A "yo-yo retrieve" is a popular technique in bass fishing, particularly effective with lipless crankbaits and blade baits. This method involves a lift-and-fall motion, mimicking the action of a yo-yo. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Casting: Start by making a long cast to your target area. This could be near structures, ledges, or open water where bass are likely to be.
Sinking: Allow the bait to sink to the bottom. Lipless crankbaits typically sink at a rate of about a foot per second, so you can count down to estimate the depth.
Lifting: Position your rod tip at around 3 o'clock (parallel to the water surface) and then lift it up to 12 o'clock (vertical position). This motion causes the bait to rise off the bottom.
Falling: After lifting, let the bait fall back to the bottom on a semi-slack line. This is crucial because many bites occur during the fall. The bait will shimmy or flutter down, imitating a dying or injured baitfish, which is highly attractive to bass.
Repeating: Continue this lift-and-fall motion all the way back to the boat. The rhythm should be consistent: lift, fall, lift, fall.
In the video context provided, both Matt Stefan and Mike Iaconelli emphasize the effectiveness of the yo-yo retrieve in different scenarios, such as fishing deep ledges, rocky bottoms, and even fast currents. They also highlight the importance of the fall, where many bites occur.
If you have any more specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!