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Summer 2020
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12
“As I am coming up to the cover that I want to target, I will pitch my way towards it,” said Russ. “I will pitch to areas or cover on the outside, as I am working my way in. As I get closer, I will tighten up my targets and make shorter pitches that I feel are more critical.
“When I get close to the cover, these are the pitches that I think are going to have a bigger potential of getting bites; so, I will slow down and make my pitches count. I want them to be on target and enter the water with as little commotion as possible. As I get even closer, I will try to pick off the outside areas that I think have bass.
“When I get into the cover, I will try to limit my trolling motor noise and make sure that I do not hit the cover. That will clue the bass that there is something going on and will cause them to shut off, many times leaving the area.” Once in the cover, he can get to flippin’.
“With flippin’, I can put my bait where it is needed with no commotion converting more flips into bites. I can also pick the area apart better hitting more areas in a smaller amount of time”.
JIGS VS. PLASTICS
To capitalize on bites, Russ tries to match his bait presentation to the cover that he is fishing.
“If I am fishing brush, I will many times use a Buckeye Jig as my bait choice,” he explained. “I do not have to worry about getting the jig through a mat on the water’s surface: so I can get my jig into all the brush cover without getting it hung up above or in the cover.”
Russ adds a Big Bite
YoMama or a YoDaddy
trailer to his jig for
more action and added
attraction.
“If I am fishing in
matted weeds, reeds or
in thick weed conditions,
I will opt to use a plastics
presentation,” said Russ. “A Big Bite Baits Craw Tube has always been a staple of mine and add to that the Real Deal Craw and you are set to run and gun thicker cover areas.”
Russ advises matching the weight to the cover being fished.
“There will be days when you will want a slower drop to your bait,” he said. “On these days. I will go with a 1/2-ounce tungsten weight that I will peg. If I am faced with more active bass, I will up my weight choice to 1-ounce to get a faster fall from my bait.”
Russ explained that the faster fall gives a bass less time to think and that is better for triggering a reaction bite.
BATTLE EQUIPMENT
Equipment for flippin’ and pitchin’ is important for proper technique. Russ uses a Denali Lithium flipping stick (LX945FX) matched with 7-2:1 baitcaster reel that is spooled with Sunline FX2 60-pound braided line.
“I like the feel that the Denali rod gives me and how it feels in my hands, said Russ. “I have found that what I can give out the Denali will take every bit of it and more.”
To take your fishing to the next level, your short game will have to be a big factor that you can depend on when call upon. Take the time this year and work on your flippin’ and pitchin’ technique. It will pay big dividends to your fishing in short time. •