By Author John Olsen
I’ve always been a fan of crankbait for bass. In fact, I was a crankbait snob for a long time. I wouldn't say I liked jigs for bass, but after a couple of outings many years ago, when I finally started jigging for bass, I was hooked. No pun intended. Now I have more softbait than I can carry. (Don't let my wife know) However, it took me a while to understand what jig trailer is best when. The type of softbait and color can be confusing, and it can make a big difference in catching more bass. Here are a few great rules I've found that help me.
Whether pre-spawn, Post spawn, or right in the middle of the spawn, weather and watercolor can play a huge factor in what to softbait to throw.
The bass are much more aggressive if you have a warm front in spring or warm summer. If it's clear water and warm, you’ll want to throw a brighter and more active softbait jig. You need a softbait with a lot of movement that is easy to see, like a Zoom 6'' Brush Hog Soft Baits.
Other soft baits work well, like the Gambler Mega Daddy Soft Bait. What you’re looking for is a lot of movement. Bass in the warm, clear water are looking for brighter colors and a lot of action. Some other favorites are Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 Craw and Net
Bait B Bug Bait Fuel Infused. You will want a lighter color, like blue or pumpkin. Using sharp, quick movements will help your softbait dance and entice that strike. The one thing these all have in common is a lot of action. On Warm sunny days, stick to brighter colors, and on cloudy days, go to darker colors. In warmer weather, these tactics will get you more bass.
If you’re looking at darker water and murky edges, you will want a softbait that makes a lot of heavy motion in the water. When bass can't see, they use movement to find their prey. An oversized stiff tail is going to attract the bass. Bass will look for heavy vibrations in murky water where they can't see. One rig that works wonders in murky water is a Berkley
PowerBait MaxScent Worm in a Wacky Rig. The wacky rig will give you the most water movement on your bounce and catch the bass's attention.
A Shad soft bait with a heavy tail will also move the water and attract bass. You want to use heaver bounce on a stiff road. You really want that water to move when you jig your bait.
After the spawn, the bass will move to cover like docks and heavy brush. Work the edges, be bold, and switch colors if you’re not producing. Bass fishing game of cat and mouse and understanding bass habits when it comes to color and clarity of the water will help you be more successful.
Bass Tacos
Ingredients
Limes 1
2Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
1-2 Tablespoon Sugar
3-cups Cabbage
1-Jalapenos
3-Tomatoes
1.5-2 cups sour cream
3-4 Bass fillets
Olive Oil
Corn or Flower Tortillas
Seasoning Old Bay or your favorite
Directions-
cut up cabbage for slaw and cut up jalapeno and mix into slaw. In a different bowl, mix sour cream, Apple cider vinegar, Sugar Lime juice, and salt together in a bowl. Test and adjust for taste. Mix cabbage and dressing together and cover in the fridge.
Fry bass fillets In a pan with a small amount of Olive Oil. Lightly seasoned with Old Bay or your secret seasoning.
After cooking, blot with a paper towel, pat down filets and cut fish into strips.
Dice tomatoes, serve by putting fish in tortillas, then slaw and top with tomatoes. It can be served with tortilla chips and salsa.
Comments