Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August - 9

Adding some angle

The first step is to utilize electronics. Modern sonar
units show remarkable detail in displaying structure,
baitfish and gamefish. Time spent evaluating structure-
locating points and flats and understanding how structure
relates to primary and secondary creek channels (or lake
basins in the case of natural lakes)-is time well spent. Be
on the lookout for schools of baitfish and of course, bass.
As you become familiar with the layout of specific
structures, mark key spots with waypoints.

Drop shot rig

As anglers, we get fish to strike our lures by either imitating
a fish's food, triggering a reaction strike from an otherwise
uninterested fish or a combination of the two methods.
One effective rigging is the drop shot rig. The drop shot
rig excels at presenting finesse-sized soft plastic baits likely
to turn the heads of bass.
Drop shot rigs place the sinker at the terminal end of
the line, with the hook located 12- to 36-inches above the
sinker, tied in with a Palomar knot. Plastic worms, tubes,
flukes and senkos are all good drop shot candidates. Sinkers
of 3/8- to ¾-ounce are appropriate for the depths considered
here. Cylindrical, round and dipsey sinkers may all be used.
Coming from a strong Walleye fishing background, I
think nothing of fishing a drop shot rig in a nearly vertical
manner, like a live bait Lindy rig for Walleyes. Work the
area's contours from deep to shallow, and maintain just
enough line for the sinker to make occasional contact with
the bottom. Experiment with the hook-to-line-distance
with 18 inches being a good starting point.

Heavy (¾- to 1-ounce) skirted jigs and Carolina rigs are
good options for casting presentations, rather than fishing
nearly vertical with a drop shot rig. In deeper water, keep
cast lengths relatively short.
Due to the bulky size, heavy jigs are most likely effective
on Largemouth Bass. Since the jig kicks up some silt off the
bottom, it is apt to invoke a reaction bite from a bass, even
more so if you impart a more aggressive jigging motion that
allows it to thump bottom with added force.
A similarly sized Carolina rig-which incorporates a
bullet sinker, short lead and hook-permits the use of soft
baits sized for both Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.
Like the heavy jig, a heavy slip sinker will make noise and
disturb the bottom, perhaps drawing a fish's attention to the
trailing bait. Match the hook size with the size and style of
soft baits used.
Both jigs and Carolina rigs allow you to cover various
depths in the same cast such as casting up on the shallow tip
of a point and working the bait down into the creek channel.

Snap 'em

At times, a decidedly aggressive presentation will trigger
reaction strikes from non-active fish. Blade baits, Jigging
Raps, and snap-jigged leadhead and fluke combinations
all qualify as options for snap jigging. The presentation is
roughly the same-impart one to three aggressive upward
jerks with the rod, and let the lure fall back to the bottom on a
slack line. Often, fish will pin the lure against the bottom, and
you will hook up when you start your next series of jerks.

Heavy jigs can inspire a reaction bite.
www.fishandboat.com 		

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2019

9
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August
