One thing that never leaves my boat is lead wire, suspend dots, and foam strips. These simple, inexpensive items give you complete control over how your hardbaits behave in the water. When bass looks change or conditions demand precision, being able to fine-tune depth and action can make all the difference.

Carry Spare Lead and Foam in the Boat

Having extra weight and flotation material on hand allows you to quickly customize baits without switching rods or digging through boxes. Whether you are fishing glide baits,jerkbaits or deep-diving crankbaits, small adjustments can dramatically change where a lure runs in the water column and how it reacts on the pause.

Adjusting Jerkbaits for Perfect Suspension

Upgrading hooks on a jerkbait is common, but larger hooks often add weight and cause the bait to slowly sink. To counter this, foam can be added to restore neutral buoyancy and keep the bait suspending correctly.

There is nothing complicated about the process. Small pieces of foam can be cut from a plastic cup and glued to the top of the bait. This offsets the added hook weight and allows the lure to stay in the strike zone longer, especially when fish want a bait that hangs in place.

Getting Crankbaits to Run Deeper

When you need a deep-diving crankbait to reach a little more depth, suspend dots can be a quick solution. Placing a suspend dot at the end of the bill helps the bait plane more vertically, allowing it to gain an extra foot or two without changing the lure.

This small adjustment can be critical when fish are positioned just below where your bait normally runs.

Depth and Speed Matter Most

Depth and speed are the two most important factors when trying to trigger a bass to bite. If your bait is running too high or moving incorrectly, you can fish good water all day without results. Fine-tuning your lures allows you to match the exact depth and cadence the fish want.

Simple Tools, Big Payoff

With a few inexpensive items in your boat, you can dial in any hardbait in your arsenal. lead wire, suspend dots, and foam give you control over depth, balance, and action, helping you solve the puzzle faster and put more bass in the boat.

Ty Manterola is a dedicated BAM Super 60 angler known for his strategic approach and relentless work ethic on the water. Whether he’s dialing in shallow grass flats or adjusting presentations for mid-depth structure, Ty consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of fish behavior and lure mechanics. Coming off his rookie season as the youngest angler on tour,  His commitment to preparation, precision, and adaptability allows him to compete at a high level against some of the toughest fields on the trail. Off the water, Ty represents the BAM community with professionalism and respect, embodying the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define the Super 60 series.