or just an ill-aimed attack. Whatever the case, that fish is still catchable, as long as you act quickly. If you tarry, time will ice the fish’s enthusiasm and send you back to square one. That’s why you should always keep a follow-up rod on the ready so you can get another bait in front of the fish’s face before he loses interest. Another shot with that topwater may do the trick, but in most cases, a bass that just aired out his lips might be more inclined to bite below the surface. For one thing, two consecutive topside trips makes him severely vulnerable to birds of prey, but also, the appearance of a baitfish imitator fluttering through the water column gives the appearance of wounded prey and that’s always an easy sell. Good options for a topwater follow-up bait would be a subsurface lure like a Bomber Long A, a Smithwick Rogue or a Rapala X-Rap, but don’t hesitate to swim a Texas-rigged curl-tail worm through the hot zone. When in doubt, a weedless- rigged weightless Senko twitched in the vicinity of a recent blow-up does a good job of impersonating a wounded baitfish.
Hollow Body Frog & Buzz Toad: Similar to topwater hard baits, a Spro Bronzeye Frog or a Snagproof Ish’s PHAT Frog can bring out the beast in a bass, but the aggression doesn’t always equal a connection. When that happens, and follow-up tosses go ignored, try switching to a buzz toad like a Stanley Ribbit or a Zoom Horny Toad. For one thing, the toad’s kicking legs make for a more intrusive and irritating presence. Moreover, when you pause a toad, it sinks, so utilize those gaps in lily pads or let a toad descend off the edge of a weed mat and get ready to have your arms stretched.
Dropshot & Tube: If you’re catching fish by hanging that little worm or minnow a foot or so off the bottom, but the bite dies try switching to a more active presentation with a 3- to 4-inch tube on a lead head sized appropriately for the depth you’re fishing. If you’re dragging the tube, go with a leadhead sporting a 60-degree line tie, as this keeps the bait plowing forward. However, if you need to make more of a display to taunt the fish into reaction strikes, a 90-degree line tie is the best fit.
Spoon and Carolina Rig: Especially productive over ledges and other offshore structure,
OTHER DYNAMIC DUOS
Crankbait and Football Jig: Stick with a crankbait long enough and you’ll find some fish, but don’t expect the bite to last indefinitely. When the fish cool down on the crank, work through the spot with a football jig and a craw trailer. Bumping the bottom and feeling each rock is the basic deal, but don’t hesitate to stroke the jig a few feet off the hard stuff to tease any suspended fish.
fall 2013
29