Wakebaits, also known as walking baits or wakewalkers, are a type of topwater bait that can be very effective for bass fishing. These baits are designed to create a side-to-side walking action on the surface of the water, imitating a wounded or struggling baitfish.
To fish wakebaits, you'll want to use a medium to medium-heavy spinning or casting rod with a fast or extra-fast action. This will allow you to make accurate casts and impart the desired action to the bait. Pair the rod with a high-quality reel that has a smooth drag system, as bass can put up a good fight when hooked on a wakebait.
When fishing wakebaits, it's important to pay attention to the conditions and adjust your retrieve speed accordingly. In general, a steady and consistent retrieve with occasional pauses can be effective. The side-to-side walking action of the bait is created by twitching the rod tip while reeling in the slack line. This will make the bait dart from side to side, mimicking the movement of a wounded baitfish.
In terms of location, wakebaits can be effective in a variety of situations. They work well in areas where bass are feeding on or near the surface, such as shallow flats, points, and areas with submerged grass or structure. Look for signs of bass activity, such as baitfish breaking the surface or bass chasing baitfish, and target those areas with your wakebait.
It's worth noting that wakebaits can be effective during different seasons and times of the year. In the spring, when bass are in various stages of the spawn, wakebaits can be a great choice for covering a lot of water and enticing both aggressive and lethargic fish. In the fall, when bass are feeding heavily before winter, wakebaits can imitate the shad that bass are chasing.
Remember to experiment with different sizes and colors of wakebaits to find what works best for the conditions and the preferences of the bass in your area. Pay attention to the video context provided to get a better understanding of how to fish wakebaits in specific situations. If you have any further questions or need more specific information, please let me know.