a jigging spoon can fire up a bunch of fish that have seen too many crankbaits. When this action slows, patiently dragging the old ball-and-chain through the neighborhood will often deliver another fish or two – possibly even a whole new rally.
Whatever you target, keep in mind that the dynamics of any fishing scenario inherently require a diverse arsenal. However, make the most of your fishing day by taking a proactive approach with a
double dip - Tandem Rigged Baits Serve Targeted Purposes
Whenever a bass misses your first bait, the quicker you can get another offering in front of his face, the better your chances of closing the deal. Particularly effective for schooling bass, tandem- rigged baits increase the target area and thereby give bass more opportunity on the initial or the secondary attack. Poppers are probably the most common double-up baits, but frogs offer their own set of opportunities, as running tandem-rigged hoppers run across matted grass is like knocking on the door with both fists. Rig tandem frogs by tying a standard Palomar knot to the lead bait and leaving a tag end of about a foot for attaching the second. You may determine that the fish prefer a certain color, but to maximize your chances, start by pairing two different frogs. For hard baits with treble hooks remove the lead plug’s back hook and run your leader from the bare ring. Rigging a slightly larger bait in the rear position will help avoid tangles, as the heavier plug leads the cast, thereby stretching out the connecting leader. Another rigging option: Tie the main line to the top of a 3-way swivel and run leaders of six and 12 inches off the other two arms.
War Eagle’s Front Runner offers a convenient tandem option. A painted plastic head tapers into two short arms with the lower dangling a feathered treble and the upper sporting an eyelet for attaching your trailing bait. With this and any tandem rigs, expect diminished lure action, but don’t fret – you’re not trying to trick a discriminating bass – you’re doubling the entrees.
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