for a few seconds before moving it again.
• Use a bait that stands out. In stained water, it's important to use a bait that will stand out to the bass. Use a bait with bright colors or a bait that makes noise. A jig with bright accents and rattles is an excellent choice for probing cypress tree systems.
• Fish the edges of the trees. Bass often hang out near the edges of the trees, where the water is shallower and there is more cover. Focus your efforts on these areas but remember to work the bait out away from the tree to trigger strikes from following bass.

In addition to jigs, a few other baits to consider when fishing shallow cover for stubborn bass include:

Finesse Skipping for Bass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year Round Shallow Water Bassin'

In today's world on high tech bass fishing, a growing number of bass anglers spend a considerable amount of time staring at a screen to uncover the location of bass in off shore areas.

Fortunately there are still a number of bass that live in shallow water areas throughout the year for anglers that prefer to probe shallow cover rather than probing the depths.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Bill Lowen explains what he does to key in on his personal fishing strength; finding and catching shallow water bass throughout the year!

Cranking Super Shallow Cover

If you love fishing shallow cover like me and many other bass anglers, you might be interested in a new crankbait developed by the folks at Strike King.

Though most of us probe shallow cover with baits like jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits and hollow-bellied frogs, we often shy away from throwing baits adorning treble hooks due to the "snag factor".

According to SK pro Kevin VanDam, the company's Hybrid Hunter Shallow JR is designed to run erratically in a depth range of 0' to <2' and is still amazingly snag resistant. A perfect combination of features making it an ideal treble-adorned bait for working shallow cover.

Take a moment and watch as KVD demonstrates how effective the Hybrid Hunter Shallow JR is when fishing super shallow cover in muddy water conditions...

Breaking Down Shallow Cover

Imagine if you will...

You are out on a quick late afternoon fishing trip; pull into a good looking cove that is loaded with shallow water cover.

Big question... how do you breakdown the different types of cover to increase your efficiency and start catching bass quickly?

Take a moment a watch as bass pro Patrick Walters explains his approach when fishing an area rich in shallow water cover...

Looking for cover elements that are unique such as points & cuts, isolated weed patches, bushes, stumps; docks with other types of cover all makes sense and great things to keep in mind during your next trip!