Flippin'
Through The Delta
Hey,
I've spent a lot of time on the river over the years, but certainly
no where near the time Brentwoods Dee Thomas. Thomas is recognized
throughout the country, as the father of the flippin' technique,
combining power and finesse to get bass out of heavy cover. The
art of flippin' when mastered, allows anglers to drop their baits
right to the bass. Flippin' is the bass anglers equivalent of
fly fishing, precise silent presentations that get results!
Thomas
is one of the most consistent anglers on the river year after
year, and one of the few western pros to compete across the Country.
Over the years Thomas has had the big sponsors, Forrest Wood of
Ranger Boats learned of this guy from the West with this new technique
years ago, as he worked to develop The flippin' stick . Ranger
Boats has been supportive of Thomas's efforts ever since.
Wasn't long ago Thomas had again developed a new flippin' stick
with Lamiglas and Weapon. This rod is great, light weight and
a bit longer than others on the market.
Over
the years, 7'6" had been the norm, mostly due to convenience
as they could collapse to fit in the rod lockers of the popular
bass boats. This past week I had the opportunity of spend some
time with Pa Pa Dee, and talk about the new rod, its advantages,
and tactics for fooling' bass here
on the river.
Thomas
said "The eight foot flippin' stick allows you more space
from the target and is great when working the three to five foot
depths". " I'm still flippin' when others need to go
with a casting rod". "The new lines like Berkley 's
Fireline are great on the Lamiglas rod ". " This is
the best rod I've ever fished" added Thomas.
Thomas
had some simple suggestions for anglers looking to try Flippin'
on the Delta. Weapon Jigs are favorite of Thomas as he has worked
with them in developing a effective light weight series of jigs.
"The 1/8 jigs and small plastic trailers are also good bets
as the weather warms". "Isolated reeds
or other structure with current will start holding more and more
qaulity fish now" added Thomas. "The slow fall of these
jigs is irresistible" said Thomas. Thomas has been so consistent
over years with jigs I had to ask him about his favorite trailers
.
The popularity of the plastic pork trailers has really taken off
in the past year or so. I tried Zoom Bait Companies Plastic Pork
a couple of years ago, and really liked its durability, and convenience.
Thomas worked with the guys from Wacko Tackle in Lodi on their
plastic pork. Thomas feels that
Wacko's is as good or better than any on the market. Thomas though,
didn't even break out the jigs on our day together, as we worked
standard soft plastic baits.
Keeper
Reaper in brown/chartreuse patterns are always a favorite of delta
anglers and certainly no secret. The Reaper pattern has always
effective this time of year as many feel it represents bluegill
or small baitfish. Flippin' the outside edges of the weedlines
with the Reaper Baits. Over the years, Jim and Judy Clark of Keeper
have become friends of Thomas and makers of some of the areas
most popular locally made baits. Thomas suggested the simple rule,
before the spawn larger baits work best, post-spawn the best bet
is to down size baits. Local baits are a favorite of Thomas as
he has like to support California manufacturers.
As
the wind picked up Thomas suggested trying crankbaits. I had to
borrow a rod one of his Lamiglas Rods, and of course the ever
popular Speed Trap. Crankin' Speed Traps on wind facing banks
also produced for us. Both Crawfish and Bluegill patterns are
catching fish.
Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
Would
you like to use this article to add content to your website or
newsletter?
Send an email to: articlerequest@fishdelta.com
Inlcude your name, your website, and the name of the article you
would like to use.
And we'll respond back to you within 48 hours or less with the
details
