Bassin'
With Plastics
Have
you ever been stumped when facing a tough bass fishing situation?
Maybe you are visiting an area for the first time and have no
idea what baits have been drawing strikes?
Whether you are fishing heavy cover, rocky points
or submerged structure, the one bait you can rely on to catch
fish in a wide variety of fishing conditions is the plastic grub.
Versatility isn't this bait's only asset. They are also inexpensive
enough to allow anglers to enhance their arsenals of lures with
sizes and colors for every situation.
West Coast anglers have had the biggest influence
in the development of plastics for every situation, as many of
the manufacturers really listened to the wants and needs of anglers.
Years ago we used grubs for one thing --drawing
strikes from finicky bass. We would shake them on a jig head along
trees or docks to fool stubborn bass, and on a daring day, we
might even swim them on open water.
Boy, have things changed! The plastics available
today have been just about fool-proof for even the most novice
of anglers. Reaction Innovations Trixie Shad is one of those versatile
soft plastic baits. The Trixie Shad was originally designed as
a buzzbait, but put them into the hands of some of the best anglers
in the world and then see what they come up with, another really
versatile bait with several possibilities. The bodies are fatter
and have longer curly tails that have tantalizing actions with
the slightest of movements that draw aggressive strikes. As the
large grubs of years ago they can be fished Texas rigged through
the thickest of cover.
Lure designer Andre Moore and I recently discussed
one of my favorite ways to fish this bait. Start with a 5/0 EWG
Flippin Hook and open the hook up just a bit with a pair of Pliers.
Sure, the bait rolls to the side a bit but still is quite effective
when fished on top like a buzzbait. If the roll still seems to
be a problem, or you want a little more natural swimming action
try this, Wrap suspend-a-strips around the hook shank until the
bait runs true at the depth you prefer with your retrieve. Several
guides can show you how to achieve this better swim bait type
of action by making this simple adjustment. I would love to show
you some tricks to fishing this bait.
As with other soft plastics, wide ranges of colors
are available. So broad is the range that it can sometimes be,
overwhelming. The basic rule for color selection is that brighter,
more natural translucent colors are used for clear water. In stained
water, darker colors, many with contrasting colored tails, work
best. Some Delta favorites include Shad, Bad Shad and some darker
pumpkin seed colors.
Those getting ready to try for Delta blackies
face some situations that many thought only those proficient at
the flipping' and pitching' techniques could conquer. The challenges
presented when fishing heavy cover without spooking fish can be
overcome with some practice, tough abrasion resistant line and
a stout spinning rod.
By using a toothpick or live rubber and putting
it in the head of the sinker, this will keep the sinker from slipping
up the line and hanging up on the brush. Many anglers don't like
penetrating through the bait, as they feel the hook set can be
missed when driving the hook through the bait and into Mr. Bass'
jaw. To solve this, Moore designed the bait with a hook pocket.
Many who are just learning bass fishing, or don't want to spend
any more money on rods and reels, can become effective and accurate
by shooting, or pitching, with spinning gear. It takes practice,
but by holding your line against the rod with your finger and
the bail open, then pulling the bait while bowing the rod, you
shoot your bait into shade under branches and other obstacles.
This technique also helps keep the bait close
to the surface, making less of a disturbance as it hits the water.
Practice by pointing the rod at the target and releasing it much
like shooting a bow. Once the bait settles, a slight shake and
pause is all you need before starting that retrieve back.
If a fish hits the swimming presentation -Don't
hurry, often you can let the bait fall as if they killed it and
–WHAM- the strike will be violent as the bait settles to
a rest.
These
tips should help when looking for that winning bass in upcoming
tournaments or while fishing with friends.
Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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