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Winter 2018
page 68
SUSPENDING JERKBAITS
There are many different suspending jerkbaits on the market, but according to Pipkens, they do not all suspend the same. He has found through his experience that each jerkbait may suspend differently even if they are the exact same brand and model. He does a simple test by the side of the boat to make sure that each is suspending to his liking, a suspension with very slow fall.
To get the perfect suspending action, he uses Storm SuspenStrips, a small strip of lead that he attaches to the belly of the bait and right behind the first hook. These are commonly used products and many bass anglers regularly use them, but his insight on how each jerkbait suspends a little different is something that can benefit all serious bass anglers.
NAIL WEIGHTS
The Neko Rig has exploded in popularity over the past few seasons. Many anglers use a standard nail for their weight or some use manufactured lead and tungsten versions that are designed just for this technique. They all do the trick but noted finesse expert and FLW Tour pro Cody Meyer has found another way to do it.
When pouring cylinder dropshot weights, leaving out the line clip produces a solid cylinder-shaped piece of lead. These are similar to sliding Mojo-style weights that have been used for split shot fishing for years.
The use of these inside of a soft plastic bait gives it a bulkier side that produces a unique action as the bait falls and the heavier weighs can get it down deeper, quicker,
than standard
nail weight
sizes. Try this
trick next time
you are using a
Neko rig.
Bass fishermen by nature are tinkerers, we like to adjust and modify our equipment to get a better performance or to better suit our liking. Professional anglers are often adjusting and making changes to help them land more bass. Try these tips to modify your lures and hopefully land more bass. •