Dart
Head For Winter Delta Bass
Cold water conditions and lethargic
bass make for some pretty slow days for delta black bass. Sometimes
tough conditions call for some subtle measure to entice cold water
bass.
There is no doubt one of the most popular types
of fishing for cold water bass in most of lakes is exposed jig
head or dart head style of fishing. This is not a weedless rig
and most anglers use it in rocky areas that don’t have a
lot of brush. Here in the Delta you had better grab a bunch of
them and get really familiar with your electronics
A
couple of years ago delta angler Cris VanClef introduced me to
using dart heads, that come in all sizes and weights. Generally
you will use a 1/4-ounce dart head with a 1/0 or 2/0 hook and
thread a worm onto the hook and expose the hook. It’s a
great rig to use on rock drop offs and shaking over and around
mid river structure and you don’t have to worry about the
hookset because it is an open hook design.
When to use dart heads is determined by several
factors. If I’m casting to specific locations like a shady
spot or a tree, then I’ll use either a Texas rig or a dart
head. Because you can place them right on target. If I’m
trying to cover a lot of water quickly, I’ll use either
a Carolina rig or a dart head because you are throwing out and
dragging around. This works exceptionally well on large deeper
mid-river flats. I like the dart head because you can target the
mid river structure quite well with a slow presentation they can’t
resist by shaking and hovering them for fish suspended in mid-water
or right over deep bottom. When you get into the shaking aspect
of things, either with paddle tail grubs or the skinny worms are
the best here on the Delta. Chris Van Clef showed me the effectiveness
of keeping the jig dancing with shaky rod tip motion like you
are shivering, including frequent pauses. A good soft bait will
help to generate subtle body flex as the shake goes down the line,
but sometimes in the dirty water the harder shaking baits like
the Senko generate a little extra vibration. Shaking sideways
can be better than up and down. Shaking is done with the wrist,
like you would shake a maraca after a few margiritas. After a
few seconds of shaking, let the lure come to rest for a few more
seconds. Expect the resting lure to get bit. A fish will often
only feel like slight tension or movement in the line. Sometimes
you won't even know one is on until you go to shake the rod tip
again.
On occasion if the fish are deep, 20-feet or so
is deep on the river, and I need to place my bait in a precise
location, then I’ll go to the dropshot. That way I can drop
the bait right in front of their face and tease the fish into
biting.
Some anglers will find a certain style they prefer
and will have luck with it, but if you want to be competitive,
you have to understand all methods of worm fishing and be ready
to make a change if necessary. You have to be very versatile.
As
far as what dart heads to use, well, Revenge Baits new dart heads
are great, but whatever you choose you must find one that is "center-balanced".
If you hang it on the line, it hangs as perfectly level. Whatever
Dart Head you choose be sure to stock up on them and try them
on the River the results may just get you through.
Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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