Spring/Early Summer 2026
®
Regardless of the rigging
“I almost always start with
style, keeping the presentation
non-fuzzy offerings,” Becker
light and natural allows the bait’s
explained. “But I’ll switch to a
movement to work effectively.
Fuzzy Senko or Fuzzy Nut if
FISHING FUZZY BAITS WITHOUT FORWARD FACING SONAR
bass aren’t reacting the way I want.”
Becker notes that Forward Facing Sonar allows anglers to observe how fish respond to
Fuzzy baits are often
different baits. If bass ignore
associated with Forward Facing
traditional presentations,
Sonar (FFS), but they can also
switching to a fuzzy-style bait
be effective when used with
can sometimes produce the
traditional fishing techniques.
reaction needed to trigger a
Presenting a fuzzy bait gives
strike.
bass something different from
Adding Fuzzy Baits to
the standard soft plastics they
Your Arsenal: While fuzzy baits
may see frequently. Switching from a traditional Senko to a
OG Senko vs the new Fuzzy Senko.
continue to grow in popularity, they are not replacing traditional
Fuzzy Senko, Fuzzy Nut, or Uni
soft plastics.
can provide a new look that may trigger bites from pressured fish, especially when targeting bedding bass or fish that have already seen several conventional presentations.
“These new baits from Yamamoto are changing my selection,” said Bass Pro Tour pro Brent Ehrler. “I’m adding the Yamamoto Uni and Fuzzy Yamatanuki to my lineup. But I can’t replace my Senko – it’s too good and I have too much confidence
PRO ANGLERS WEIGH IN
Changing a Ned Rig: BASS Elite Series pro Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson has been experimenting with fuzzy baits for several years and often keeps them rigged on the deck of his boat.
in it.”
Instead of replacing proven lures, fuzzy baits simply provide anglers with another option when bass become pressured or difficult to catch.
“They are the ultimate finesse option and dynamite for smallmouth,” Gustafson said. “But I’m using them for all three species.” Gustafson most often fishes fuzzy baits on a dropshot rig but will also add a nail weight and cast them in shallow water when bass are cruising.
“With the different options Z-Man offers, it opens up a variety of rigging possibilities, including fishing them on a Nedster for a different-looking Ned rig,” he explained.
Adjusting Presentations with Forward Facing Sonar: Bass Pro Tour angler Matt Becker says that today’s anglers often carry more tackle than in the past because they need multiple finesse options available.
A NEW TOOL FOR MODERN BASS FISHING
Each fishing season brings new tackle and techniques. Fuzzy soft plastics are simply another tool anglers can add to their arsenal.
By incorporating these unconventional baits into
your lineup, you stay one step ahead of
the bass. When fish have seen every
traditional presentation in the
tackle box, sometimes all it
takes is offering something
just a little… fuzzier. •
Fuzzy Ned rig.
page
8