®
Fall 2018
STRUCTURE
FLATS
by Nate Boomhower
bass really have no other choice but to ambush and strike. It just looks too good!
CONDITIONS: When I’m fishing with this rig, I pay attention to the weather. If the wind is blowing and the water is a little stained, I will use a bladed umbrella rig. If the wind is calm and water is clear, I will throw a rig without blades.
CASTS AND RETRIEVES: The second thing I figure out, is whether the bass are holding close to the bottom or if they are suspended by using my Hummingbird electronics. If the bass are holding close to the bottom, I make a long cast and allow the bait to sink to the bottom. Once it’s all the way down, I slow roll that bait, keeping bottom contact for as long as I can. This is one of the most effective ways to get deeper fish to strike.
If I determine that the bass are suspended, I make a long cast and let the bait sink to the same depth the bass are holding. Once I get to my desired depth, I start my retrieve. I always switch up my speed and add small twitches with my rod to make the bait pulse in the water column.
This pulsating action will activate the bass to strike; because. it makes the bait look like it’s trying to flee from the bass that are following the bait. Another great thing about this lure is that you have a really good chance to catching multiple fish on one cast.
GEAR: I pair my umbrella with 1/8-ounce Dobyns swimbait jig head paired with
the Molix RA shad. I use the 3” RA Shad on the teasers and the 3.8” RA Shad on the jig head. I throw my rig on a 13 Fishing 7’9” Omen Black Heavy Rod paired with a Concept A reel with 20-pound fluorocarbon.
SHALLOW FLATS
LURE: When fishing shallower offshore flats, I throw a glide bait like the River2Sea S-Waver 200 or 168. The glide bait draws those bigger fish in and, by pausing the bait or
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