Catching offshore suspended bass with swimbaits can be a highly effective technique, especially during the fall migration when bass follow schools of shad. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you target these elusive fish:
Locate the Bass: Use your sonar to find suspended bass in the water column. Look for them around offshore structures like ledges, humps, or points, and also by cover such as brush piles, rock piles, or standing timber. Pay attention to the depth at which the bass are suspending, as this will be crucial for presenting your swimbait effectively.
Choose the Right Swimbait: Select a swimbait that matches the size and profile of the baitfish the bass are feeding on. As mentioned in the video by Fish the Moment, a larger swimbait, like a six-inch Megabass Magdraft Freestyle on a one-ounce underspin head, can be effective for targeting bigger fish and maintaining the right depth during retrieval.
Proper Rigging: Rig your swimbait on an appropriate jig head. The weight of the jig head should be enough to get your swimbait down to the desired depth without sinking below the level where the bass are suspended.
Count Down the Bait: Cast out your swimbait and let it sink to the depth where the bass are holding. You can count down the bait to ensure it reaches the right depth. For example, if you know the bait sinks at a rate of one foot per second, and the bass are suspended at 15 feet, count to 15 before starting your retrieve.
Retrieve Technique: Retrieve the swimbait slowly and steadily, keeping it within two to three feet of the bottom or at the depth where the bass are suspended. Remember, bass often feed upwards, so you want to keep the swimbait above them. If they're at 15 feet, you might let the bait sink to 10 feet and reel it over their heads.
Watch Your Line: As the swimbait comes off a ledge or structure and over deeper water, it should be in line with where the bass are suspended. Keep an eye on your line for any subtle ticks or changes in tension that might indicate a bite.
Stay Alert: Suspended bass can be nomadic and may move quickly. Be prepared to adjust your tactics, such as changing the depth of your retrieve or switching to different swimbait models or colors based on the conditions and the bass's behavior.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the behavior of the bass and the conditions of the day, you can increase your chances of successfully catching offshore suspended bass with swimbaits. Remember, practice and patience are key, as this is one of the more advanced techniques in bass fishing.