One of my favorite patterns is fishing
laydowns over or near dropoffs. Bass love to congregate in the sunken
branches and
wait for their next meal to swim by. While I’ve been known to pitch a single-bladed
Colorado spinnerbait, my bait of choice is a jig. Its compact size, coupled
with a brush guard, allows me to easily work it around the branches and
trunks… searching out the big ones!
My tackle choice is a 7’0” medium-heavy action baitcasting rod and a Quantum
Energy 6.3:1 reel with 17lb. green Trilene SensiThin™ line. While black/blue
is always a “go to” jig color (especially in stained water), I will throw other
colors depending on the time of year. In the spring, or in clearer water, I will
pick pumpkinseed or green
pumpkin… something a little more natural looking. However, most of the time,
I throw basic black.
I temper the fall rate by varying the type and size
of the trailer.
In the spring and late fall, I like an Uncle Josh’s #11. There’s something about
a bait with a more realistic taste and texture that helps the bass hold the bait
a little longer… allowing for a better hookset. The pork also helps to s-l-o-w
down the jig’s fall, keeping it in the strike zone longer. In the summer, I use
plastic trailers.
For a faster fall and more lifelike action, I use Gambler’s Guido’s
Baby Originalä and Guido’s Originalä in pumpkinseed and black blue glitter. Otherwise,
I like Zoom’s Small Salty Chunks in black blue glitter, sapphire blue and pumpkin.
I position my Ranger 518 DVX in front of the laydown,
staying at least two feet away. I methodically pitch my bait around
the tree trunk and branches. Initially,
I will work from the tips of the branches inward.
However, if that isn’t drawing strikes, I will work from the inside out. Sometimes
that first pitch is the only chance you have to get bit. It the water is really
clear or the bass are spooky, additional pitches might be unproductive. BUT,
if they are there and actively feeding,
you’ll know it!
Tie on a jig the next time you find some laydowns,
and work on your
pitching to ensure a stealth entry… and hang on tight!
Jeff Morton
Have other bass fishing
questions?
Questions? Drop me a line at jeffmorton@gofishmidwest.com .
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