Bass Fishing Dec 2016 | Page 36

2017 BUYER’S GUIDE WAKE BAITS 1. Megabass i-LOUD A body joint that knocks as the bait moves, a rear prop for flash and splash, and a bill that helps it wobble characterize the i- LOUD wake bait. $29.99 1 megabassusa.com 2. PH Custom Lures Wake Up The Wake Up is a new take on an old favorite that was once made by Buckeye Lures. Its long, slender body is made of balsa. The circuit-board lip keeps it wob- bling on a slow retrieve. $20.99 2 phcustomlures.com 3. Old School Baits Wesley’s Vee “W” Wake Bait A jerkbait-shaped wake bait, the Vee “W” will roll side to side and still wobble on the retrieve. $14.99 phcustomlures.com 3 4. Megabass Funky Flipper This 2 1/3-inch wake bait can be fished from the surface down to 6 inches. The front treble hook is attached without a split ring, which allows for a larger hook and less fouling. $19.99 megabassusa.com 34 4 3 WAYS TO ADJUST WAKE BAIT ACTION Wake baits wake on the surface. Well, maybe it’s not so simple. Most wake baits can be fished within a depth range that spans from the surface down to a foot or two deep. There are three ways to adjust the presentation. 1. Speed Generally, a faster retrieve causes the bait to dig in deeper. 2. Rod tip height Adjust the angle of the line to the bait to adjust its depth by lifting the rod tip higher for shallower and lowering it for deeper. 3. Line type/size Heavier, thicker lines have more drag in the water and might help keep a wake bait up on the surface, and vice versa. Also, if you want a wake bait to dive a bit deeper, try fishing it on fluorocar- bon, which sinks. wake bait depth adjustment FLWFISHING.COM I DECEMBER 2016