Winter 2022
g B o IG ing B a ® A ft S er S IN 2022
By Glenn Walker
Photo: Chad Eddings
Photography
Stacking the deck in your favor to get those big bites.
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or some anglers, the pure excitement of catching
any bass is all they need. For some, it’s the time
spent on the water with friends or family, now there is nothing wrong with these motives and in my mind
anytime on the water is a great time!
But for others, one thing crosses their mind when they
drop their boat in the water and that is to locate and catch
big bass. These anglers have the mindset that a day of
fishing filled with a few bites from big bass is more exciting
than catching a boat load of smaller bass.
Now you may be asking yourself, how can you
specifically target big bass?
Well, the first thing we must do is define the term big
bass. This all depends on where you live geographically and
what body of water you are fishing.
When you are talking about fishing a lake or river in
the Midwest, a big bass is usually over the 4 1/2-pound
mark. If you are in California, Florida, or Texas, a big bass is
something over the 6- or 7-pound mark.
JIG CONFIDENCE
When it comes to lure selection there are a few lures that just scream big bass. A flipping jig has been a tried- and-true staple for bass anglers for many years and
because of its bigger profile and different presentation than the common Texas-rig plastic, it is a great choice for chasing down big bass.
For me, a 1/2-ounce All-Terrain Tackle AT Jig black/blue or green pumpkin jig is a standby lure that works around a variety of cover, from flipping boat docks and laydowns to vegetation.
Many anglers will lose confidence in the jig if they don’t get bit right away or miss a few fish. If this happens, it is important not to get discouraged and keep fishing the jig. Sticking with a jig and learning to fish it, will pay off down the road.
WHY THE JIG OVER A TEXAS-RIG?
The jig and chunk’s larger profile will call in that bite from a big bass and SOMETIMES keep those smaller bass from biting. The jig will shine all year long, and since it can be fished slow it is a prime lure choice when those big bass are not as active.
Having the correct gear makes fishing a jig that much easier, which is why I’ll use 20-pound Seaguar TATSU Fluorocarbon as it is very abrasion resistant and super sensitive, meaning I’ll be able to feel light bites, with the correct line and rod.