Two of the hottest techniques in bass fishing are mid-strolling and hover-strolling. These two finesse approaches are similar but different. Hover-strolling typically involves "hovering" the bait above or around bass with a specially designed hook, while mid-strolling uses a jighead and a shaking technique as the bait moves through the water.
Both have changed how anglers fish, especially when targeting suspended bass. They are perfect for presenting soft plastic baits to a fish population that has gone ignored for years.
One of the great things about both approaches is that you can use a wide range of baits, but these four are proven for catching fish with two of the newest techniques in the bass fishing world. Specially designed jigheads also make your life easier if you are getting started with these new techniques.
The Best Minnow for Your Jighead: the Deps Sakamata Shad
You are not alone if you've been seeking out the Deps Sakamata Shad in recent months. They have been some of the hottest baits on the market and have become the "go-to" for many anglers using the mid-strolling technique. They work exceptionally well for fishing this way and have spawned several imitators from different brands who have added the winged feature that gets the bait to roll so well.
The original is the Sakamata Shad, and it comes in several sizes, from a teeny 2-inch version to a monster 8-inch option. There are two plastic versions: those with the original plastic formula and the HeavyWeight version with heavy salt. Either works for mid-strolling, but the standard version in the 4- and 5-inch baits is perfect. However, some anglers are finding great success with even larger versions and using jigheads with bigger hooks, especially on lakes known for giant bass.
Soft plastic jerkbaits like this also make an excellent option for hover-strolling with jigheads like the Core Tackle Hover Rig.
Hover-Strolling the Deathadder
The Deps Deathadder is a small-bodied bait with a straight pintail design. It comes in a few different sizes, and you can rig it many other ways, including on a drop-shot, Ned Rig, on the back of a ChatterBait, or by hover-strolling with a specially designed Hover Rig or 90-degree jig hook with a nail weight inserted into the head of the bait.
The bait is available in several sizes and has great action on a hover rig. The rig gives the bait an excellent gliding and spiraling action, even with small rod movements. It works great for suspended bass, but you can also hop it along the bottom.
Deps Frilled Shad
The Deps Frilled Shad is a unique bait with a soft plastic bill, similar to those found on a jerkbait, and it's molded right onto the bait. The "bill" is turned upwards, giving the bait a unique action in the water, and the bait will roll and wobble, even with a straight retrieve.
Anglers try to impart this action when mid-strolling, and the bait was designed to achieve this action without any specialized head or movement. The bait creates the rolling and gives the fish a different look.
Deps Midst Jighead
The "midst" technique or mid-strolling has been around in Japan for years, and American anglers are starting to catch up. As a result, plenty of existing Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) products are designed especially for fishing this way. One of those is the Deps Midst Jighead.
At first glance, it looks like a standard round ball head, but several key features are built into it to improve the bait's performance. The line tie is one critical piece, as it's at a 90-degree angle and set horizontally to get the best movement from your soft plastic of choice.
Like the Sakamata Shad, they are in high demand but a favorite of anglers who know what they are looking for in a jighead. They come in several sizes and hook configurations and have a weedless version with a wire guard to help prevent snags.
A Classic Soft Jerkbait: Optimum Victory Tail
Not all soft plastic jerkbaits are created equal, and the Optimum Victory Tail is unique with a slender design, forked tail, and natural action. It's also great on a jighead when fishing the mid-strolling technique and when rigged on a Hover Rig.
The bait also comes in three to eight-inch versions and has several baitfish-imitating colors to choose from. This bait looks different from many other minnow baits and works well, no matter how you rig it.
The jighead and minnow trend continues to make waves in the fishing world and there are now many great products to choose from. These five are perfect to use when mid-strolling, hover-strolling, or whatever finesse rig comes out next.
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