Crankbait Adjustments For Big Bass

Though today’s artificial baits are equipped with quality hardware, the hooks on most crankbaits can be upgraded to increase hook-up percentages…

In this video, B.A.S.S. Elite Pro, Greg Vinson, gives the low down on how important it can be to swap out crankbait trebles when targeting big bass…

Upgrading hardware such as up-sizing plus switching the style of the hooks along with changing to heavier-duty split rings can make all the difference when battling big bass on a crankbaits!

Slow Rolling Spinnerbaits for Inactive Bass

Spinnerbaits can be one of the most versatile fishing lures in your tacklebox...

You can...

• Use them as a search bait on long casts using a medium to fast retrieve...
• Burn them with the blades periodically breaking the surface for schooling bass...
• Pitch them into cover using any retrieve appropriate for conditions...
• Use a yo-yo retrieve for suspending fish... and even
• Slow roll the bait working it along the bottom for lethargic or bass rooting the depths for a meal...

Though slow rolling is usually thought of as a winter or early spring presentation, truth is it can be effective whenever the fish are relating to bottom cover and structure...

In the following video, Bassmaster Elite Pro, Casey Ashley talks about his favorite approach to slow rolling spinnerbaits using a modified tandem blade bait;

One that is a tad different than mine since I typically use a single Colorado or Mag Willow for my slow roll lures...

Just something to think about :)

Think Squarebills for Shallow Bass

There is a school of thought in the bass fishing world stating that a decent percentage of the bass population in most waters lives around cover in shallow water. I know from extensive personal experience that most of the bass I catch from ice-out until ice-in were enticed from cover in less than 5 or 6 feet of water!

Though there are many baits used to fish shallow water cover, one of the best is the squarebill crankbait...

Unlike other shallow cranks with rounded lips, the design of the squarebill's lip allows it to contact different types of cover like rocks and branches and still deflect away from it rather than hanging. A definite advantage since many anglers will opt for other types of baits like spinnerbaits, weedless-rigged soft plastics and jigs. This means shallow bass hanging around those types of cover do not see as many crankbaits and maybe less gun shy when your bait suddenly bounces by...

Take a moment and watch the following short video where B.A.S.S. Elite Series pro, Randall Tharp discusses the basics of fishing squarebills around shallow cover...

A Unique Bass Fishing Vessel?

Ask many bass angler's about their feelings regarding jet-skis (A.K.A. personal watercraft or PWC) and the response is often less than favorable.

Though most PWC operators may be respectful of anglers, those that prefer to ride "too close" to our boats or fishing areas are the ones that tend to stick in our minds...

There is also a certain population of anglers that own/operate jet-skis for the enjoyment they get buzzing them across the waves! But what if there is an up-grade to your PWC that would allow you to take advantage of a hot bass bite while out running the waves on it?

It just so happens there is as pointed out via this great infographic presented by the folks at Fix.com!

Source: Fix.com Blog

Admittedly this isn't for everyone but if it "floats your boat", why not give it a try? :)

Winter to Spring Transitions of River Smallmouths

Many bass anglers living in the northern half of the country are starting to see the first signs of waning ice, mostly on rivers and streams. Since many of these water courses are smaller rivers, streams and creeks, they afford the small boat bass angler the perfect opportunity to get in the earliest shot at open water bassin’ for the new year.

Once on the river, the target species .. the feisty smallmouth bass!

Wintering smallies usually congregate in the deeper pools in their area, striving to find the calmest waters available. Once the winter to spring transition kicks into gear, those bass move to specific funnel points to feed in prep for the forthcoming spawn…

In this video, river smallie angler Jeff Little of Blue Ridge Kayak Fishingdescribes how smallmiouths respond to the transition taking positions to “put on the feed bag” before the spawning ritual takes hold…

Getting anxious to prep the boat and hit the water? I know I am