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Fall 2020
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Doctor Tackle Surman50G 6’6”. This is a medium-heavy power, medium-fast action and is ideal for these baits. The shorter rod allows me to cast the lure in tight quarters. What is also unique about the Surman50G’s half fiberglass; half graphite blend is it will load up perfectly when the lure is inhaled.
Once I pick off the active bass fish, I will slow down and pitch a jig or Texas-rigged soft plastic, first beginning with outer perimeter out of the wood and then working my way into the center or heart of the laydown.
My setup for breaking down a laydown are either a 1/2-ounce All-Terrain Tackle AT Jig or a 7/16-ounce tungsten weight on my Texas-rig with a 4/0 TroKar TK133 Pro V Bend Flippin hook.
My bait of choice on a Texas-rig is the new Zoom Magnum Ultra-Vibe Speed Craw. This bulkier version of the popular Speed Craw has the same enticing action of
the kicking feet, but has more bulk to the body, giving you a bigger profile for bass to key in on.
When I’m flipping my bait in and around the laydown, I’m looking for limbs that provide ambush spots for a bass to sit and make sure I bring my bait over the wood in a way it won’t compromise my hookset and that I’ll be able to get a hooked bass out of the over.
When pitching my jig or Texas-rig I will use 20 lb Seaguar Abraz X line spooled on a Wright & McGill Victory II high speed baitcast reel. My rod of choice is the Witch Doctor Tackle Oracle pitching stick (7’6” or 7’8”). This extra-heavy power rod allows me to pitch all day long without getting fatigued, yet the power of this rod allows me to hook up on a bass and get them away from the cover.
With the fishing season for bass getting shorter and shorter every day this fall, be ready to hit your favorite body of water to target some late season bass on laydowns! •