There are cues in nature that you could set your watch when it comes to following largemouth. One of which is the movement of largemouth bass to weddings and deeper patches of underwater vegetation from their shallower springtime haunts.
The reason they’re there?
Food — pure and simple.
The name of the game? Experiment with depth. While chasing one of their favorite types of forage – bluegills – largemouth bass could be above the weeds, down in the weeds, or on the outside weed edges. It all comes down to the location of the bluegills.
It’s POWER FISHING. Put the pedal to the metal and chunk and wind. It’s hard to beat horizontal runnin’ baits in most situations, with a vertical moving bait as an ace in the hole… Success most often comes down to covering lots of water and finding exactly the right depth the bass are utilizing to target their prey.
On today’s Edge, Al, and James Lindner do just that, breaking out the bass gear for a summer largemouth run on a Midwestern natural lake…
What they find are lots of bass in the weeds and specific lures producing numbers and sizes… They run through the ABCs of finding success like this where you fish, sharing some shortcuts to spend more time fighting bass and less time chasing largemouth. In this article, we will be discussing a fishing trip where we targeted largemouth bass on a weed flat. .
Fishing on the Weed Flat
We started by fishing on the deepest weed edge and casting as far as possible. However, we noticed that the fish were not biting on the deepest weed edge. Instead, we were getting hits on the end of our cast. So, we decided to move in a little closer and try our luck there.
The Size of the Weed Flat
The weed flat we were fishing on was massive. It stretched from the shore all the way out to where we were fishing. The depth finder showed that the flat was about five blocks deep. This is where high-resolution mapping, like the one provided by Humminbird, comes in handy. It allows us to see the contours of the lake and identify specific spots where the fish might be holding. In this case, we found a deep inside corner where the water cuts in, as well as a distinct weed wall. The last few fish we caught came from these specific spots.
The Importance of the BX Brat6
During our fishing trip, we used the BX Brat6, a crankbait designed for fishing in weed-filled lakes. This bait has a unique design on the front that prevents weeds from getting tangled in it. It is a tough and durable bait that can handle being pulled through the weeds without breaking. The BX Brat6 gets down to about five feet, which is perfect for fishing over the top of the weeds. It also has excellent hooks, ensuring a solid hookset when a fish strikes.
Presentation is Key
When it comes to fishing in weed-filled lakes, presentation is everything. We found that a medium-heavy power glass rod worked best for crankbait fishing in this scenario. The medium-heavy action allows us to rip the bait through the weeds, rather than getting it tangled up. We paired the rod with a 14-pound advanced mono line and a 6.3 gear ratio reel. The slower gear ratio allows us to control the bait better and make precise movements.
The Buoyancy of the BX Brat6
One of the standout features of the BX Brat6 is its buoyancy. When fishing over the top of the weeds, the bait bounces back when paused or pulled into something. This buoyancy is especially effective in warm weather when bass are more active and likely to strike. The ability of the bait to back out of the weeds and continue its action is a key factor in its success.
Mixing Up Techniques
During our fishing trip, we found that mixing up techniques was crucial to our success. While one angler was fishing with the BX Brat6, the other angler was using a swimbait and a jig. This allowed us to cover different areas of the weed flat and target fish at different depths. It’s important to be adaptable and willing to try different techniques when fishing in weed-filled lakes.
The Importance of Weight and Presentation
When fishing in weed-filled lakes, the weight of your lure can make a big difference. We found that using a three-quarter ounce jig was effective in triggering fish to bite. The heavier weight allowed us to fish deeper and snap the jig off the weeds, which attracted the attention of the bass. Presentation is key when fishing in weeds, and small nuances like the weight of your lure can make a big difference in your success.
The Power of Positive Words
In addition to discussing our fishing trip, I want to share a personal story about the power of positive words. During a challenging time in my life, I received a short note from a friend that included healing scriptures. This simple act of kindness and encouragement had a major impact on my life. It reminded me of the importance of hope and upliftment, especially during difficult times. The Bible offers a wealth of uplifting and inspiring words that can bring comfort and strength in any situation.
Conclusion
Fishing in weed-filled lakes can be challenging, but with the right techniques and gear, it can also be incredibly rewarding. The BX Brat6 proved to be a phenomenal bait for fishing over the top of weeds, thanks to its design and durability. Mixing up techniques and being adaptable is key to success in these scenarios. And finally, never underestimate the power of positive words and the impact they can have on your life.
Remember, fishing is not just about catching fish. It’s about the experiences, the lessons learned, and the connections made along the way. So, get out there, enjoy the beauty of nature, and make some unforgettable memories on the water.
