Rats,
Frogs and More
In
most lakes, submerged trees or rock structures provide a good
habitat for shade-seeking summer bass. Areas with access to both
deeper water and shallow brush are always be a good place to start
searching for warm water bass.
One of the
most overlooked types of structures are docks and pilings. As
the bass search for shade and bait fish on the hot summer days,
tossing small baits (sometimes called sissy baits because if their
size and the way they're worked) can be very effective.
In the Delta,
there are plenty of docks and pilings, some of which are private.
Most dock owners don't mind if you throw a few casts around their
docks, but don't trespass onto private docks.
Another type
of structure that is gaining popularity for fishermen is Duck
weed and hippie grass patches, or heavy grass clumps. Fishing
the weeds, mats and shade pockets has turned to an art form. Over
the years Delta anglers who have experimented with the Snag Proof
Frog, have really found that this is the right tool for the job.
It wasn’t long ago that this was a different type of top
water lure than most fishermen are familiar with here on the West
Coast. Now it seems there are just too many to keep track of this
kind does this this one does that, I tell the newest one out now
tears better than it catches fish. So after all these new adventures
in recreating the wheel, make mine Snag proof.
Until a few
years ago, thick moss and heavy grass areas were often considered
infeasible except for those using buzz baits or the old standard
Johnson silver minnows with pork trailers. Then came a bait designed
especially for fishing on milfoil - the rat from Mann’s
Bait.
The rat was
originally developed on Lake Okeechobie in Florida and now is
rapidly gaining in popularity here. These hollow plastic mouse
imitations draw some explosive strikes.
I was first
introduced to these top water wonders nearly 25 years ago by Gary
Vieria in Walnut Creek, suggests putting a glass and metal bead
inside the rat to give it an extra vibration, which draws more
strikes. Many of the local anglers have found this technique deadly
for shade-seeking summer bass.
After a lot
of trial and error, and advice from several of our areas top anglers
have I found the Snag Proof Frog to be the favorite bait for explosive
top water action on the thickest weeds. Snag Proof has several
different models available in many color combinations. My favorites
include white, black, and of course red.
Patience
is a must as the bass attacks these baits is hard not to over
react, trying to hard to set the hook is the biggest mistake most
anglers make when fishing any top water bait. The Hollow plastic
baits take more patience than any of the top water baits, you
have to let the bass hang on before applying an explosive hook
set. Waiting until the bait disappears or a good couple of seconds
will help improve your chances.
One of the
best things about fishing these hollow plastic critters is Mr.
Bass doesn’t give up on these baits. Keep throwing until
the bass gets tired, I’ve made several cast to a pocket
in the moss only to have my Tournament Frog launched into the
air or missed as that bass jumps right over the bait.
100 percent
Bass Promoter Bob “Korny” Kornhouser announced that
100 percent bass will be taking over the 6th Annual event Snag
Proof Open. Kornhouser was very excited as he said, “ This
can truly be something special now”. So mark August 5-6
on your calendars, Fishdelta.com will bring you the details as
they become available. Having worked with many promoters over
the years, and working the Snag Proof Tournaments in the past
I can’t say how pleased I am to see this highly respected
organization now putting on the event!
Connie Fuller
of Snag Proof wanted me to remind everyone of the great food being
served to paticipents each day and the return of the Beir Nutz
Featuring Len Venci who rocked the crowd at last years event!
Russo's will play Host to the event make reservations early! Enjoy!
Equipment
used
Quantum
Rods and Quantum
Reels
Power
Pro Braid
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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