Using a swimbait over submerged grass beds can be an incredibly effective technique for catching bass. Based on the video context provided, here are some detailed steps and tips to help you get the most out of this technique:
Equipment:
- Rod and Reel: Use a medium-heavy to heavy rod, around 7'3" to 7'8" in length. This will give you the power needed to pull bass out of the grass. A high-speed reel (around 8:1:1 gear ratio) is also recommended to quickly catch up with the fish when they strike.
- Line: Opt for a strong braided line, around 50-pound test. Braid is less likely to get tangled in the grass and provides the strength needed to handle big bass.
Technique:
- Casting: Make long casts over the submerged grass beds. This allows you to cover more water and increases your chances of encountering active fish.
- Retrieving: Start with a steady retrieve just above the grass. You want your swimbait to swim naturally, mimicking a baitfish. If you feel the bait hitting the grass, give your rod a sharp jerk to rip it free. This sudden movement can trigger reaction strikes from bass hiding in the grass.
- Speed: Adjust your retrieve speed based on the activity level of the bass. In warmer water, a faster retrieve might be more effective, while a slower retrieve can be better in cooler conditions.
- Pausing: Occasionally pause your retrieve to let the swimbait fall into the grass. This can entice bass that are following but hesitant to strike. When you resume the retrieve, the sudden movement can provoke a bite.
Tips:
- Reaction Strikes: The key to fishing swimbaits over grass is to provoke reaction strikes. By ripping the bait free from the grass, you create sudden movements that bass find irresistible.
- Grass Types: Different types of grass (like hydrilla, milfoil, or coontail) can affect how you fish. Hydrilla, for example, can be thicker and may require more aggressive ripping to free your bait.
- Timing: Bass often use grass beds for cover and ambush points. Early morning and late evening are prime times when bass are more active and likely to strike.
Example from Video Context:
In the video "How to Fish Weedless Swimbaits - Bass Fishing in the Grass" by Flukemaster, it’s emphasized that using a swimbait in grass lakes is effective because bass are often found in these areas due to the oxygen and cover provided by the grass. The technique involves using a strong braided line and a powerful rod to handle the fish and the grass.
By following these steps and tips, you should be able to effectively use a swimbait over submerged grass beds and increase your chances of catching more bass. Happy fishing!