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How do you work a swimbait over submerged grass beds?

Great question! Working a swimbait over submerged grass beds can be incredibly effective for catching bass, especially when done correctly. Based on the video context provided, here are some techniques and tips to help you master this approach:

Technique for Working a Swimbait Over Submerged Grass Beds:

  1. Choose the Right Swimbait and Gear:

    • Swimbait Selection: Opt for a swimbait that mimics the local forage. Soft plastic swimbaits with a paddle tail are often a good choice because they have a natural swimming action.
    • Weight: Use a weighted swimbait hook or a swimbait jig head that allows the bait to stay just above the grass. A 3/4 ounce weight is often recommended for deeper grass beds.
    • Line: Fluorocarbon line (around 15-pound test) is a good choice as it is less visible underwater and has low stretch, which helps in detecting bites.
  2. Casting and Retrieval:

    • Casting: Make long casts over the submerged grass beds to cover more water and increase your chances of encountering bass.
    • Retrieval Speed: Start with a slow and steady retrieve just above the grass. This keeps the swimbait in the strike zone longer and mimics a natural swimming motion.
    • Popping Over Grass: If you feel the swimbait hitting the grass, give your rod a sharp pop to clear the bait from the grass. This sudden movement can trigger reaction strikes from bass hiding in the grass.
  3. Targeting Specific Areas:

    • Isolated Clumps: Focus on isolated clumps of grass as these can hold schools of bass. Bass often use these clumps for ambush points.
    • Edges and Holes: Pay attention to the edges of the grass beds and any holes within the grass. These are prime spots where bass are likely to be waiting to ambush prey.
  4. Adjusting Techniques Based on Conditions:

    • Topwater Action: In areas with emergent vegetation or floating debris, you can work the swimbait just below the surface, similar to a topwater bait. Keep it just an inch or so under the surface and reel it in steadily.
    • Deeper Grass: For deeper submerged grass, let the swimbait sink to the desired depth before starting your retrieve. This ensures the bait stays in the strike zone longer.

Example from Video Context:

In the video "Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!" by TacticalBassin, it is mentioned that aiming for the grass and letting the bait hang up before ripping it free can be highly effective. This technique can be applied to swimbaits as well. When your swimbait hits the grass, let it get slightly hung up, then give a sharp pull to free it. This sudden movement can trigger strikes from bass that are conditioned to seeing baits swim past the grass.

Final Tips:

  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques until you find what works best for the conditions you are fishing.
  • Stay Observant: Pay attention to how the bass are reacting to your swimbait. If you notice follows but no strikes, try varying your retrieve or switching to a different color or size of swimbait.

By using these techniques, you should be able to effectively work a swimbait over submerged grass beds and increase your chances of catching more bass. Happy fishing!

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