This article is about fishing with stick type soft plastic baits. These baits come in two sizes and numerous colors from most manufactures. They are made by numerous bait manufactures (Gary Yamamoto, Kinami, Wave Worms, Strike King, etc).

I prefer using a # 5 offset straight shank hook for the large size and a # 3 offset straight shank hook for the small size. The baits can be attached directly to the hook or with a swivel and a 10"-16" monofilament leader. When using the leader I always use a 1/16 oz., weight before the swivel. It is not necessary because the bait a hook will be heavy enough to pitch or cast. The weight is just a little more help if you need to make a long cast or in windy conductions. These baits can also be using on Carolina Rigs.

Rigging: Insert the offset straight hook through the end of the head, with the barb facing down, about 3/8 of an inch, turn the hook 180 degrees. This will allow you to keep the eye and the offset portion of the hook in the head. Then insert the hook barb into the body. Do not let the barb go through the body, also make sure the bait hangs natural. If not replace the hook barb.

When using the monofilament leader, use the same line that is on your reel, just cut off about 20" or so. Slide the weight on the reel line and tie the line to the swivel. Tie the leader line to the swivel, cut to the desired length and then tie on the hook. The same as you would make a Carolina rig.

Method: These baits can be fished in any manner that you prefer. Dead stick or with a twitching motion and slow retrieve, most bass will hit the bait on the fall. Well it appears I am getting ahead of myself. Some of you may not know what "dead stick" means. Just pitch or cast the bait and let it sit for 15-30 seconds before your retrieve. Your retrieve should always be slow with long pauses between twitches, letting the bait fall and come in contact with the bottom, brush tops, lay-downs. When fishing around grass, you can pitch or cast on the grass, with a slow twitching motions move the bait across the grass, letting the bait fall into the openings or off the edge of the grass.

As with any bait match the color to the water clarity and weather conditions. Always keep a tight line and get a good hook set.

I hope this will help you catch more bass and enjoy using this type bait as I do. Until the next time, have a good day and great fishing.

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- by Tony Locascio
Tony is an experienced fresh and saltwater fisherman
and the owner of T&S Rod Holders
This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box
and it's links remain attached and clickable.
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