Bass Fishing Jun - Jul 2020 | Page 38

FULL POWER ZACK BIRGE n bass fishing, there are two predominant ways to catch fish: power-fishing techniques on baitcasting gear and finesse applications with spinning equipment. Sure, the lines are blurred with some light-line baitcast rigs and heavier spinning outfits, but for the most part, it’s one or the other. Both styles of fishing have their time and place, and the majority of bass fishermen are adept at fishing both and equally comfortable no matter what type of rod they’re using. Whatever the situation calls for, most bass anglers are ready to adapt in order to catch fish. But what if you could make a living using only power-fishing strategies? What if you didn’t need to slow down or fish finesse except in extreme cases? Is there an advantage to the heavy line and high speed of powerfishing only, or would there be a major handicap? Major League Fishing pros Ish Monroe and Zack Birge are proof that power can pay off virtually all the time. They are both more than capable of picking up spinning gear and succeeding. They just prefer not to. They’re power fishermen, and they’ve made their power-fishing approaches work. They generally fish their way and find success wherever the Bass Pro Tour schedule takes them. We asked them to divulge a few of their power-fishing reasons and strategies for success. PHOTO BY JESSE SCHULTZ PHOTO BY GARRICK DIXON ISH MONROE 36 FLWFISHING.COM | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | JUNE-JULY 2020