Tips & Techniques
Deep
Thinking for Soft Plastic Jerkbaits
from...
Pro Tom Redington |
 |
August, 2008
By
Tom Redington
Weightless soft plastic jerkbaits are the first thing many anglers reach
for when bass are shallow, especially in the spring. Baits like Magic
Shads, Live Magic Shads, and Senkos are deadly in the shallows because of
their slow quivering fall and their erratic action when twitched. Deep
fish love the action of soft plastic jerkbaits just as well, provided you
get the bait down to them. Following are a few ways that I fish weighted
soft plastic jerkbaits in deep water.
The easiest way to fish most any soft plastic in deep water is on a Texas
or Carolina rig. Carolina rigs are especially good because the large
sinker carries the bait to the bottom quickly, while the leader between
the sinker and hook allow the bait to fall slowly and naturally after each
pull of the rod. Texas rigs also work well, and rigging a Magic Shad on a
Texas rig will give the bass a different look than normal. Or for a more
finesse approach, jig heads on light line are another great way to fish
soft plastic jerkbaits in the mid-depth areas or even out on the deepest
structure. Furthermore, you can rig just about any soft plastic jerkbait
on a drop shot rig and shake it around out deep. While Twitch Worms are my
standard for the drop shot, 3.5” Live Magic Shad and Swimmin’ Slugs
produce fantastic action and bigger bass.
In addition to more traditional methods, the ever expanding variety of
weighted hooks creates a perfect way to present soft plastic jerkbaits to
deep fish. Hooks like Lake Fork Tackle’s Ultimate Swimbait Hooks have a
small weight that is located in the keel. This weight helps the bait fall
faster, while the keel position maintains a horizontal position on the
drop (as opposed to a nose down position with a Texas rig). These baits
work exceptionally well for bass that are suspended in deep timber or
hanging around deep weedlines. Moreover, weighted hooks also help when
fishing shallow on windy days.
Fishing a soft plastic jerkbait on a weighted hook is pretty easy.
Depending on the size of the bait, I’ll rig a Magic Shad, Live Magic Shad,
Swimmin’ Slug or Ring Fry on a 3/0 to 5/0 Ultimate Swimbait hook or
similar weighted wide gap hook. 10 to 20 lb P-Line fluorocarbon is my line
of choice for this rig because fluorocarbon is denser than mono and sinks
quickly, while remaining less visible to bass. I use 10 lb test in more
open water or on pressured fish, while line up to 20 lbs works best for
big fish around wood cover. Cast the lure to your target and let if fall
on slack line. Slack line allows the bait to fall straight down instead of
swinging back towards the boat, plus it’ll produce a more natural action
from the lure. As with any soft plastic jerkbait presentation, about 75%
of your bites will come on the initial drop, so be ready to set the hook
if the bait suddenly stops dropping or if your line goes to the side. Once
your bait reaches the bottom (or the desired depth if you are counting it
down to suspended fish), vary your retrieve to trigger the fish. A steady
twitching retrieve with a few pauses often works well, although some days
a couple twitches and letting the bait fall back to the bottom is better.
Mix up your retrieve and let the bass tell you what they want.
Shallow or deep, soft plastic jerkbaits are top fish catchers. If you’re
not using them in deep water, give them a try and I think you’ll like the
results. Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of
assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027
(evenings) or e-mail me through my website,
www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com.
Tom Redington is a full time bass guide on Lake Fork and is sponsored by
Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Diamond Sports Marine, Lake Fork Trophy
Lures, Minn Kota, Humminbird, and P-Line Fishing Lines.
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