NO FLASH,
NO PROBLEM
The subTle spybaiT
doesn’T need a
loT of added
acTion To fool
fish inTo biTing
By Tyler Brinks
S
pybaiting has been dubbed the technique of silent capture. it’s a novel
approach to bass fishing that goes against the grain of conventional tech-
niques, relying on a very subtle lure presentation with almost no built-in
action to attract bites.
spybaiting has made its mark in many tournaments over the past few years, but
is still an untapped technique to many anglers. Recent tournament success has
renewed interest in learning the technique. if you’ve wanted to try it, now’s the
time. here’s what you need to know about fishing spybaits.
What is “Spybaiting?”
The modern spybaiting technique, which originated about 10 years ago in
Japan, involves the use of a small sinking lure that resembles a cross between a
streamlined jerkbait and a prop bait. The elongated body has props on the front
and rear, and once cast out and allowed to settle to the desired depth, it’s slowly
reeled back without any additional action. The technique is deadly for pressured
bass when fished near the bottom.
spybaiting bridges the gap between finesse fishing and power fishing. The small
hard bait features treble hooks, yet is normally fished on light line and spinning
tackle. since it emerged in north america, it has become a favorite for anglers tar-
geting smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass in clear water.
The diminutive size of the hooks and spybaits themselves do not conjure up
thoughts of big fish, but according to david swendseid of duo Realis, it is definitely
a lure to catch large bass.
swendseid is one of the pioneers of the technique in america and has used it
with much success.
“it absolutely is a big-fish technique,” says swendseid. “spybaits silently enter
the zone of big fish. The bait just appears. it’s not flashy or noisy like many lures,
and big fish are naturally attracted to it and begin to follow.”
Ideal Conditions
The spybaiting technique can be used in many conditions, but it seems to work
best when targeting bass in clear water or in a fishery that is receiving heavy fishing
pressure.
“This is a technique that can be used anywhere from 1 to 50 feet of water, and
it really excels during bluebird skies,” says swendseid. “generally, clear water is a
benefit, but it will still work if the water has some color to it.”
Michigan’s scott dobson, who used the technique to help him win the 2016
costa flW series northern division event on 1000 islands, adds that he will only
use the technique in gin-clear water.
“The clearer the better,” dobson says. “for me, this is a smallmouth technique,
and they are visual feeders and need to be able to see it.”
dobson will generally begin spybaiting around the spawn and throughout the
summer as long as the water stays warm.
“i pick it up once the water hits 60 degrees,” he says. “because, usually, you can
catch fish better on a jerkbait or crankbait when the water is colder.
“if you are seeing fish chase a jerkbait or crankbait and not commit, that is when
the spybait excels,” he adds. “i like to fish it when the fishing gets tough, like during
the postspawn period and in the hottest part of the summer.”
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 I FLWFISHING.COM
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