Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Fall 2016, Page 72

Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Fall 2016, Page 72

Typically anglers use finesse worms that are four to six-inches in length; but there are times when half of that size is the key.

When the fishing is tough, I downsize to a small finesse worm like a three-inch Biovex Kolt Fish Tail or Roboworm Alive Shad that is also three-inches long.

Smaller hooks, lighter weights and a slower presentation can be the best way to generate bites when the fishing is tough.

Typical dropshot areas like rocks, points and grass lines are always a good place to start with the downsized rig. Docks and the sides and ends of boat ramps are another area I always target when the fishing is tough and need to get a bite.

I typically fish the small baits much slower than I do when the fishing is better. Instead of quickly moving my rig, a dragging approach with plenty of pauses is one of my most productive ways to fish the downsized dropshot.

72

HAIR JIGS

The little marabou jigs that look like they should be appealing to panfish work wonders for bass, especially smallmouth. The technique is gaining popularity among the pro tours after being a well- kept secret for northern anglers for the past decade.

The Outkast Tackle Feider Fly was developed with the help of Bassmaster Elite Series pro and smallmouth guru Seth Feider. It is a 3/32-ounce jighead with marabou tied to it. It comes in a variety of colors, but the all-black version is my favorite, when I need to go less than finesse.

Fishing these tiny jigs requires some work to cast them a good distance, but thin line and a light rod helps. Once in the water, a simple cast and retrieve

®