Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Spring 2014, Page 8

Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Spring 2014, Page 8

water, while the Rage Craw

and Skinny Dipper give

me a couple of options

anytime wind or low-

light conditions

exist. Match the

skirt or go with

an abstract

color; only

largemouth, it’s one bad lure - no matter the time of year.

THE GEAR

I carved my confidence with the Lamiglas Infinity 735C and 15-pound P-Line Fluorocarbon. The rod’s smaller diameter blank allows greater feel of the blade and trailer action; yet also allows the rod to load up just before driving the hook home. Most rods in the 7’ to 7 ½-foot range are perfectly suited for the technique, but for docks alone, a 7’3” rod is at the top of my range for length. Much like fishing swim jigs, the bass’ initial contact may be a slight tick or bump, in which it is important to set the hook immediately. Commonly, the strikes are aggressive and powerful so the technique is just as exciting as it is successful.

TRAILERS

Traditional choices such as craws and swimbait tails are perfectly suited for the job. To name a few favorites, I rig the Warrior Baits Quiver Bug, Strike King Rage Craw and Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper.

Each soft plastic gives a different action to the back end. The Quiver Bug remains subtle in calm

8

experimentation

can tell you which

to choose on

your home body of

water. Green pumpkin

and black/blue are two personal favorites.

ADVANCED TIPS

After catching a few fish on the technique, many anglers become comfortable with moving beyond the bank to offshore weedlines. Here in Washington State, fish can be found in aquatic vegetation year round. Fishing The Frenzy Vibe atop hydrilla and other weeds can fill the boat quickly, but finding productive areas can be the most challenging aspect.

On lakes in the area, weedlines that span more than fifty yards may only be productive in one or two specific spots. This is why it is important to cover water and not slow down until you find the active fish.

When visually fishing weedlines, casting over the top with the grain will help you locate the fish much faster, but if things are slow and the conditions set up for a reaction bite, never put The Vibe down until you cover the defined edge of that particular weedline.

CONCLUSION

As with most techniques, the quickest way to success is experimenting with color, action and the combination of the two depending on the conditions. While tournament anglers prefer to cover water with spinnerbaits and crankbaits, bladed swim jigs are phenomenal substitutes. While the baits resemble other proven fish catchers, these truly are in a class of their own.

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