Target
fishing – short cast technique
With so many rod & reel combinations to choose from being versatile remains the key to consistent bass fishing success. Fishing versatility includes adjusting to various conditions, mastering techniques and presentations, and the use of various types of equipment. This article will discuss one such variable in bass fishing – called target fishing.
It becomes mind-boggling when considering all of the tackle that is available for today’s bass fisherman. Just the variety of lures alone can cost a guy hundreds of dollars if he chooses to buy all the latest and greatest lures on the market. Over the years I have stuck to a basic collection of go-to lures that I keep in my boat. But, the lure that I have the most confidence in is the spinnerbait and the technique of making short accurate casts have been successful for me. Let me explain my strategy on target fishing.
Equipment
The ability to make short accurate casts depends on my choice of rod & reel combination. I have two rigs, both equipped with a 5 ½ - foot medium heavy rod, with a pistol grip handles. This type of rod handle is seldom used anymore, but remains my rod of choice when target fishing. The versatility of the pistol grip and the 5 ½ foot rod gives me the casting control needed to make my lure presentations for pin point accuracy. This rod gives me the ability to make short under hand casts targeting the backside of logs, ambush points, and various other types of structure. Besides, when fishing from the back of the boat with a partner that is making long casts, I can get in more casts and hit areas that he has pasted by. This is important if your fishing in a tournament and you are in the back seat.
Generally I use a narrow spooled round bait caster with 6.2-to-1 ratio with 12 lb. Mono. I believe the high speed reel gives me the versatility to retrieve fast or slow, and over a days fishing time could reduce fatigue to the fisherman. The spinnerbaits that I prefer is simple – white/chart or white skirts, one rod rigged with double gold Colorado blades, and the other rod rigged with a nickel Colorado and gold Indiana blade. I usually use ¼ or 3/8 oz. spinnerbaits. However, I do carry a selection of different types of blades and a good collection of extra color skirts, just in case I need to change. But, normally I rarely change from the spinnerbaits mentioned, I guess I have too much confidence to change or to stubborn to change. Anyway it works for me.
Conditions & Presentation
There’s no doubt in my mind the spinnerbait is the best lure in low-visibility conditions. Despite the “no brain” lure reputation that some anglers think a spinnerbait is, I would argue the fact with these nay-sayers, because presentation is the key to spinnerbait success. When conditions are low-light and stained water is present I prefer a short arm, light wire for maximum vibration. The presentation of short accurate casts “targeting” ambush points, along lay downs, and other such structure, with a slow steady retrieve can be very productive. I generally experiment my presentation based on the conditions that I face. For instance, experimenting with retrieve speed is the best way to determine the depth needed to entice the bass. Basically the depth that I prefer is retrieving the spinnerbait back to where I can barely see the blades flashing in the water.
Flat fishing or clear water conditions I will have a longer rod rigged up to make longer casts. In addition, I prefer going to a heavy spinnerbait not only it allows me to make the longer cast but also help get the lure down deeper if necessary.
In closing, being versatile to the various conditions that bass fishermen face, “target” fishing and making short accurate casts with spinnerbaits can prove to be very productive techniques.