Our Complete Guide For Bass Anglers Who Love Fishing The Best Bass Jig On The Market

The bass jig is the go-to lure of many anglers when bass fishing. Bass jigs are an easy and straightforward lure perfect for pairing with your favorite soft plastic baits and great for catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and other freshwater species. The best bass jigs are a highly effective lure because they can be flipped, dragged, punched, twitched, shaken, and however else you like your soft baits to swim. Bass jig head presentations come in a variety of shapes and forms. The type of bass fishing an angler will be doing will determine the bass jig used. 

Best Bass Jig on the Market 

Wading through the waters of bass jig heads can be overwhelming because every type of bass fishing has a specialty jig for accomplishing that specific type of fishing. If you love finesse bass fishing, then chances are you love fishing with a ned rig jig head. Maybe you love punching through grass beds with a Tokyo rig or love fishing rocky bottoms with a Jika rig; chances are you have tried a variety of jig head styles. No matter the anglers' jig head preference, it must be practical to swim, shake, drag, and attract nearby bass. Figuring out which bass jigs are worth your time is where our guide will educate you. Our go-to bass jig guide helps anglers look at the best jig heads on the market. Let us take a closer look at the best jig heads for functionality, durability, and price.  

How To Fish a Jig For Bass

Learning How to Fish a Jig For Bass

Bass fishing has been a pastime that anglers have enjoyed for a long time. Using a bass jig to catch them is one that has become popular in the last 50 years. There are skills and art to catching largemouth bass on a jig head; knowing the right ways to fish them is critical to your success. Learning the proper methods and means to fish bass jigs can be the reason you catch your next trophy bass.

If you polled 100 bass anglers and asked them the most important mean for how to fish a jig for bass, you would get many different answers. The most common answer would be the best bass fishing anglers know what their jig is doing at all times based on feel and vibrations. This knowledge allows anglers to see the type of bottom they are fishing and what the surrounding cover is that bass could be sitting. It takes years of experience gaining a feel for what's going on under the water, but when mastered, you will be a bass catching machine with a jig. Here are a few tips that anglers must always remember when fishing with bass jigs.

Bass Jig Colors Matter

Many anglers get caught up in the type of soft plastic baits to use with their jigs. Yes, this is important, but the color of the jig head is just as important. Maybe you have always used the same color each trip and have had success, and other times the bite grows cold. It could be because of water clarity, sunlight, and the color of your bass jigs. Pairing the right color to match your bait is essential. A single color jig may work well, but a multi colored jig head with flakes could catch you twice the amount of fish. Knowing these little variances are enough for catching the eye of nearby fish. It could make all the difference. Once you figure out what the bass are eating, try pairing your bass jig colors to match those color schemes and watch your catch ration increase dramatically.

Best Anglers Watch The Line When Jig Fishing

When Jig Fishing It Is Important to Watch The Line

One of the easiest ways to become a better bass fisherman with bass jigs is feeling and watching your line. Often you will see a bass hit with your line before you ever feel it. Largemouth bass tends to pick up your jigs and run toward you, which will be hard to detect if you are not watching your line. If you are jig fishing for bass, then this must become second nature to you. One of the best times to get a bass bite is on the jig fall. Once you cast your bass jig, get ready for the bite. Many bass will hit the jig on the way down well before it ever hits bottom. Keep in mind the weight of your bass jig head will determine how fast it sinks. The lighter the weight, the slower it drops and the longer a bass has hit it. When the line tugs on the fall, you know you have just had a bass bite, now set the hook and land your next monster bass.

Pair Your Bass Jigs With The Right Soft Plastic Bait

Fishing with the right soft plastic bait on your jig head is another vital bass fishing tip. Suppose you live in an area where crawfish are not found, then why fish with them. You want to outfit your bass jig head with something similar to what they will be feeding on in nature. The four best soft plastic baits are worms, lizards, stick baits, and flukes. These types of prey are found in most freshwater bodies of water in some form. There are a lot of great soft plastics companies that make excellent bass fishing bait. Using these with the right jig will make a deadly bass fishing lure. 

How To Jig For Bass

The Right Jigging For Bass Techniques Helps Catch Pigs.

Jigging for bass is the most common method bass anglers chose for catching bass. Bass jigging can look different in multiple ways, but few everyday things go into it. If you want to jig for bass, then you need a bass jig and soft plastic bait. Bass jigs are designed to mimic the natural food that bass feed. The reason anglers choose to use this method of bass fishing because they are highly effective and versatile for most big and small freshwater bodies.

There are several jigging techniques for bass that all anglers use. The best methods are punching a jig, dragging a jig, and swimming a jig. Each of these methods helps anglers in specific scenarios, water conditions, and cover. The time of year is also a significant factor when fishing bass jigs. Knowing when to use each will make you a more effective and deadly bass fisherman. Let's look at each type in more detail.

Swimming a Jig

When covering open water, the primary method for bass fishing is swimming a jig. It involves casting and retrieving in deeper waters and the transitional points like a drop-off or ledge. It is a relatively easy technique and works great in most water depths without cover. Casting your jig out and retrieving it with a steady retrieval with gradual bumps is the best method. The bass jig's bumping gives it a realistic water approach and often will entice nearby bass to strike.

Punching a Jig

When freshwater bass fishing, there is oven a lot of covers that bass seeks shelter. It can be a variety of aquatic grass, weeds, lily pads, or shallow water in and around bass beds. Punching a bass jig is an effective method for bass fishing and will yield strikes. The jig heads will need to be heavier than traditional bass jigs to get your bait through surrounding debris. When punching your jig through the cover, let the jig fall to the bottom and jig it up 2-3 ft and let it fall back down. It is one of the more aggressive forms of bass fishing but will also produce lunkers.

Dragging a Jig

Another effective way for fishing a bass jig is by dragging it along the bottom, like in Jike rig fishing. Dragging it along the bottom allows for it to hit off rocks and debris, causing a commotion. That attracts the fish to notice the plastic you are using, which promotes the strike. It is a deep water technique and works well when maintaining constant contact with the bottom. After you cast the jig out, let it reach the bottom and slowly use the rod's length to drag the jig across the bottom. It's a simple yet effective method for getting a bass bite.

How To Rig a Jig For Bass

Knowing How to Rig a Jig For Bass Results In More Strikes.

Not knowing how to rig soft bass baits correctly happens all the time with non-experienced anglers. Mastering the art of feeding on your plastics on the hook right can be the difference between a good day of fishing or a great day. Often, anglers get in a hurry when out on the water and try to rush the rigging step. Rushing it may result in putting the plastic on wrong, resulting in it not swimming correctly. Paying attention to details will allow you to outfit your jig heads correctly and have your lures swimming perfectly in the water.

Each bass jig is going to require you to rig it in a certain way. All of your favorite jig heads will take your best soft plastic baits. If your jigs have skirts, you will want to add a trailer to them. These can be craws or curly tails to give it some movement in the water. If you are ned rig fishing, you may want to rig it in a weedless approach to minimize debris hookups. The traditional shakey head jig head with a worm is simple for rigging. Pierce the end of your worm with the screw lock. Once you have screwed it on, pierce the worm's back with the hook until it comes out the other side flush with the worm. It makes it weedless and allows for free movement in the water.

What Size Jig For Bass?

Finding The Right Size Jig Head Helps Catch More Fish.

Bass jigs come in a variety of different sizes and styles. The type of bass fishing you will be doing will determine the size of your jig head. You can find them as small as 3/32oz up to 1oz or more significant. Anything bigger than an ounce is hefty for bass fishing. Ned rig fishing requires a lightweight jig head that is often no bigger than 1/4oz. Swimbait jigs come in a variety of sizes. The larger the jig head, the more water you can cover. The downfall to that is the heavier the head, the quicker it sinks, which is not always best for bass fishing. The most common sizes of bass jigs would be 1/4oz, 3/8oz, and 1/2oz. Find what works for you in the water conditions you are fishing and start catching more fish.

Best Custom Bass Jig Heads On The Market

Putting the best bass jig heads on the market is the goal of every company. You want to manufacture and produce a quality product worth the money yet is proven to catch fish in the worst conditions. The best jigs are often tournament winners and have landed anglers their personal best fish time and time again. When compiling our best jig head list, we wanted them made in the USA with the best materials, powder coat paint, and best hooks on the market. Let's dive in and see the bass jigs every angler should have in their tackle box.

1) Shroom EWG Ned Rig Jig Heads

Try the shroom EWG ned rig jig heads today.

Finesse bass fishing uses jigs with a rigged soft plastic bait. The shroom EWG ned heads are a new type of weedless ned rig that anglers have grown to love. They take your traditional mushroom-shaped ned rigs and make them weedless with a custom VMC hook. Fishing with ned craws or stick baits just got easier when throwing in and around a structure. They come in many different colors, ensuring there is one for every plastic color you could throw. The weed guard is gone making this a jig head that looks better in the water and presents better to provoke a reaction bite.

2) Stand Up Ned Jigs

Stand up ned jigs perfect for finesse bass fishing.

Another unique kind of bass jig that has made a big splash in the fishing world is the stand up ned jigs. These customized jig heads will keep your baits vertical and in the sight of nearby fish. These stand up ned rigs are a weedless jig head crafted to catch fish. There is a weight for all anglers and is perfect for fishing in harsh conditions. Its subtle action and ability to mimic several bass food types make it a must-have in every angler's tackle box. Punch through the grass, and rest assured your baits land upright every time.

3) Bass Slammer Swimbait Jigs

Bass slammer swimbait jigs perfect for your favorite plastics.

The swimbait slammer is the perfect jig for fishing open waters with your favorite paddle tail or fluke soft plastics. This one of a kind swimbait jig comes with the traditional wire keeper or screw lock perfect for holding all your soft plastics in place. In the water, they add the ideal movement when jigged to bring your bass jig to life. They come in the perfect sizes for all types of bass fishing. These swimbait heads will change the way you fish and allow you to start catching more bass.

No matter the type of jigs you like fishing, this bass jig guide will help you see the effectiveness and ease they possess and their ability to fish in all water conditions. There is a jig for every kind of bass fishing, and if you want to be a better angler, you should incorporate them into your tackle arsenal. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you love to fish for bass using a bass jig, please share your stories with the community and comment below. Please send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. If you love bass fishing and have not tried fishing with different bass jigs, then make it a priority and start fishing with a bass jig today.

The Ultimate Tokyo Rig Guide For The Hottest Soft Plastic Bait Presentation In Bass Fishing

Tokyo Rig is the new bass fishing rig that is taking the industry by storm. This kind of fishing is nothing new to bass fishermen. It has been around for years in other forms like punch shot rig in Japan. Over the last few years that have been several companies that have released their versions of the Tokyo fishing rig that have helped it gain traction in the United States.

Several reasons it works great is because they can be fished in almost any type of cover, depth, or any time of the year. We have compiled the research as to why the Tokyo rig catches fish and why you should be fishing them, next time you are on the lake. This complete Tokyo rig guide will answer all the popular questions have about this fishing rig and, hopefully, give you the confidence to go out there and try it. Let's jump right and take a more in-depth look at the Tokyo Rig.

What is a Tokyo rig in fishing?

What is a Tokyo rig and why it works in bass fishing?

The Tokyo rig captures parts of the drop shot rig with traditional aspects of the flipping and pitching setup. They are crafted in a unique way that makes them perfect for keeping your soft plastic bait up off the bottom. They come with only a few components but pack a big punch for punching through weeds or being fished around debris. Each Tokyo rig is outfitted with an extra-wide gap hook that will give you a perfect hook set each time. Attached to the hook is a split ring with a swivel and a wire attached to a dropper weight. These dropper weights can be made from lead or tungsten, depending on the angler's preference. The dropper weights come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest 1/8oz up to a 1.5oz weight. The heavier the weight, the better it will keep your soft plastic bait to the bottom. The Tokyo rig provides a more natural movement to your plastics than the traditional bass swing jigs. Often the drop weight will be fixed on a wire that allows them to be changed out fast to adjust the weight you want according to the depth you are fishing. It is this feature that makes the Tokyo rig the favorite of many bass anglers over the traditional Jika rig. If you are a fisherman who loves to flip and pitch with a punch rig, then the Tokyo rig is one that you must try.

How to fish Tokyo rig

There are several different methods for fishing the Tokyo rig. It ultimately depends on the types of water you are fishing. Let's look at different ways to catch more Tokyo rig bass successfully.

1) Tokyo Swim: 

Tokyo Swim Technique For How To Fish A Tokyo Rig

Certain times of the year, smallmouth and largemouth bass will help up in deeper water holes of hard bottom. This is one of the areas that the Tokyo rig excels. Anglers use them because they can cover a lot of water more quickly and have precise casting abilities. This method is relatively easy to fish because you cast it with a swimbait attached and simply retrieve it back over the hard bottom. The drop weight of the Tokyo rig will bounce over the structure on the bottom and generate the necessary sounds to attract more bass to your bait.

2) Tokyo Punch:

Tokyo Punch To Fish Tokyo Rig In And Around Grass Mats

Fishing the Tokyo rig in and around lily pads and matted weeds is a successful way for catching largemouth bass. The weight from the fishing rig allows for it to punch through it and get to the bottom where the fish will be sitting. Performing the Tokyo punch is easy, simply cast a Tokyo rigged worm it into these areas and slowly hop it along the bottom. Pause periodically and shake it in place. The Tokyo punch is a successful way of fishing the Tokyo rig when bass fishing.

3) Tokyo Rock:

Tokyo Rock technique for fishing the Tokyo rig on rocky bottom.

Another excellent way for fishing the Tokyo rig is with the Tokyo rock technique. I am sure you're wondering what the Tokyo rock is; it the best method for fishing the Tokyo fishing rig in and around rocks. Fish your favorite Tokyo rigged worm or soft plastic craw around the shallow water rocks by bumping it along the bottom in and off rocks and logs. It is this slow-motion along the bottom that will entice nearby bass to strike.

 

Where to fish Tokyo rig

Where to fish Tokyo rig: Best 3 areas to target

Now that you know how to fish the Tokyo rig, you need to know the best areas to target with them. The best three areas many bass anglers will fish the rig is grass lines, punching grass mats, and flipping around docks. When fishing grass lines, you want to fish the Tokyo rig like a drop shot rig. Simply drag it up the grass lines keeping the weight on the bottom and your bait floating above it. Shake it as you slowly pull it, giving your soft plastic bait life in the water. If you are fishing areas that need punching, then fish is like a traditional punch rig. You will find the smaller slim profile of the Tokyo rig to punch grass mattes and lily pads easier than a regular punch rig. The last area to target is around docks. Fishing for bass around docks can yield big fish and is a fun way to catch them. Flipping your Tokyo rig up under docks and dragging it through the silty bottom along the dock posts will entice reaction strike. If you ever find yourself fishing these areas, then its a good idea to try your luck with a Tokyo rig. 

What to put on Tokyo rig?

What to put on Tokyo rig? Our best soft plastic baits.

The Tokyo rig is a fun way to catch bass. It is the perfect bass fishing rig for using your favorite soft plastic baits. One of the best baits to use with your Tokyo fishing rig is a swimbait. Paddle tail swimbaits are a go-to soft plastic of many bass anglers. Pair it with the Tokyo rig, and you have one deadly combination. Often there is a size limit on your swimbaits for the type of jig head you are using. When using a Tokyo rig, you can use pretty much any size, and the motion the rig provides will bring it to life in the water. Fishing the swimbait in open, deeper waters, you may want to get it down quickly. This will require higher weight on your rig to help aid in getting it down. Another great type of plastic to use with your rig is a craw or creature bait. These are the perfect bait to drag in and around rocks, fallen timber, or debris. The Tokyo rig will generate a sound when bumping off the rocks attracting more fish. It gives your crawfish a natural presentation on the bottom. It will result in more strikes for hungry bass. It will work with your favorite soft plastic bait and provide the versatility needed to catch bass.

Tokyo Rig Vs Jika Rig

Tokyo Rig Vs Jika Rig

The Tokyo rig and Jika rig are very similar in many ways but have different applications on when to be used when bass fishing. Depending on how your Tokyo rig is made, the weight can be changed quickly compared to the Jika rig. The dropshot weight on a Jika rig is fixed to a split ring making it more difficult to change on the fly. The Tokyo rig features a long wire with the weight. This is to help you drag it along the bottom to generate the noises you want, all while keeping your bait up off the bottom. This type of presentation will work better when fishing in different areas for bass. If the bottom has a lot of debris or muck, then you want your soft plastic up off the bottom for the fish to see. Both rigs work great and, when used correctly, will generate a ton of fish. Try your luck and see which fishing rig you prefer on your next bass fishing trip and end the Tokyo rig vs Jika rig debate.

Tokyo Rig Vs Dropshot Rig

Tokyo Rig Vs Dropshot Rig

The Tokyo rig was initially called the punchshot rig in japan and was effective for fishing dense vegetation. One thing when it comes to the dropshot rig is you can not fish it with a heavyweight. Anything over 1/2oz is not practical, whereas the Tokyo rig can handle the heavyweight and keep your fishing rig presentation exactly how you want it. Many anglers will only fish a dropshot rig because that's what they have done for the last ten years. If it's not broke, don't fix it. Bass anglers are skeptical of change and trying new bass rigs. The Tokyo rig is a new type of fishing in the united states and has only gained traction in the last two years. It is a fishing style that every fisherman needs in their tackle box and should be used when the conditions are right. Try each of the rigs and see for yourself what is a better rig for the type of fishing you are doing and end the Tokyo rig vs dropshot rig debate.

Tokyo Rig Vs Texas Rig 

Tokyo Rig Vs Texas Rig

The Texas rig has been the go-to rig for many bass fishermen over the years. The Tokyo rig vs texas rig has many pros and cons, but the pros weigh in favor of the Tokyo rig. The Tokyo rig is preferred because it keeps your bait off the bottom. This allows for fish to see your bait when fishing in different situations. The movement of your soft plastic on the Tokyo rig is better because it's free-floating on the rig. This allows for an angler to be able to let it sit and shake it to give it more movement. It is superior for punching through the grass and can be fished in and out of cover easily because of how the wight is positioned on the wire. Since the weight is on the wire and away from your hook, it never interferes with a hook set. This allows for the Tokyo rig to have a higher hookup percentage giving it the ultimate advantage over the texas rig.

How to make a Tokyo rig

How to make a Tokyo Rig at home

I know a lot of anglers who swear by making their own lures or jig heads. There is something about catching bass on something that you have made. All you need is the right terminal tackle to make. The Tokyo rig is made up of an EWG hook, usually in a size of 3/0, 4/0, or 5/0 depending on angler preference. It also has a split ring, barrel swivel, wire, and a weight of some sort. Simply attach your hook to a split ring, from there add a barrel swivel and piece of wire preferably in the length of 6". On the piece of wire, you can add a lead weight or tungsten weight depending on the depth you are fishing. Add your favorite soft plastic to the hook, then tie your line to the other end of the barrel swivel. You are ready to go catch some fish. Maybe you don't like making your own rigs and just want to buy a cheap Tokyo rig to try out. We got you covered at elliottenvisions.

After reading this ultimate Tokyo rig guide we are confident you will gain the knowledge to effectively the Tokyo fishing rig and possess the ability to fish in various water conditions. The Tokyo rig ability to be fished in dense aquatic vegetation makes them the go-to fishing rig of many anglers. If you have any questions or concerns about Tokyo rig, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you love to fish for bass using a Tokyo rig, please share your stories with the community and comment below. Send us all your bass fishing pictures while using a Tokyo rig to be featured on our social media page. Don't forget to check out all of our other great bass jig fishing items and check out bass university for other amazing bass blogs to help you become a better angler. If you love bass fishing and have not tried the Tokyo fishing rig then make it a priority and start fishing a Tokyo rig today. 

The Ned Rig has been around for some time but has become very popular in recent years. Often you will hear bass fishermen refer to them as the Midwest finesse rig. This new finesse fishing setup is taking bass industries by storm and breathing new life into the meaning of finesse fishing. Bass anglers all over the world are making ned heads their go-to fishing bait when fishing in rough conditions. No matter how bad things become on the lake or how pressured the largemouth bass are, ned rigs always answer the call. This is often contributed to its amazing action in the water and its sleek small profile perfect for allowing anglers to fish it in ways that mimic nearby food sources. With any excellent bass lure comes the many questions that fishermen have for the proper way for how it should be fished.  These questions need to be answered before anglers will add the bass jig to their fishing tackle box.

We will start with the ned rig basics to get beginner and experienced pros all on the same page.

What Is A Ned Rig?

Different Styles of finesse jigs for fishing.

To better understand this type of fishing rig, it is best to start at the beginning as to where it originated.  Ned Kehde is the founder and godfather of this type of finesse bass fishing. He was very successful when fishing the waters throughout Kansas City. The Ned Rig was born from the Chuck Woods Beetle spin, another iconic bass lure, without the spinner arm. This modified lure was created to hold small plastic Senko worms. He never dreamed it would catch as many fish as it does. The Ned jig head was designed to be simple. Often as bass anglers, we think complicated and flashy will catch more fish. That usually is not the case. The ned rig is a simple mushroom head jig that is relatively light weights. They usually range from 3/32oz all the way up to 1/4oz. The shroom jig head is made to hold a small soft plastic usually no bigger than three inches. Over time there have been some modifications to the hooks. The original neds featured a light wire hook while new age ned rigs have an EWG hook perfect for making the rig weedless. Other than that there is not much to it. Simple is better when it comes to the ned rig.

The movement they make in the water attracts fish to the setup. The ned allows for movement of your soft plastic while providing one of a kind action in the water. Do not be a doubter on this type of finesse fishing. They truly work! Keep it light and keep it simple when ned rig fishing. Fish it confidently for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.  

How To Rig A Ned Rig?

How to rig our shroom EWG weedless ned to catch bass.

Before you can fish ned style jig heads you have to know how to rig it. The simplicity of the rig makes it an easy set up. Simply tie your ned jig head to your line. Pick the appropriate weight you want for the type of fishing you will be doing. Thread the soft plastic over the shank of the hook and you are ready to go fishing. It is that simple yet effective for catching bass. This is a very lightweight set up so you want to have the proper fishing gear. Do not use your catfish fishing rod with a 30lb test on it. It's too big to fish the neds. Have a separate pole and dedicate it to being your finesse rod. Your ned rig setup will be a medium-light action rod with a spinning reel with monofilament line or fluorocarbon that is 4 to 6-pound test. You want to be able to feel every bump on the bottom or nibble of a fish. Going lightweight will ensure you have total feel over your setup. 

Compies have jumped on the bandwagon and have developed products that are specifically made for finesse bass fishing. Their lines of soft plastics and jig heads are made for the ned technique and will help you catch more fish. Zman is a company that comes to mind who has done well with the Zman ned style of fishing. They came out with the "man finesse shroomz" jigheads as well as the "Finesse TRD" stick baits. Pairing these together makes for deadly moving baits combination anglers love to fish. There are many companies jumping on the ned rig bandwagon and offering great products bass anglers have grown to love. New ideas have sparked variations to the traditional rig. Crafting a jig head with weed guards is one of those. Weedless ned rigs are a great jig for fishing in grassy situations. At elliottenvisions we have taken the original concept and have made it better with our shroom EWG Ned jigheads. Our one of a kind jig heads features a VMC hook with an extra-wide gap that will improve your hook up ratios and catch you more fish. They come in over 15+ of the best ned rig colors ensuring there is a color to pair with any of your soft plastics. There are many other companies that have soft plastics to pair like Lunkerhunt, Strike King, Yamamoto, and more.

How To Fish Ned Rig?

Find success with bass fishing by knowing how to fish ned rigs.

One of the most common questions I am asked when talking to bass fishermen is, "What is the proper way to fish the ned rig?" Because it is such a simple fishing rig it is also a very easy rig to fish. A beginner angler can fish it successfully and catch fish. All you have to do is cast it out into the water. Let the ned rig fall completely to the bottom. From there, with a slow retrieval, bump it along the bottom and attract nearby bass to strike with a reaction strike. The movement of the plastic as your retrieve it will do all the work.

The soft plastic baits being used with the ned rig are made to float. No your bait will not float up to the top of the water column. This means that the free-floating parts will float up off the bottom. This gives it a more realistic look in the water. Crawfish will look like they are in a defensive position, gobies will look like they are sitting in a hole looking out, worms will look like the are wiggling out of the bottom, it is these presentations that bass will love when bottom feeding.

Knowing how to fish a ned rig in certain water conditions yields bass

Another great feature of ned rigs is they can be fished anywhere. No matter the type of bottom you are bass fishing, neds will produce fish. A rocky bottom seems to be the most commonplace to use them. Bumping them along the rocks is guaranteed to attract fish to your rig. Another thing you often hear with ned fishermen is when the fish are shut down, fish a ned rig. Often times when the bass is not hitting on anything else you are throwing, they will hit a ned. This is what makes this finesse rig so popular. They are the go-to bass lure for tough conditions like cold winter water when the bass are shut down. 

Another thing an angler must consider when fishing a ned rig is the hook set. If you are using a light wire finesse hook then you must baby the hookset. Do not set the hook hard like your life depends on it. You will lose a monster bass every single time. Many of your hookups will come on the fall after casting your bait. Simply start reeling the retrieval in for hookup or use a sideways sweeping motion to set the hook. When finesse fishing you have to coax the bass in for the retrieval. Give a little and let him wear itself out while keeping constant pressure on the line to avoid a hook popping loose. There is nothing worse than having a monster bass hooked and it spits the lure. Make the ned your new favorite power fishing technique and master it to become a better bass angler.  

There are several great techniques as for how you should be fishing a ned rig according to Ned Kehde:

Bass fishing technique: swim and glide.

1) Swim, Glide, and Shake Technique: This is the perfect method for when fish are feeding more aggressively. This is the most common way to fish the traditional ned rigs. Cast out the rig, let it sink to the bottom, and simply retrieve it by reeling it in. I am sure you are wondering where the shaking comes into the method. According to the finesse fishing godfather, shake the rod when the bait is falling to the bottom. This will give the bait more action in the water attracting more fish. When starting the retrieval shake the rod lightly to give the bottom bump more movement.

Ned Rig Fishing Technique: Straight Swim 

2) Straight Swim Technique: This method is as simple as it sounds. Use a ned rig soft plastic that has some sort of tail like action. Cast out the lure, keep your rod tip down and retrieve at a slow pace. This is the perfect method for fishing around aquatic vegetation and grass beds.

Ned fishing rig technique: drag and shake.

3) Drag and Shake Technique: Ned Kehde has deemed this method for when fishing is tougher than normal due to unfavorable conditions. This is another simple yet effective method. Simply cast it our and slow retrieval it across the bottom. Shake the tip of your rod to give it more motion in the water. This is another effective way of fishing the ned rig. 

Fishing ned rig technique: Drag and Deadstick

4) Drag and Deadstick Technique: When bass are lethargic and lack normal movement patterns, the drag and sit method is one all anglers should incorporate. On a rocky or muddy bottom simply drag the ned rig and let it sit for 10 seconds. Often time the bass will see the movement and come eat it on the sit. When you start reeling again you will have a fish on the line. Another great time to use this technique is when the waters cool down. The fish will be slower so using a slower retrieval will work.

Fishing a ned rig with the hop and bounce method.

5) Hop and Bounce Technique:

This method is the perfect way to fish the ned rig when there are a lot of crawfish around. By using a craw soft plastic you can mimic the movements they make on the bottom. It will resemble a freeing crayfish to nearby bass. This method is pretty simple. Simply cast out and let the bass lure settle onto the bottom. Once it has sat for a few seconds, reel it a couple of times and let it settle back onto the bottom. This fleeing motion will entice nearby fish resulting in more hookups when they are feeding on aquatic crustaceans.

Bass Fishing with the stroll technique.

6) Stroll Technique: The stroll is a modified way of trolling with your trolling motor. This is one of Ned Kehde's favorite was of covering large flats when fishing for bass. All you do is cast out your bass bait, and let it settle to the bottom. Allow for the trolling motor to pull it along the bottom until it is directly behind the boat. Repeat this over and over to cover bass beds on flats.

As you can see there are a ton of great ways to fish it, whichever you chose will result in fish being caught. Try each ned technique and figure out what works best for you. 

What Weight Jig Head To Use For Ned Rig?

The best jig head weight for your weedless ned rig

Ned heads are made to be lightweight and provide the right moves in the water. You will never see a really heavy jig head when fishing this kind of rig. The most common weights you will see anglers use are 3/32oz, 1/8oz, 5/32oz, 3/16oz, and 1/4oz. The deeper you are fishing, the heavier the weights they will require. Getting your rigs to sink quickly to the bottom will allow you to feel every little thing. Casting into the wind on a windy day may also be another reason anglers opt for a heavier ned. 

Bass and Small Mouth Bass often will pick your bait up off the bottom. If you are using a lightweight jig sometimes you can miss this. When you lose contact with the bottom while ned fishing, start reeling because a fish has it in its mouth. No matter which size you choose will be angler preference. Have a go-to weight for different conditions and master the art of fishing with a ned rig.

What Size Hook For Ned Rig?

Ned Hooks size matters for landing your next monster bass.

When it comes to ned rigs the hooks are often small. They could be called crappie jigs with how small they are in comparison to bass jigs. Common light wire hook sizes are #1 and #2 which are found in traditional Neds. Using finesse baits, you will get more bites using a light wire hook and will be more effective when bass fishing. The way the bait stands up in the water is imperative for how well the jig works. If the hook is too big it can weigh it down and not allow for it to stand up properly. There is a balance to the rig and having a smaller hook keeps it looking natural in the water. If you want to be impressed with a small hook, the ned rig founder Ned Kehde uses a tiny size 6 hook.

Best ned jig head on the market for weedless bass fishing.

When it came to our shroom EWG neds we chose a 2/0 VMC hook. Its small size is perfect for any type of bass fishing and holds up well with the biggest bass. Its wide gap allows for a perfect hook set every time and makes it a weedless ned rig. They are perfectly balanced and provide anglers with the best bait action and lift for any bass jigs on the market.

What Rod Do I Use For A Ned Rig?

The ned rod every angler should be fishing with.

One of the most expensive parts of fishing is the rod and reel. This style of finesse fishing requires your setup to have ultimate sensitivity. You want to be able to feel everything that happens on the bottom with your rig. A general rule is you want an all-around good finesse set up that is a med-light sensitivity. A good size rod is the 6'6" to 7'0" with a 1000 to 2000 size reel. If your budget doesn't matter than the ultimate ned rod would be one of the Loomis MagLight/XFast spinning rods or a Lews ned rod. We know most anglers fish on a budget so we have our favorite budget rod too. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite Pro Spinning Rod or something similar is the perfect bass fishing rod that is affordable to all anglers. If you want to pair a one of a kind spinning reel onto your new rod then get a Canyon Reels 2000 Backwater. If you have any additional rod or reel concerns, feel free to check out our fishing rod guides and our fishing reel buying guide.

Ned worms paired with your weedless rig is a deadly combination.

You want to be fishing with the best-made bass jigs on the market. This is why you should only be buying American made fishing products. This is why at elliottenvisions we are changing the finesse fishing world one jig at a time. The finesse rig is a rigging type that all bass anglers should be able to use effectively. They catch fish no matter the conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. Maybe you have other ned rig tips; please share them with the community by commenting below. Send us all your bass fishing or ned rig pictures to be featured on our social media pages. We hope this ultimate ned rig fishing guide will answer all your questions and give you the needed tips to help you catch your next monster bass. 

The Jika rig is a new bass rigs technique for using soft plastics while bass fishing. This new method was originally developed in Japan and has recently made the jump into the US fishing markets. It is taking the industry by storm and is resulting in a lot of fish being caught. It is the perfect setup for targeting both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. One of the most common questions we hear from bass anglers is, "What is a Jika rig"? We plan to answer this question and a ton of more questions today in this complete Jika rig guide. This will be your go-to Bible for everything Jika rig related.

What is a Jika rig?

What is a Jika rig: Jika rig components

The Jika rig is a bass rig that is very simple with only a hook, split ring, and a hook. The split ring connects the drop shot weight to a wide gap hook. In this set up the drop shot weights are free-floating to give it better action in the water. It creates a very unique swimming action while getting a dropping motion on every reel. This is a very compact bass rig that allows for better casting and precise placement. The bait rig will sink straight down due to the drop shot weight. The wide gap hook with your favorite soft plastic is free to move and rotate on the split ring giving it lifelike movement to bring it to life. Fish your rig with your favorite soft plastic bait whether they are worms, creature baits, swimbaits, or craws. The movement they make is perfect for sparking interest in nearby fish. It is perfect for causing a reaction strike.

Why use a Jika rig?

Why use a Jika rig when bass fishing.

After polling 100 American bass anglers we have found the number one reason they use a Jika rig is due to the sensitivity it gives you when bottom fishing. It provides an angler with a precise feel as to what kind of bottom them are fishing. It will allow you to be able to determine the bottom composition and different depth transitions. Many anglers chose to fish Jika rigs on rocky bottoms. The noise your weight will make when hitting against rock and debris gives it an advantage over other rights. It acts as a bass attracted bringing in more curious fish.

What size weight for Jika rig?

What size weight for Jika rig? Angler preference depending on drop speed.

 The drop shot weights size depends on the water depth you will be fishing and the bottom composition. Along with that, it is very angler dependent. I know fishermen who swear by a 1/4oz Jika rig while others will not fish with one above 1/8oz. Personally, when fishing in dense vegetation I opt for a heavier rig. One of the great things about this type of fishing rig is you can change your weight size fast. What size weight you chose will be based on how fast you want your drop speed to be. Keep extra tungsten weights in your tackle box for when you need to change up how your Jika rig is performing.

How to fish a Jika rig?

Effective ways for how to fish a Jika rig.

There are three main reasons for fishing a Jika rig. These are:

1) Fishing Heavy Vegetation

2) Small, Compact Profile For Casting

3) Prefer it over the original drop shot rig

Let us dive into more detail bout each reason to better explain why you should be fishing this type of rig on your next fishing trip.

 Jika rigs are the preferred method for fishing in heavy vegetation. They are able to punch through the aquatic grass and get your bait down to the bottom. This is a huge advantage over other bass lures on the market. Use this rig to punch through any type of grass or heavy vegetation like hydrilla, lily pads, milfoil or other matted grass. The smaller profile gives it a smaller area and mass getting it through the grass quicker. Once it punches through the split ring allows for your bait to stand vertical on the descent. 

Another great reason many Anglers choose the Jika fishing rig is because of its small, compact profile for casting. Cast it with more precision in windy or rough conditions. Many bass rigs are big and bulky and hard to cast. The Jika fishing rig eliminates this problem and allows for an easier time fishing.

The last reason anglers chose to fish Jika rigs is very simple. You prefer it over the original drop shot rig. This is the perfect rig for fishing around bass ambush points. These points consist of rock pile structure, sunken timber, stumps, docks, and other structure piles. These areas tend to hold baitfish and crawfish. The Jika fishing rig will bring provoke reaction strikes in these high bass food areas.

Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig

Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig, why to use one over the other

Comparing the Jika Rig vs. Tokyo Rig may seem difficult to the untrained eye.  However, a bass fisherman can tell the difference instantly.  Although very similar they both have different uses and applications.  The Jika has the drop shot weight attached to a split ring, which is attached to the eye of the hook.  The Tokyo rig has a 2-3 inch length of wire that the weight is attached to connected to the eye of the hook.  Why does this matter? The Tokyo Rig works great in an application where you want to have the bait up off the bottom as opposed to directly on it.  Slowly dragging the Tokyo Rig across the bottom will keep the bait and hook an inch or two off the bottom.  The Jika, in this same application, will have the bait directly on the bottom.  Some days one will work better than others but they both work.  This just depends on the fish and how you fish it, ending the debate of Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig.

Jika rig vs Texas rig

Jika Rig vs Texas Rig: When to use it.

Two fishing rigs that are very similar, yet different, are the Jika rig and Texas rig. Both rigs are great for catching bass and serve a unique purpose when fishing. The Texas rig is an easy setup that many bass anglers prefer. The hook is rigged through your soft plastic worm with the point of the hook flush to the back of the body. Bullet weight is attached to the line at the head of the hook giving it the weight needed to sink. The weight is the difference between these two rigging methods. The bullet weight can float freely up and down the line on a texas rig, while the drop shot weight on a Jika rig is fixed but can move freely around on the hook. Both presentations are effective yet the Jika rig has the edge when fishing heavy vegetation and punching through.

Jika rig vs Wobble head

Jika Rig vs Wobble Head, why to use one over the other

When looking at the Jika rig vs the wobble head there are a few things to remember. The Jika rig is a very similar rig to the traditional wobble head. Many anglers claim the Jika fishing rig is a finesse presentation and the wobble head is a power presentation. As far as the rigging goes there are several differences to the two rigs. On the Jika rig, the bait is separate from the weight. The wobble head the weight is in front of the bait attached to the hook. These subtle differences affect how the two rigs wok in the water and the movement they produce. Both are great for areas with a heavy structure like rock piles, humps, ledges, beds, or bars. The Jika rig will keep your bait off the direct bottom and more in the face of fish.

How to make a Jika rig For Bass

How to make a Jika rig For Bass (Photo Credit: www.luremag.co.uk )

Maybe you are the type of angler who loves to make their own soft plastic baits and fishing jig head. If that is the case then making a Jika fishing rig is something you can do pretty easily. The components of a Jika rig are all the same, but angler preference will determine which size and brand you will use. Let us look in more detail as to what you will need to complete your Jika rigs.

Components:

1) Wide Gap Hook - We prefer to use 4/0 through 6/0 for our rigs. This is of course angler dependent. Use a hook that will work with the size of your soft plastics.

2) Split Ring - You can use almost any size of split ring for your rig. We recommend you use a size 2 or 3.

3) Drop Shot Weight - Drop shot weights are the key to making this rig work. Use lead weights or tungsten drop shot weights depending on your personal preference.

This is such a simple rig so putting it together is easy. Simply put your extra-wide gap hook onto the split ring, then add your drop shot weight. You will need a pair of split ring pliers to complete this rig. Maybe building your own rig isn't an option. We have our own affordable and cheap Jika rigs that are perfect for your next fishing trip.

After reading this ultimate Jika rig guide you can see the effectiveness they possess and their ability to fish all water conditions. Their ability to be fished in dense aquatic vegetation makes them the go-to Jika fishing rig of many anglers both professional and amateur. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you love to fish for bass using a Jika rig, please share your stories with the community and comment below. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. If you love bass fishing and have not tried the Jika fishing rig then make it a priority and start fishing a Jika rig today.

Our Top 5 Wacky Rig Mistakes Your Making While Bass Fishing

Wacky rig is one of the best bass lures that bass anglers use regularly. This is a go-to lure for many because of its effectiveness and ability to use during multiple times of the year, no matter the season. Many professional anglers always said the wacky rig is a springtime technique, but that simply is not true. They catch fish all year even when the fishing gets tough. If you are new to bass fishing and want one lure that can be your go-to lure, then the wacky rig is it. 

How to avoid mistakes while fishing wacky rigs (Photo Credit: Outdoor Life )

Like all great lures, there are many mistakes that you can make while fishing with it. These wacky rig mistakes can be the difference between catching monster bass and striking out altogether. By trying to avoid these mistakes, it will give you more confidence in using the wacky rig and make it one of your go-to lures on your next bass fishing trip. These are our top 5 mistakes that many anglers make while fishing with a wacky rig.

Wacky Rig Mistake #1: Too Much Action

With many bass lures, more action is better. That is not the case with the wacky rig. When fishing with a wacky-rigged worm, you want it to look as natural as possible. Providing it with too much action makes it look unnatural and will result in fewer bits. When you are fishing with a wacky-rigged worm, it will possess an effect all on its own. You can add weight to the sides of the worm to give it a deeper bounce but let it do all the work itself. I always say if you are moving the rod while finesse fishing a stick worm, you are fishing too hard. If you are new to fishing the wacky rig, you will come to learn that most of your bites will occur when the bait is falling. It is because when it is falling in the upper part of the water column, it looks like a natural worm that has fallen into the water.

Many anglers always ask, "How do you fish it with minimal rod movement?" The only thing you have to do is cast it out around structure or a ledge that holds bass. Simply let slackline into your line and let the stick bait fall. Once the worm reaches the bottom, simply pull the slack out of your fishing line and pull it back to the top of the water column to let it fall again. You want to fish this rig like you would a drop shot. The bass will strike on the fall time and time still making this a straightforward bass fishing rig to fish.

Wacky Rig Mistake #2: Stressing About Colors

Picking the colors of your wacky rig worm can be a challenge. (Photo Credit: fishingcarepackage.com)

If I ran a soft plastic company, it would be tough for me to write about this. You want anglers who want to have every color of a specific type of bait. Everyone has been this kind of angler at some point in their life. This is the exact opposite of what you want when you are fishing the wacky rig. Keep it simple is the best way. There are usually three colors that a bass will hit on almost any day. Green pumpkin, watermelon red, and June bug are the only colors you need. If you are not catching fish on these three colors, you are probably not going to catch a bass. The more you fish, the more you will realize this to be true.

There is some science behind what colors you should be using. They are based on what the weather is doing and the water clarity:

1) Clear and lightly tinged water on a sunny day: Red

2) Clear and lightly tinged water on a cloudy day: Green Pumpkin

3) Dirty Water: June Bug/Black

This keeps fishing the wacky rig simple. This will be your new bread and butter technique moving forward. You do not need a ton of colors, and you will still catch a ton of fish. Do not make a mistake by stressing over the colors you should be using. Start using fewer colors and better techniques while fishing to catch more fish.

Wacky Rig Mistake #3: Hook Matters

The hook you choose for your wacky rig is as important as choosing where to fish. Often we think that the hook brand, size, and color do not matter, but in the end, it does. It can be the difference in catching a monster bass and miss one. You may be the type of angler who uses that same hook for the majority of your rigs. You may catch a ton of fish this way, but I am sure you miss a bunch too. It is in your best interest to have wacky rig hooks in your tackle box if you plan to fish this style of fishing. The hook size matters when your catching larger fish. Many anglers fish with a circle-style hook, but in reality, a lot these are not big enough to go around the jawbone of large bass. 

A jig head that I have grown to love and will only use with my wacky rigs is the weedless wacky jigs. These weedless jigs are perfect for holding my favorite stick bait worm. They have a hook that is good for the hook set. These are a wacky jig that is perfect for fishing your wacky rigs. Maybe you are a traditional kind of bass angler and only like to use a hook. My favorite is the #2 VMC Neko Hook. They feature an offset hook that is perfect for all hook sets. Using either a jig head or a hook for your wacky rigs will catch fish.

Wacky Rig Mistake #4: Watch Your Line For The Bite

Keeping a finger on the line to feel the bite. (Photo Credit: River Sports Magazine)

Often anglers think their pole will bounce when the bite happens. This called feeling the bite with your pole. This will be one of the most significant mistake bass anglers will make when fishing wacky rigs. If you are fishing the wacky rig correctly, then you will have slack in your line. This makes it near impossible to feel a bite with your rod. You can have a light-action rod and still miss the strike. It will be a regrettable event when you lose a trophy bass strike because you did not know what to look at on your pole. I am not saying you won't catch fish by just looking at your rod, but two things will happen. The fish will swallow your bait and hook and can be deadly to it when trying to remove it, or it can wrap you around structure before you realized you even have a bite. Avoid all this by holding your line. You will be able to feel a strike through the line by itself. If you happen to feel and see a quick line jump, this is a dead giveaway that a bass strike is occurring. These are often smaller fish because when a big fish strikes, he will just straighten out the line by removing the slack. If you always feel the line, it will help you catch more fish and avoid mistakes while fishing with a wacky rig.

Wacky Rig Mistake #5: Too Slow

Early we mentioned that the rig is meant to be fished slow. It is possible to retrieve it too slow. Why waste your time if the bass simply is not there. If you are fishing near and around a structure, let it get a full sink, pop it up twice, and if there are no bites, move on. A mistake that many wacky rig anglers make while fishing them is spending to much time in one spot. You should still be able to cover a lot of ground with this type of fishing. As you know, many of the bites will happen on the fall, but they also really occur the majority of the time on the first fall. Being efficient with your time and covering more ground will yield more strikes and better fish.

Knowing the best locations to bass fish during the spawn can lead to monster bass being caught. There is a science behind where you should be fishing. Let us stop wasting your time and educate you on where you should be casting a line. The best time for bass fishing is in the spring (April through May). We have compiled some of our best spots to target next time you are out on the lake. Targeting these 6 locations during the bass spawn will make you a more effective angler. Most anglers know that timing and location are critical factors for bass fishing, but these six other areas will give you a better shot at catching your next trophy bass.

The areas that provide bass cover during the bass spawn (Photo Credit: AllFishingBuy.com)

Bass Fishing Location #1: Cover

During the bass spawn, they will look for cover near areas that retain the warmth of the sun. This can be metal docks, rocks in the water, fallen trees, or some other kind of debris. These types of cover often will retain the heat produced by the sun and will warm the surrounding waters near them. Spawning bass will nest close to these structures to absorb some of the warmth produced by the cover. Not only do these areas provide much-needed warmth, but they also provide excellent cover for protection.

Bass Fishing Location #2: Water Inflow Areas

Bass like to spawn near areas of inflowing water. These types of areas can be different in a lot of ways but seem to hold bass still. If the lake you fish has a power plant discharge, this can be a great area to fish for bass. The water is used to cool the nuclear reactors, and as a bi-product is warm when its dumped back out into the lake. Its this warm water discharge that spawning bass love and will tend to bed nearby. This makes it a prime area for bass anglers to target. Another area that bass love is creek mouths. These are perfect ambush points for bait moving down the creek and always have an abundance of food. One rule I always remembered, " When there is an inflow of water, there will be bass." Remember to target these areas on your next bass fishing trip.

Bass Fishing Location #3: Docks

I am sure you do not need to read this blog to know this one, but docks are a critical spot for targeting bass during the spawn. Docks are shallow-water structures that provide shelter for bass. They also tend to hold bait near them. The shade and structure that docks provide make them an essential spot to target during the spawn. Try to stay away from the deep water docks during the spawn and stay shallow. Target the docks that are near shallow water rocks, areas with hard bottoms like gravel and sand, or near shallow water flats.

During the bass spawn, an area to target is docks (Photo Credit: Al.com)

Bass Fishing Location #4: Lily Pads

During the spawn, one of the best for targeting largemouth bass is in and around lily pads. These areas often get overlooked by anglers because, often, they can be hard to fish. In reality, the lily pad roots are an excellent area for beds of spawning bass. They provide the ultimate cover for the bass. Their root system creates a firm surface for spawning in an area that would typically be soft mucky bottoms. Try targeting the lily pads next time your out during the spawn, who knows you may pull up a lunker.

Targeting Lily Pads During Spawn Can Yield Big Bass (Photo Credit: ABB Conversations)

Bass Fishing Location #5: River and Creek Channels 

Another area that bass anglers should target during the spring spawn is the channels from rivers and creeks. They act as underwater pathways for the bass moving from their deep water winter beds to their shallow-water spawning grounds. Targeting bass when they make this journey through the creeks and river channels makes bass fishing a lot easier. Some of the biggest bass will be caught during this time.

Bass Fishing Location #6: Sandy Holes In Grass

Knowing the details of the body of water you are fishing will make you a better angler. Many of the lakes feature different grass flats. Several species of grass can be found in these areas like milfoil, hydrilla, coontail, and other aquatic vegetation. Often, these grassy flats are shallow, and the bottom can be seen when there is a sand patch. These sandy patches make for the perfect spawning grounds. Fishing these areas is a must and should be targeted during the spring spawn.

Bass beds found throughout the grass (Photo Credit: Bassgrab.com)

Knowing the best areas to target during the spring spawn will make you a better bass angler. The ultimate goal of catching bigger bass will be achieved because you will be fishing in proven areas that produce trophy-size bass. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you have other areas, you like to target, please share with the community and comment below. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. Knowing the six best places to target bass during the spawn, will set you up to be successful on your next fishing trip. 

Ned Rigs ready for bass fishing (Photo Credit: Youtube.com)

Bass on a Ned Rig. (Photo Credit: Bass Master)

One of the best ways to be successful at bass fishing is by using soft swimbaits. Knowing how they cover the water column and work in different terrain can be the difference of catching largemouth bass or catching grass. The rigging is the most important part because this ultimately affects the presentation of the bait. One of the best soft swimbaits that bass anglers use on a daily basis is the paddletail swimbait. These bass baits can be rigged in several different ways that will compliment the type of fishing you are doing. The key to this is the type of jighead you are using. With certain jigs the paddletail soft plastic will fall vertically landing on its head. There are swimbait jigs that keep it swimming horizontally or you can rig them to be completely weedless for fishing around brush. No matter the type of bass fishing you love to do there is a jig and a rigging style you will grow to love.

Our Top 3 Rigs For Catching Bass While Using Soft Swimbaits

1) Rigging Method For Swimbaits: Weighted Hooks

Weighted Swimbait Hooks ( Photo Credit: https://elliottenvisions.com/ )

The weighted swimbait hooks are the perfect hook for rigging your soft plastic swimbaits. These weighted hooks come with a lead with that is molded on the hook and a screw lock on the hook eye to attach your soft plastics . These hooks are perfect for fishing your swimbaits and giving them the horizontal motion in the water. They come in different sizes and weights perfect for fishing at different depths. The weighted swimbait hooks allow for anglers to make their rig weedless which allows for them to be fishing anywhere. Because of the strategic placement of the weight, it allows for a more natural motion in the water when swimming. This rigging type is perfect for fishing around docks or heavy structure because of its weedless profile. Maybe your and angler who doesnt like to fish with heavy weighted hooks, that ok because the swimbait hooks are available without the weight too.

2) Rigging Method For Swimbaits: Jigheads

Jigheads for swimbaits ( Photo Credit: https://elliottenvisions.com/ )

One of the best way for rigging your soft swimbaits is with jigheads. Bass jigs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They can vary in weight from the lightest 3/32oz all the way up to 1oz depending on the style of the jig. The lighter the weight of the jig the higher in the water column the jig will ride. The heavier the weight of the jig the more it will be used for bouncing off the bottom. One of the best reasons for fishing with jigheads is to way they move in the water. By keeping a natural swimming motion it allows for bass anglers to be able to vertical jigging which adds a movement that bass can not resist. 

3) Rigging Method For Swimbaits: Line Through 

Line Through Treble ( Photo Credit: https://elliottenvisions.com/ )

Our last go to method for rigging your soft plastic swimbaits is the line through technique. Its a very simple yet effective method for bass fishing with soft swimbaits. Simply feed your line through the swimbait body through a tube. Once it passes through tie it to a treble hook and pull it tight. On hook set the hook comes free and allows for the angler to battle the fish freely. This is one of the ways many trophy bass have been caught. One thing you must remember this is an open water technique and you must avoid grass or debris that could cause hang ups.

Knowing the right way to rig your soft swimbaits will help you catch more bass. Depending on where you are fishing and the terrain the right soft plastic rigging could be critical to be successful. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you have other rigging techniques for soft swimbaits, please share with the community. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. By knowing these bass fishing rigs for swimbaits, it will only make you a better bass angler and increase your chances of catching the next monster bass. 

Can you throw a bass lure in saltwater and catch vice and vice versa?

The better the lure is when a designer can create it for multiple species and multiple functions. Generally, lures are marketed towards a specific species but trying them out for other species can yield a cooler full of fish. We have narrowed down our search for lures that cross over into multiple species or can be fished in both freshwater and saltwater.

Let's take a more in-depth look at four lures that crossover from the bass world into catching other species of fish.

Bass Lure Crossover #1: Broken Back Trout

Broken Back Trout In Multiple Colors

The broken back trout is the ultimate swimbait. These are some of the most realistic trout patterns on the market. They come in a variety of sizes from 7" to 5". They possess a lifelike motion in the water that will entice any bass nearby. These are ultimately fun to fish with because of the movement they produce in the water. The beauty of these swimbait trout gliders is they can be used to catch other species. I have caught crappie, pike, smallmouth bass, and other species. I have also been able to fish them in saltwater and have caught a limit of speckled sea trout when they are schooling. This glide bait is truly a crossover. Fish it for bass and get more hits but do not be surprised when you catch something other than a bass.

Bass Lure Crossover #2: Football Bass Jigs

Our Bass Jigs Are Perfect For Both Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing 

One of the best bass jigs is the football jig. Place your favorite plastic on it and watch it come to life in the water. The vertical jigging movement of the swing jig will give your presentation the ultimate motion needed to cause a largemouth bass to strike. Each bass jig is equipped with a Kahle hook that is perfect for your soft plastics. Using the football bass jigs will help you punch through weeds and grass and give you enough support to fish around structure without fearing of hangups. One of the great things about fishing with the bass jigs is you can catch a multitude of other species like crappie, smallmouth bass, perch, and other freshwater species. This particular jig crosses over into the saltwater world well and is one of our go-to lures for flounder. This presentation is irresistible to flounder when they see the flounder jig bouncing across the bottom. The football bass jigs is an exceptional jig head most anglers should have in their tackle box no matter if you fish freshwater or saltwater.

Bass Lure Crossover #3: Stand Up Jigs

The Stand Up Jigs: Ned Rigs ( Bass Jigs)

One of the best lures on the market is the stand up jig NED rigs. This designed jig comes weedless, and when paired with your favorite soft plastic becomes a deadly combination. These jigs are perfect for punching through weeds and will fall vertical almost every time. Bass cannot resist the presentation and with a 3D eye will strike virtually any time. These stand up jigs will work well in the freshwater world. Be prepared to catch smallmouth, perch, crappie, and other freshwater drum species. One of the exciting things about the stand up jigs ned rig is its potential in saltwater. This will be the next hottest flounder lure on the market. By removing the weed guard it turns into the ultimate flounder jigs. Bumping these across a muddy bottom with your soft plastic remaining upright. There is excellent potential in both the saltwater and freshwater world with the ultimate stand up jigs.

Bass Lure Crossover #4: Buckeye Jigs

The Buckeye Jigs Perfect For Both Freshwater and Saltwater 

The buckeye jigs were initially made for the saltwater world to give the presentation of a baitfish in the water with its big eye. They feature a two-prong bait holding system that will hold your soft plastics in even the roughest of situations. These jigs have made their way into the bass world and have transitioned well. We have taken a spin on the big eye jigs by converting them to a bucktail jig. The bass loves the big eye bucktail jigs. The number of hits and hookups will increase when fishing with these fantastic jigs. You will catch species other than bass like giant sunfish, crappy, white bass, small mouths, and other freshwater species. Taking this back into the saltwater world makes them a deadly lure for both trout and redfish. This one of a kind buckeye jigs will only help you catch more fish.

We hope you have some of these awesome lures in your tackle box. Having these crossover bass lures will only help you catch more fish and ultimately help you fill a limit. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or feel free to leave a comment below. We want to see the largemouth bass you have caught so send us your bass pictures to be featured on all of our social media pages. Maybe you are like me and want to increase the amount of fish caught on any given fishing trip then check out these four lures today. Do not just take our word for it; try them yourself. If you like to fish both freshwater and saltwater then make sure you are fishing these jigs and lures. We are confident these lures will help you catch your next trophy bass or even trophy flounder. So get out there and get fishing with the ultimate crossover bass lures.

Catching Bass While Dam Fishing Can Be A Challenge But Produces Large Fish

One of the most overlooked places to go bass fishing is a dam. Most anglers know that bass doesn't like current. Around a dam their is moving water everywhere. How on earth could a largemouth bass live in an area like this? The truth is that there are tons of baitfish around dams. If you find the baitfish you will always find the bass. Depending on which side of the dam you are fishing there are several advantages to finding bass in these areas. Many dams provide fish with a cover they do not find in other parts of the lake like rocks, trees and other stone debris on the bottom. Not only do they provide protection for the bass but they hold crayfish and baitfish. One reason baitfish flock to the dams is because of the amount of food they find in the area. They often feed on a diet of algae that grows on the rocks. Often times you will find more species than just largemouth bass like stripers and large catfish.

Plenty Of Areas To Fish Infront Of Dams (Photo Credit: Commonwealth Journal)

If you are not currently fishing around your local dams, you need to incorporate it into your fishing spots. I am confident you will find success with several different types of bait. Let us look at our top five bass baits for fishing dams. By throwing these baits you will be able to cover the dam in its entirety and fish any kind of water it throws at you.

Dam Fishing Tip 1: Large Swimbaits

Fishing With Large Swimbaits Will Target Large Bass

Large swimbaits are a lure I love throwing around dams. Often times the currents require a heavy lure to pull through the water. The fish in these parts of the lake come to feed on live shad and minnows found throughout the area. Match your swimbaits with the live bait in the area and catch your next monster bass. Be ready for big hits because often around dams you will find striper that will take your lure for a ride. 

Dam Fishing Tip 2: Crankbaits

Crankbaits are an essential lure for many bass anglers. They are easy to throw, can cover a lot of ground, and the fish love them. The good thing about crankbaits is they will dive to a specific depth. In general, a 4-8 foot diver is a perfect depth for many dams. At the bottom of most dams, there will be a ton of rocks in the water and out. Finding these shallow water rocks is paramount for finding and catching fish with crankbaits. Every anglers goal when fishing with crankbaits is to spark a reaction strike from bass in and around the rocks. Know what baitfish are present in the area and match the color of your crankbaits to the species of bait.

Dam Fishing Tip 3: Topwater

Fishing Topwater For Bass (Photo Credit: Mega Bass)

Topwater fishing usually works best early morning or late evenings during the feed times. Often during these times, you will see fish exploding on top of the water. You should start out throwing a popper or topwater bait like a whopper plopper. I have had great success using these in and around dams. Try to throw your topwater the entire length of the dam banks and across the dam face. Be cautious for areas that could snag you, but also target these areas because they provide the proper cover for bass. Sunken trees, rock faces, walls, or ledges could all be areas that bass will sit waiting for a treat overhead. The more you can make your topwater bait look like baitfish on the top of the water the better your chances will be for a hookup.

Dam Fishing Tip 4: Soft Plastic And Jig Head

Fishing Plastic Craws At The Base Of Dams (Photo Credit: Star Tribune)

Along the bottom of most dams, there is a transition point where the dam currents meet the lake below. At this point, many predator fish like bass, striper and smallmouth bass will sit and wait for baitfish riding the current. To fish this transition point it is best to use a jig head and your favorite plastic. I personally like using a craw that I will cast across this area and work it back very slowly enticing anything around. When you are working a slow retrieval, you want to feel every rock or bottom feature along the way. The reason for the craw and not a worm or lizard is because of all the rocks in this area makes the perfect place for crawfish to live. In case you are wondering what is the best soft plastic craw, we have covered it in a previous blog.

Dam Fishing Tip 5: Live Bait

Bass Fishing With Shad Around Dams

Because there is an abundance of live bait around dams it would be in your best interest to throw a net on them and catch what the fish are eating. Once you have filled a bucket with live bait floating them down the current is what you will want to achieve. Use a very simple bottom rig, half ounce weight with a swivel attached to a leader and hook. This set up will allow for your rig to bounce off the bottom with the current. This will prevent snags and should allow your minnow to float freely in the current. This is an excellent way for getting your bait in front of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and stripers.

Places On The Lake You Wouldnt Think To Go Bass Fishing

Anglers are always looking for new places to fish and areas they can catch that monster bass. Fallen trees, rock piles, ledges, debris and other common bass areas are always producers of fish. On a weekend of fishing, these spots can be a challenge with lake crowding. Many of these easily accessible spots get overfished on any given day. Finding new spots is always a challenge for anglers, but that is the beauty of fishing. If it was easy everyone would do it. Many anglers are reluctant to disclose key spots or honey holes that hold fish. Don't rely on other anglers to show you new spots, get out on the lake and explore it for yourself. There are several areas that often get overlooked by most anglers but tend to hold bass. Let us explore these areas in more detail and show you exactly why you need to fish them on your next bass fishing trip.

Areas Of The Lake That Get Overlooked When Bass Fishing:

1) Steam Plants and Factory Runoff Fishing

Fishing Around And Near The Steam Plant (Photo Credit: Ted Wood)

This is one of the best areas to fish on a lake certain times of the year. I have caught my share of largemouth bass and white bass in areas like this in North Carolina. It is this area that many people would say are bad for lakes. Sewer Plants and other factories dump toxic materials in the water that make the fish inedible. Have you heard of the zombie bass? It is this misconception that forces many anglers to avoid areas like this. It is this completely false rationale and couldn't be farther from the truth. The government forces steam plants and factories to abide by strict EPA laws that help protect our water. It is areas like this that actually bring in cool water high in oxygen in the summers and warm waters in the winter. This is the perfect areas for baitfish. Where the baitfish go, the predator fish like bass follow. Usually, in these areas, it is a good idea to throw crankbaits, rooster tails, and other soft plastics depending on water clarity and depth. Do not fall into the myth that this is a bad area to fish. Add this as a spot to try on your next fishing trip and I guarantee you will make it a regular stop everytime you are out on the lake.

2) Boat Ramp Fishing

Fishing The Boat Ramp On A Slow Spring Or Fall Day

Many anglers like to avoid boat ramps at all costs. Boat ramps are always crowded and the boat traffic is always a concern for an accident to occur. If you make it out on a noncrowded day and the boat traffic is limited add the boat ramp to your places to fish. Public boat ramps are made of concrete. They are a natural means of heat when the sun is shining. Boat ramps are good areas to target in the spring and fall when water temperatures tend to still be chilly. It will always warm up around docks due to the concrete baking in the sun. Another advantage to fishing boat docks is the fact they tend to grow algae. It is this algae that acts as a food source to baitfish species like shad.  If the shad tend to stick around the boat dock, so should the bass. I tend to fish boat docks like I do any dock, flipping soft plastics on a jig head is always a good idea. One of my go-to soft plastics is a pumpkin seed lizard. No matter the time of year, a slow retrieval of the lizard on the bottom always produces bites.

3) Dam Fishing

Fishing Around The Dam For Largemouth Bass & Stripers 

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of fishing the dam is..........

"What did the fish say when it hit its head?  Dammmmmn........"

Many anglers tend to avoid dams altogether. This actually is an area you need to be targeting. Dam fishing is ruled by currents. Largemouth bass doesn't like waters with high currents. They will find some type of debris or structure to hide behind and ambush bait as is flows down the currents. There are many areas of rocks around a dam. Rockpiles, riprap banks, and diversion walls all offer rich areas for algae growth which will hold baitfish. It is in this area you will find your bass hunting for its next tasty meal. This is true for the lower side of dams. As far as fishing these areas do not be afraid to throw jerkbaits and big swimbaits. Be ready for a monster fish because large stripers live in the area and will take you for a ride.

4) Park Beach Fishing

Lake Beaches Are Perfect Bass Spawning Grounds 

On many lakes, you will find public parks that offer picnic areas and beaches to swim at during the summer months. These beaches are very sandy and often get overlooked as great areas to fish. During spawning season of largemouth bass, these are prime areas to target. Many bass anglers do not realize that bass prefer sandy bottoms are prime areas for largemouth bass to spawn. Another species of fish that love to use sandy bottoms to spawn are bluegill which is also a tasty treat for largemouth bass. During spawning season target these beaches with swimbaits that mimic the bluegill. Another great lure for fishing these areas is a soft plastic finesse worm worked slowly across the bottom.

Depending on the time of the year there is always great alternative spots for catching fish. It is in these overlooked spots that can produce all the fish you need on your next bass fishing trip. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you have other areas that anglers should target on the lake, please share with the community. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. Get out there and explore your lakes. Fish these overlooked areas and it will only make you a better bass angler and increase your chances of catching the next monster bass.

There Is Nothing Better Than Fishing Golf Course Ponds.

Golf Course Ponds Are Often Untouched To Public Anglers

Some of the best places to catch monster largemouth bass are in golf course ponds. Often these ponds are off limits to anglers and rarely get fished. The ponds on golf course harbor pigs because they live there untouched and feed all day. Many anglers know this secret and fish there ponds both legally and illegally to have their chance at landing one these prized fish. These ponds are easy to find and easy to access because the golf course surrounds them. You will not have to fight briers and underbrush to access them. The challenge will be getting access to the golf course ponds. Once you have permission/ access, you will be able to fish all you want. Since it can be tricky, here are a few tips for getting access to golf course ponds and avoiding arrest and fines.

One of the most effective bass fishing lures is the soft plastic craw. Anglers swear by them, and bass love them. Crawfish are a food source found in many of the freshwater lakes in the united states. Live craws are a great nutritious snack and bass of all species love them. It is because of this fishing lure companies have invested time and money to make the perfect artificial craw. We previously wrote a blog on 9 Best Soft Plastic Craws All Anglers Need In Their Tackle Box, so we wanted to follow it up on the best ways to rig these craws. As a bass angler, there is no wrong way to rig a soft plastic craw. These are a few of our favorite ways to rig a plastic craw, so you can fish them successfully and catch more fish.

Finding The Best Way To Rig Craws (Photo Credit: Lousiana Fishing Blog)

3 Ways to Rig your plastic craws

Soft Plastic Craw Rig #1: Punch Rig

When you are fishing around heavy vegetation it is in your best interest to you use a punch rig. A punch rig involves the use of a tungsten weight heavy enough to "punch" through the thick vegetation. Several things needed to be successful when using a punch rig are:

• Tungsten Bullet Weight
• Sinker Stopper
• Soft Plastic Craw or Creature Bait
• Punch Skirt
• Straight Shank Hook

Punch Rig: Perfect For Craws (Photo Credit: Pinterest)

When using this punch rig while bass fishing there is a technique that all anglers must remember. When trying to achieve the right action, after pitching the lure lightly apply pressure to spool to stop forward momentum and allowing the tungsten weight to drop first into the water. Once you have successfully got your bait through the vegetation you want to keep it tight to the surface vegetation mat to intimidate a crawfish feeding. Slowly allow for the jig to sink to the bottom, then repeat as needed until the bass bite. 

Soft Plastic Craw Rig #2: Carolina Rig

Carolina Rig For Craws (Photo Credit: CrawsForDays)

 The Carolina rig is a presentation that will drive that bass crazy. It is perfect when fishing for bass along the bottom in a slow manner. It will allow for your plastic craw to present more natural movement that will lead to more bass hookups. Most anglers always think that Carolina rigs are the perfect way for fishing your worms or lizards. The reality is you need to be fishing your craws this way too. It will present the craw in a different light, one that bass will love. 

Soft Plastic Craw Rig #3: Shaky Head Rig

Shaky Rig For Craws (Photo Credit: Scout.com)

There is a distinct look that a crawfish presents when around rocks. They will swim off the bottom in a fast manner then glide back down. It is this movement that made the shaky head rig such a deadly weapon when fishing for largemouth bass. The shakey head jig is a one of a kind design that is weighted down. When jigged properly it creates the same motion that natural crawfish make. When fishing around rocks, bass anglers want to jig it off the bottom and allow for it to fall back down. One reason this is more effective than a finesse worm is that of the position it places the craw in. It makes the craw look as if it is in a defensive position. It is this alert position that drives bass crazy and will get you more hits with the shaky head rig. 

No matter what craw rig you chose there will be one that will allow for you to catch more bass. Anglers always swear by these rigs and love fishing with plastic craws. We hope you will check out a few of these amazing crawfish rigs. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or feel free to leave a comment below. Maybe you are rigging your craws differently, we would love to hear what has been successful for you. Submit your bass photos that you have caught on craws to be featured on our social media pages. Your going to fish with plastic craws, you might as well be doing it right! 

Bass fishing is one of my favorite types of fishing, and it can be done year round no matter the season. It can be challenging certain times of the year, but nothing comes easy all the time. You will hear many anglers complain about the challenges of bass fishing. The quest to catch the next monster bass is what keeps anglers fishing. There is a lot of research and science that goes into bass fishing. We have compiled several tips that we think are important to bass fishing.  Here are five tips that all bass anglers should consider to become a better bass fisherman.

Bass Fishing Tips #1: Find The Habitat And Find The Bass

Finding The Best Bass Habitat From The Yak (Photo Credit: Petenester)

I am sure you are wondering what we meant when we say find the habitat? We merely imply, discover the cover or areas bass tend to hold up. As a bass angler, you are not going to go to the middle of the lake and cast. 99.9% of the time you will only be wasting your time. Bass anglers do their research before fishing and better understand the habitat that bass congregate. They look for structure, docks, grass or some other aquatic plant that often will hold bass. This is probably one of the most critical aspects of bass fishing. My dad always said, "Put the lure in front of the bass to guarantee the catch." I feel this goes hand and hand with our point.

Bass Habitat comes in many shapes and forms.  Often you will find bass around docks and other human-made structures. They use the pylons and other structural features as cover and find their food supply in baitfish that inhabit the area. Another excellent area for detecting the bass is near rocks. Often they will be near rocks because as the sun hits the rocks, it naturally warms the water near it. Many of your crawfish and other marine fish will bed in and around rocks. This is the perfect reason for bass to make a rocky area their home. Other areas that we often find bass are grass, lily pads and other marine aquatic plants that provide shelter and cover for bass to find food and ambush their prey.

Bass Fishing Tips #2: Fish With What The Bass Are Eating

Bass are very aggressive fish. They tend to eat almost anything that swims across their face or walks up next to them on the bottom. They have a healthy diet of baitfish they feed on, for example, shad, brim, and sunfish. They love to feed on worms they find on the bottom and crawfish that live around debris. Baby ducks, lizards and any insect that can fall into the water will fall victim to a bass appetite. By knowing what the bass are eating in your area will help you understand what kind of lure and exact colors to throw. In my experience worms, lizards and crawfish on the bottom always grab the attention of nearby bass. Knowing the season and colors to throw is the key. If baitfish like shad are heavy in an area, then fish a swimbait or crankbait that resembles the shad. One type of fishing that I love to do for bass is topwater. Match the colors of dragonflies or any insects you see flying around to increase your chance of a hookup with a monster bass.

Bass Fishing Tips #3: Learn To Adapt And Accept Change

Adapting To Catch Bass (Photo Credit: Bass Anglers)

One of the downfalls of bass fishermen is the fact that we are creatures of habit. If you catch a bass in a specific area on a particular lure, chances are you will go back to it and try your luck again. This is a mentality that we must leave at the dock. The beauty of bass fishing is that every time you go, it will be different. Things that worked one time may not work the next. How you adapt to the situation could be the difference between a successful fishing trip. As a bass angler, you never want to become one dimensional. If you fish for 10 minutes with a lure and receive zero hits, switch it up. Apparently, the color you are using or the lure itself is not right. Be adventurous when bass fishing. Do not be afraid to try new areas. I remember as a kid we would go out on a substantial local lake (Lake Norman in Charlotte NC) and we never really ventured out of a large cove near the dock. Yes, we would usually catch enough bass to call the trips successful, but there was so much of the lake that we left unexplored in our quest for that monster bass. One part of adapting is willing to try new techniques. Every time I bring a friend fishing with me I learn something new. I tell people to be like a sponge, absorb all the information you hear on bass fishing because you never know when you will find a better way of doing something. Bass fishing should be fun, but do not be afraid to go outside your usual comfort zone. The results could be the bass of your life.

Bass Fishing Tips #4: Weather Will Make Or Break A Fishing Trip

Weather Affects Bass Fishing (Photo Credit: Western Bass)

Knowing the weather conditions will not only make you a better angler but will also keep you safe while out on the water. I keep several weather apps on my phone to keep me updated all the time with current weather conditions. Several of the best apps include but are not limited to Weather, ScoutLook Fishing, WINDY, and FishWeather. These are all free apps that will help you stay up with the weather. As all bass anglers know, the weather affects the fish. The changing weather can cause bass to feed one day and be dormant the next. One of the reasons to study the weather so often is because you will begin to see patterns for how it affects the bass. For example, on cloudy days bass usually are more active. This can dictate what kind of lure you fish with, from bass jigs, to spinnerbaits, swimbaits and topwater. When the weather is sunny, bass tends to become less active and often let their meal come to them. I have had success with throwing plastics that often will be fished right in front of their face. Knowing the weather will only make you a better bass angler, and there is no excuse for not knowing it nowadays with technology.

Bass Fishing Tips #5: Water Temperature Affect Bass Feeding Patterns

Water Temperature and Bass Fishing (Photo Credit: Bass Pro)

Water temperatures can vary in certain parts of the country when it comes to bass fishing. The temperature of the water will always affect the activity levels and feeding patterns of bass. As the water temperature is cold, the bass will be less active. They are less active to conserve energy. This will affect you when fishing because you should never use fast acting lures in the winter. Save these crankbaits and chatter baits for the summer months when bass becomes more aggressive. Know the water temperature at all times. Most fish finders will give you an accurate water temperature. Several things anglers should think about is external things that affect water temperatures. Natural springs can lower the temperature; fish will move out of these areas in search of warmer water. One of the lakes I use to fish had a steam plant on it for power. They dumped heated water back into the lake that caused many of your fish to congregate in this area in the winter months. The better you understand water temperatures and how it affects the fish, the better bass angler you will be.

The quest to being an excellent bass fisherman is a science that is learned over time. Never give up or become discouraged with outcomes of a fishing trip. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you have other techniques that are as important, please share with the community. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. By knowing these bass fishing tips, it will only make you a better bass angler and increase your chances of catching the next monster bass.

Everything You Need To Know To Catch Fish On Grubs

What is one bass bait that has been used for the last decade that has provided catch after catch no matter if it was a smallmouth bass or largemouth bass? If you guessed grubs, then you are right. Grubs have always been known as the tiny bait that is used to catch big fish. These soft plastic grubs have been excellent for species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch, and walleye.

Bass with a grub (www.scout.com)

To efficiently fish with grubs an angler must first use a jig head. On the back, if the jig head a grub will be added. This simple little bait has always proven over the years. Of course, it's not the flashy bait that always wins. Most anglers view grub fishing as a last resort style of fishing. Honestly, it just takes the right spot and the correct species of fish to be effective with grubs. There are still many ways to be productive using grubs here are a few of our most effective ways to use grubs.

Welcome To The GRUB HUB.........

Grub Fishing: How Do You Successfully Fish With Grubs?

Top Soft Plastic Crawfish Every Angler Should Be Using

Realistic Crawfish Lure

Flappy Trailer Crawfish Lure

These lures resemble a crawfish but do not have the details that a realistic crawfish lure will have. Often times these crawfish will be used as a jig trailer. They flappy trailer crawfish lure have two enlarged claws that are perfect for flapping across the bottom as they are pulled. These are smaller then realistic and finesse craws.

Finesse Crawfish Lure

The finesse crawfish lure is a slender looking worm body with two crawfish claws coming off the back. These finesse craws will act just like the finesse worms. Anglers will fish these with finesse techniques making them irresistible to bass. It is the movement that they produce that no bass will be able to resist.

Since every soft plastic lure company makes a crawfish we decided that we would come up with a list that all anglers should be using. These are the best craws available on the market and are guaranteed to catch you more bass.

1. Savage Gear 3D Crawfish 

Savage Gear 3D Crawfish

One of the best realistic crawfish lure on the market is the savage gear 3D crawfish. This craw lure is so realistic that when you see it in the water it will be hard to tell the difference between it and the real thing. The detail is so meticulous because of its segmented body, free moving feelers, and leg that make it look like its walking on the bottom. Savage Gear has air filled the claws to make it look like it has a raised claw position in the water. This was a brilliant touch on an already amazing lure. Savage gear knew that real craws contain iodine. They decided to inject iodine and their formulated crayfish scent into every savage gear 3D crawfish lure. Team this soft plastic crawfish up with a savage weedless hook or a standup jig head and you have one deadly crawfish lure.

2. River2Sea Larry Dahlberg Clackin' Crayfish 

River2Sea Larry Dahlberg Clackin' Crayfish 

 The River2Sea Larry Dahlberg Clackin' Crayfish is a realistic crawfish lure. This lure was designed by Larry Dahlberg. He designed it to mimic what a real life crawfish would be like. This crawfish lure comes with hinged hard plastic tail and a soft plastic head and claws. Its patented hinged lip grabs the water and makes it look realistic moving through the water. It is weighted perfectly and will sink to the bottom like a real crawfish. This is one lure that every angler needs in their tackle box.

3. Yum CrawBug

The Yum CrawBug is a realistic crawfish lure that bass can not resist. The ultimate meal for a bass are these Yum crawbug. Yum has made these soft plastic crawfish with attention to detail. They are one of the most realistic lures on the market. The yum crawbug feature a hollow body and soft texture that help it to imitate a fleeing crawfish. No matter how you flip it, rig it or jig it, this soft plastic will get more hits than many of the others on the market. This lure needs to be teamed up with a weedless hook or a standup jig to work perfectly.

4. Doomsday Reaper 3.2 & 3.8

Doomsday Reaper Finesse Craw

The Doomsday Reaper 3.2 & 3.8 are finesse craw lures. They are absolutely amazing in the water. The ribbed body allows it to catch the water just right to give it the right movement in the water. The large claws give it a flapping motion in the water that makes it appear more lifelike. Do not be scared to drop shot rig it or put it on the back of a finesse jig. No matter how you use it, the bass will destroy it.

5. ZMan Lures CrawdadZ

Zman Crawdadz Lure

The Zman Crawdads is a realistic crawfish lure that is made to imitate the characteristics that most crawfish have. Its attention to detail has it the right size, shape and color. These soft plastic craws are made to last and will survive a days worth of fishing. Team this plastic up with a weedless hook or a standup hook and you have a deadly combination perfect for fishing around rocks or vegetation beds.

6. Lunkerhunt Lunker Craw

Lunkerhunt Lunker Craw

This amazing little craw comes in a size of 4". This soft plastic crawfish features the lunkerhunt core strength technology that makes it one of the most durable on the market. This craw is quick in the water with a very fast fall rate. The movement it gives off makes it an irresistible treat for bass. This great lure from lunkerhunt is one that all bass anglers should have in their arsenal.

7. Venom Lures Imitation Craw Tube

Venom Lures Imitation Craw Tube

Venom Lures has come up with the perfect crawfish imitation lure that is sure to attract the bass. The lifelike legs and claws come to life when this lure hits the water. Venom Lures knew to put a hollow body into it to add rattles to help better attract bass. The soft plastic crawfish is made from some of the most durable plastics. Venom Lures have infused them with their signature trigger scent. If you are a fan of throwing craw plastics, make sure this is one in your tackle box.

8. V&M Wild Thang Claw

V&M Wild Thang Craw

V&M wild thang craw was made with movement in mind. This soft plastic craw offers some of the best and "wild" action of any crawfish lure on the market.The j-shaped claws add a thumping sound when dragged across the bottom. These claws and legs are there to add a lifelike motion in the water. V&M lures make their soft plastics by using pork fat which adds a unique scent. These are durable and will hold up in the toughest conditions.

9. Xzone Lures Muscle Back Craw

Xzone Lures Muscle Back Craw

The Xzone Lures Muscle Back Craw is a sharp looking soft plastic craw. Its ribbed body creates a sonic like feature that adds vibration to the water. Its legs and claws help bring it to life in the water. The claws are textured and ribbed to help with its swimming motion to make it more natural in the water. The claws have air injected into them allowing for them to float up when at rest making it a natural craw defense position. All plastics from Xzone lures are made to last and injected with their patented scent to give it a little advantage over other lures. These Xzone Lures Muscle Back Craws are ones you need to be fishing with.

We hope you will check out a few of these amazing crawfish baits. Since bass have made crawfish such an important part of their diet why not fish with a lure that has proven time and time again to work. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or feel free to leave a comment below. If you have a craw that we should have featured please let us know. If you make your own please get in contact with us because we would love to try your soft plastic craw. So get out there and go bass fishing with the best soft plastic crawfish lures on the market.

Fishing With Worms 101: Effective Ways To Rig Nightcrawlers

All anglers at some point in their life have used worms. I know as a child my dad would take us to the pond with a pack of nightcrawlers. My father would show me how to correctly place them on the hook which would guarantee a catch. One of the biggest reason we used worms is that they always catch fish. No matter the time of year, season, or water temperature, you throw a live worm in there, and something will hit is. As a child, your attention span is a lot less than most adults. So worms are the perfect bait when taking kids fishing. These creepy crawlers of the ground flat our catch fish.

I always laugh when people are like I will not be caught dead using nightcrawlers anymore. I have matured and advanced my fishing game to far to resort to using a bait like worms. That is absolute crazy talk. These little guys will catch you more fish someday then any other bait. Bass fisherman will find themselves using an artificial finesse worm because they work. You are never too old to use worms. It is because of this we have come up with some great ways that every angler should be using nightcrawlers. There aren't many species in the lakes or rivers that will not hit them, so you better be using them. 

A Guide For Using Crankbaits To Catch Bass: Everything You Need To Kow

My entire life I have been bass fishing. My father would take me to fish the local ponds, and we would always catch bass. My dad always swore by a blue mirror Rapala crankbait. I always thought this was just a preference that my father preferred. Little did I know that a crankbait is one of the preferred lures of most bass anglers, amateur and professional. Crankbaits allow all anglers to be able to cover a larger area when fishing and different water depths need to find the fish. This makes it a useful and versatile lure that can be fished in any water depth, temperature, terrain or water clarity.

Photo Credit: Finsandtales.com

The beauty of Crankbait lures, is they come in so many different shapes and sizes. The crankbaits body shape and widths help determine how much movement these lures will have in the water. Most crankbaits feature a one of a kind lip bill that gauges the different depths it will dive. There are just three different types of crankbait that should be fished at various depths: shallow crankbait, medium diving crankbait, and the deep diving crankbait. This depth at which these crankbaits dive determined on their bill style. The shallow running crankbaits often have a square bill. These are perfect for fishing the shallows around docks and banks. If you give a crankbait at least a 1" bill, then it will dive to medium depths. This is often perfect for fishing ledges, Deeper trees or a rock bed. The Deep divers have the largest bill of all crankbaits. These lures are known to reach depths of 30 to 40 feet deep.

The best thing about crankbaits is they will catch bass all year. Often time colors of the lure will be better for certain seasons as compared to others. Bass anglers often fish crankbaits a lot in the summer months when bass are the most active. In this blog, we take the time to go over each kind of crankbait in more depth and provide all anglers with a guide for picking the best crankbait for their next fishing trip.

Lake Bass Fishing (Picture Credit: @Thechamplainkid)

Bass fishing has evolved over the last few years from using crankbait, swimbait or catching big bass on jigs. The skirted bass jig is one of the best lures that you can fish with to catch largemouth bass. There have been so many tournaments and fishing competitions won with these skirted jigs that they are a norm amongst true bass anglers. These bass jigs are perfect for any time of year. The skirted jig is a force to be reckoned with and it's one of the only bass lures you can fish from spring to late fall no matter what water clarity or depth.

One thing that anglers often get overwelmed with is the type of jig to fish with. The right jig makes all the difference. There are so many companies now days who are making jigs, it can get confusing when searching through their prodect. There are many different jig head shapes that alter the way the jig moves in the water. These jigs come in a varity of different colors that are matched according to seasons, water color or water temperature. Some of the jigs heads shake, soome have rattles while some are silent assisins. Each head often have different weights and have their own strengths. Some come with plastic lips and some are weedless. The point is the bass jig comes in many different shape and sizes. Let us help you pick what is best.

In order to help each angler figure out what is the best jig to fish with, we have put together this blog from our own fishing experiences. We have performed countless hours fishing to figure our what is the best jig type for each presentation of use. We know conditions will be different for each angler but this will give you a rough idea of what you will need. You only get one shot at catching the fish, you might as well not waste your time fishing with something that will not yeild fish.

Blue Gill Series of Swim Jigs from @Customyourlure

1) Swim Jig Fishing

The swim jig can be one of the deadliest jigs to use when catching largemouth bass. It is truly a skill to be able to swim it right and often this is why manry pro anglers prefer it. The first thing to remember when fishing a swim jig is speed kills. You must become a master of the retreival ensuring your jig never breaks the surface. Th swim jig must gracefully swim through the water column much like a crank bait. The best weight range for a swimbait is 1/4oz to 1/2oz. These jigs will usually come with the lightest weed guards bcause they are more retrieved at higher speeds. The jig head shape should be more bullet shaped to ensure it will pull through weeds and debris easier. These jigs often come with a less heavy duty hook compared to the other jigs for bass fishing.  The hook should be as sharp as possible and narrow for a better hookup ratio. These jigs often have an average size and shaped skirt. To better oufit these jigs, they should be fished with a trailers. The best trailers for high speed retrieval are grub tails, paddle tails and any soft plastic that will create lots of motion and movement to attract the fish.

2) Casting Jig Fishing

In my opinion, one of the most versitle jig is the casting jig. The range with these are often the best when fishing down a bank. The most common weights for the casting jig are 3/8oz to 1/2oz. The head shape is unique to a casting jig because it features a round shape or flat bottom head. These heads are often refered to as arkie style. These jig heads help ensure it will remain off the bottom to prevent hang ups. Many of these jigs come with a weed guard. Often, these guards are not as tough as a flipping jigs weed guard. These jigs can be fished with or without a rattle. A rattle is just a bonus for attracting more fish. Some of the best trailers for casting jigs include but are not limited to creatures, grub tails or crawfish plastics.

3) Flipping Jig Fishing

The jig of choice when fishing around heavy debris, tree stumps, fallen trees or dense brush is the flipping jig. This jig is ment for hard terrains without getting damage to the jig. The common weight that most anglers use for their flipping weights is 3/8oz to 1oz. These jigs come with a heavy gauge hook that will help ensure that you increase your hook up ratio. The jig head is often compact but the flipping jig skirt is what makes the lure. Usually a good rule of thumb is larger is usually better when it comes to the skirt. The larger skirt gives the fish a bigger target to bite and ensures the fish see it from farther away. Most flipping jigs come with nylon or plastic weed guards to help ensure the lure stays weedless. Another great thing on a flipping jig is a rattle. This will attract any fish in the general area. The best flipping jig trailers are a grub tail, crature bait or crawfish plastic.

4) Grass Jig Fishing

Grass is one of the hardest conditions to fish. Some of the largest bass hangout in the grass making it an area that you have to fish. The most common used sizes for the grass jigs are from 1/4oz to 1.5oz. These jigs have a unique head that often resembles a cone with the eye of the hook near the top to ensure they can penetrate the grass better without getting stuck. This shape also allows for less collecting of grass which is frustrating for any angler.

These jigs are some of the heaviest bass jigs people fish with. They often require heavy tackle and a strong heavy duty hook. The trailers for the grass jigs are not as complex with may appendages because these appendages often get tangles in the grass. The perfect trailer for grass is a grub tail.  

5) Football Jig Fishing

One of the best areas to catch large mouth bass during the summer months are around rocks. The sun often hits the rocks and warms the water around them quicker. In order to fish these rock you need a jig to hold up the bump and grind of being pulled over the rocks. This is where the football jig comes into play.  

 The football jig head resembles that of a football. This unique shape allows for it to be dragged over rocky bottom without it falling into cracks and becoming hung. These jig heads come in a variety of sizes. The most common sizes are 3/8oz to 1oz in weight. The skirt on these jigs are often fuller and resemble more of an umbrella shape. The hook they come with are usually a wide gap hook. Often times angler fish these with a weed guard. We remove ours because our hook up rate is better without them. In order to finish the jig you need the proper trailer. The trailers of choice for the football jig is creature bait, grub tail or a crawfish plastic.

6) Finesse Jig Fishing

You may be asking yourself, What is a finesse jig? Well a finesse jig is designed to mimic a small crawfish. Some of the best companies for finesse jigs are Booyah's Pro Boo Bug or Strike King's Bitsy Bug. The first thing that comes to mind is a smaller jig. These jigs are usually the smallest of all bass jigs. The weight range oftern varies from 1/8oz to 1/4 oz. They usually come with skirt that has shorter strands with a ball shaped head. These jigs have a slower fall rate making them a perfect jig for winter time fishing. 

Several things that make them deadly to fish with include:

• Jig head design: Line placement as it reduces the amount of snags and tie ups allowing them to be fished in areas with rocks, wood and weed coverage.
• Coller behind Jig head: When a bass bites, it slides in the bass mouth imitating a crawfish legs which cause the bass to bite harder and hold on.
• Jig guard: Makes it weedless
• Rattles: Usually come with a rattle or hook shaft to attract the fish.
• The hook: The hook of choice is often the Mustad Ultra Point 60-degree flat eye hook. These sharp hooks will increase hook up ratio.

Often, finesse jigs are paired with a small crawfish or creature bait trailer to help complete the image. These tails give it the necissary movement that a large mouth bass can not resist.

We hope this will help you choose the best bass fishing jig for your next fishing trip. Unfortunatly, we can only give you advice, you still have to get out there and catch the fish.

Bass from @Steelefishing

Do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] with any questions may have. Send us your best bass pictures with jigs to be featured on our social media and website. Please leave comments below!

All bass anglers are the same in that we all buy too many lures and equipment. This must be an unwritten rule to be a bass anglers. The need to spend more money on their boats, reels, rods and lures is in their blood. Bass lures become an addiction of collecting in most anglers minds. But to their defense there is a lure in every color for all water types, depths, and conditions.