Westernbass Magazine - Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Spring 2013, Page 40

Westernbass Magazine - Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Spring 2013, Page 40

Stewart suggested targeting grass lanes or sides of ambush points (which side depends on the current flow), in zero to six foot of water and stretching casts to 30 or 40-yards. Stewart always adds a single or double barrel rattle to the bait. “i usually want the extra sound; so primarily, i add a double barrel,” he explained. “The colors i use most often are a black and blue pattern called dragonfly in stained water. in clear water, i use the green pumpkin with red flake for a more natural presentation and then - once in awhile - i will use brown/purple; usually on overcast days. i match it up with a Zoom Ultra Speed Craw in a coordinating color.”

power for the hookset. This isn’t a finesse type application; but at the same time, you don’t need a real stout rod. You just can’t get the casting distance with a flippin’ stick. For line diameter, 90 percent of the time i’m going to have on 15-lb Seaguar fluorocarbon, unless the water is very dirty or stained or there is heavy cover and then i will have on Seaguar Kanzen braid. i especially like using the fluorocarbon for the long casts and its sensitivity.”

hOOK UP

Sensitivity was an important issue to Stewart as he described the bite for this technique as subtle. “it’s not going to feel like a vibrating jig bite; it is much, much lighter,” he continued. “You want to reel this in on a semi-slack line. Keep your rod tip down at about the 6 o’clock position and when you set the hook you’re going to go up to the 10 o’clock position.” after putting the technique to use for the past few years, Stewart stated he has caught an uncountable number of fish on it and credits it for a 9.75 he caught in a team event on the Calif. delta.

EQUIPPED

“i use a 7’ or longer medium heavy rod with a fast tip; one that has is a third primary bend and 40 percent is load,” he added. “right now, i’ve got my swim jigs tied on an irod 744 with a 6.3:1 reel. You need a rod with flexibility to whip cast it and sensitive enough to feel if you knock wood or tules, plus the

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