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Monofilament line is used, because it has some stretch to it and it floats, giving baits the maximum amount of action as possible. My gear is a Wright & McGill Victory Pro Carbon Jerkbait/Topwater rod that is 6’8”, paired with a Victory II Reel, spooled with 15-lb Seaguar Senshi.
JIG
When that first major fall cold front pushes through, the bass that one day were smoking a topwater may now be hesitant to bite. Don’t fear, bass will still bite: but when they do, they want a big meal! This is why a jig excels for flipping up big bass, as its large profile caters to the bass’s appetite.
I like to use a ½-ounce War Eagle Flipping Jig in either black/blue or green pumpkin, depending on the water clarity. I’ll experiment with my trailer based on the rate of fall and profile the bass want; but I’ll begin with a Zoom Super Chunk and then either downsize to a Super Chunk Jr. or go up in size to the new Zoom Z-Craw Jr as a trailer.
War Eagle Flipping Jig with various Zoom
Bait trailers. Photo: Glenn Walker
Suggested Gear: My Wright & McGill Victory Pro Carbon 7’4” Jig/Big Worm rod has a nice soft tip, allowing me to feel what my bait is doing, while still giving me enough backbone to get the bass out of the cover.
I pair it with a Victory II Reel, spooled with 20- lb Seaguar Flippin Fluorocarbon for fishing around wood, rock or sparse grass. If I’m fishing around heavy vegetation, I’ll use 50-lb Seaguar Flippin’ Braid.
Fall Bass love frogs! Photo: Zach Rinn
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