those feathers will float, flare and pulsate, attracting the blue gill to come up and peck at them. When and if this happens, hold on and be patient. You are about to get a bass in the boat that will have a mouthful of gills along with your popper. This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced on this River, and it happens every year. I actually prefer this bait over a frog. Although I can’t toss it into the slop like a frog, I do toss it into open water areas where one would normally toss a frog. With this bait, there is no missing the fish with its two treble hooks. Slapping my bait is a thing of the past, the popper remedies that problem I’ve experienced with a frog.
JITTERBUGS
My very first topwater bass came on a Jitterbug at Lake of the Pines in Auburn at 12 years of age. I still toss this thing with confidence year in and year out. This bait was
the original wakebait and it still produces today. The Jitterbug has been forgotten by more fishermen, than those who have even learned how to use it. It is the bait of pond lore. So many giant bass across this country have been caught on farm ponds, using a Jitterbug. Bass on this river system, with their wide array of forage availability, crush this thing. The day I see the very first Mallard hen and a long line of 12 babies following, here is the day I break this bait out from my rod locker. The Jitterbug is the perfect baby duck imitating bait. Have you ever noticed how at first that Mallard hen has 12 babies, then several days later she is being trailed by only two or three? Arborgast’s double-jointed bait in the “Coachdog” pattern is the perfect baby duck imitator. Black bass, slurp baby ducks! Nuff said.
The Jitterbug is also an exceptional
nighttime topwater bait. When fishing at
night, I opt for the giant, Red Dog Muskie
Bug. The natural gurgling sound of these
baits, will call big bass to the surface, no
matter if you’re fishing in 1 foot of water,
or 20 feet of water. Calm, glass like
conditions are best for the Jitterbug.
ISSUE 2 June 2011
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