Article & Images by Martin Schoonhoven & Magnus Beukman
Alternatively you can also use a jig, which gives you extra distance and accuracy. When your bait hits the water allow it to sink freely to the bottom, 8 out of 10 times a bass would’ve taken the bait on the fall, if not, let the bait sit on the bottom for a few seconds before bringing it back towards the surface and letting it drop back down, and BAM you should be on. When fishing reeds like explained above a heavy rod is ideal coupled with good quality braided line. You will find that the bass takes the bait hard and only allows you a second or two to turn the fish otherwise you will be retrieving your hook attached to a reed.
Submerged rocks and timber are good spots for reactions baits. Casting and retrieving swim baits close to the structure will without a doubt get you a fish on the boat. Jigs are also an effective method to catch fish off this type of structure, alternatively a swim jig can be used instead as well as swim-baits or square-bill cranks.
Top water reaction baits are most efficient when fished between or over structure. Hollow bodied frogs, plastic frogs, buzz baits or zara spooks are ideal for this. When fishing between structures such as lilies hollow bodied frogs and plastic frogs will work best because these baits are for the better part weedless. When fishing these type of baits make long casta, so that you don’t spook any fish as they are now feeding on the surface. A heavy rod with 30-50lb braid is essential as you will be setting the hook over great distances and you don’t want any stretch in the line. Buzz baits and zara spooks are best fish over structure that is submerged as they have open hooks which can easily get stuck.
A crank-bait is our favourite reaction bait for catching fish. we believe you can cast a crank bait in any circumstance as long as you are able to determine its depth. This is where lipless cranks comes in handy, when you are stuck in grass simply rip it free let it flutter down for a second or two and start retrieving again. Be sure to be erratic in your retrieve, never just retrieve, rather rip your bait now and again or give it a quick pause as this can usually result in a strike. The same principle applies to spinner-baits, although legend has it that spinner-baits works best in windy conditions.
Finesse fishing has saved us on more than one occasion. Sometimes you have to cast your bait and leave it for a minute or two and then slowly start retrieving the bait. An effective method of finesse fishing is to drop shot, this method allows your bait to be in the strike zone for far longer than most baits and ultimately increases your chances of catching a fish.
The most important part of your fishing outfit for competition day is without a doubt your mindset. Always be positive, even if the fish have lock jaw. Stay positive! Eventually you will succeed. Do not become disheartened, summarise the current conditions and get back to the basics.
Bass Digest/February, 2014