When targeting suspended bass in deep water with swimbaits, there are several effective methods you can employ to entice those finicky fish. Based on the video context provided, here are some strategies that can prove successful:
Countdown Method: As mentioned in the "Offshore Bass Fishing Technique You've NEVER Tried Before!" video, you can use the countdown method to get your swimbait to the correct depth where bass are suspended. After casting, count down the bait to ensure it's above the fish, as bass are more likely to feed upwards. Start with a quicker retrieve to activate the swimbait's tail action, then slow down to a more natural pace.
Burning and Killing: The "Tips for Fishing Pre-rigged Swimbaits for Big Bass" video suggests the burning and killing retrieve. Cast your swimbait, let it hit the bottom, then reel quickly for a few cranks before letting it fall back down. This imitates a fleeing baitfish and can trigger aggressive strikes from bass on the fall.
Deep Structure Fishing: When fishing swimbaits around deep structure, as per the same video, you can slow-roll the bait along the bottom, maintaining contact with the structure. Alternatively, you can work it off drops or ledges, letting it fall down the contours to mimic a baitfish moving through the area.
Visual Bites: In the "Offshore Bass Fishing Technique You've NEVER Tried Before!" video, it's highlighted that swimbait bites in deep water are often visual. Ensure your swimbait is presented where the bass can see it, which is typically above them.
Size and Weight Selection: In the "How to Fish Big Swimbaits in Deep Water" video, the angler discusses using big swimbaits with an exposed head for better bottom contact and feel. This can be especially effective on pressured fisheries where presenting a larger profile might entice a bigger bite.
Remember, the key to fishing swimbaits for suspended bass is to mimic the natural movement of their prey and to keep the bait in the strike zone where the bass are most likely to feed. Experiment with different retrieves and pay close attention to how the bass are reacting on a given day, as conditions can change their behavior.