Ethan Clarke
Fishing for bass with plastic minnows is a popular choice for anglers. While lures are the go-to method for bass fishing, live bait such as minnows is a traditional method that can be just as effective. In fact, bass are often found near baitfish such as minnows, especially in the summer when they tend to congregate around shallow cover like wood, grass, and even gravel flats and banks. Using plastic minnows can be a successful way to catch bass, and choosing bright shock colors like bubblegum, true pink, or fluorescent green can be particularly eye-catching to the fish. When using plastic minnows, anglers can jig them by slipping the hook of a jig through the mouth and out the back, creating a lively presentation that triggers reaction bites. Anglers can also use plastic minnows like any other dead bait by hooking them and casting them into the water, although this method is less common for bass fishing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of bait | Live minnows, dead minnows, lures, plastic worms, plastic minnows |
| Colors | Green pumpkin, peanut butter and jelly, bubblegum, true pink, fluorescent green, fluorescent orange, swamp gas, black violet fog |
| Techniques | Throwing bait, jigging, using a Texas rig, using a Carolina rig, using a dropshot rig, using a ned rig |
| Equipment | Hooks, bobbers, super sharp hooks, thill pencil floats, polarized sunglasses |
| Time of year | Summer |
| Location | Lakes, reservoirs, river systems, shallow water |
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What You'll Learn
Using shock colours
Using plastic minnows is a popular method for bass fishing. While some anglers prefer to use live minnows, others opt for preserved or dead minnows, which can be purchased from tackle shops or made at home. These plastic minnows are typically scented and dyed, and can be jigged to mimic the scent, natural look, and movement of real baitfish.
When it comes to using shock colours for plastic minnows, the key advantage is visibility. Bass are attracted to these bright and unusual colours because they stand out from the natural hues of the freshwater environment. This makes it easier for the fish to spot and investigate the lure, increasing the likelihood of a bite.
One successful example of using shock colours for bass fishing is the pink HAVOC The Jerk by Berkley. Anglers have reported catching large bass with this unconventionally coloured lure, demonstrating the effectiveness of shock colours in attracting bass.
To effectively use shock-coloured plastic minnows, it is recommended to employ a similar approach as you would with natural-looking plastic minnows. Spinning tackle is a preferred choice, as it allows for better action with a lighter rod and line. A 7-foot, medium-action rod is ideal for achieving a soft, parabolic action that enables natural twitching and pulling movements to mimic live bait.
While using shock colours can be an effective strategy, it is important to note that bass fishing involves a variety of factors, including lure type, gear, and techniques. Combining different approaches and experimenting with various colours and lures can help improve your bass fishing experience and increase your chances of landing that giant catch.
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Jigging your minnow
To effectively jig your minnow, start by selecting the right type of minnow. Preserved minnows can be purchased or made yourself. They are typically salted and dyed, and come in plastic bags. Choose a shock colour like bubblegum, true pink, fluorescent green, or swamp gas, as these unusual colours can attract bass and trigger bites.
Next, select the appropriate jig head weight and size. This will depend on the fishing conditions and the behaviour of the bass. Generally, a smaller jig head weight and size are better for clearer waters and more cautious bass. You can experiment with different weights and sizes to find what works best for the bass in your area.
When jigging your minnow, try different techniques to see what works best. One method is to use a Damiki rig, which involves a jig head and soft minnow plastic that is bounced and hopped around to imitate a dying smelt. Another technique is to use a larger jig on a brush pile, winding it over to attract bass. You can also try hover strolling, which uses a nail weight instead of a jig head to give the lure a different weight balance, creating a unique action when popped with the rod tip.
Additionally, consider using a spinning tackle with a lighter rod and line when jigging your minnow. This setup allows for more natural twitching and pulling of the bait, creating a lively presentation that can entice bass to bite. Remember to adjust your depth frequently, as bass may prefer the bait to be above them and moving away.
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Using live minnows
While lures are the go-to method for bass fishing, live bait fishing has its own advantages. Live minnows are one such bait option that can be used to catch bass. Here's a guide on using live minnows to catch bass:
Choosing the Right Minnows
Minnows are small fish that can be easily caught using traps and a box of worms or lures. Live minnows are usually cheaper than preserved minnows and can be purchased from any tackle shop. When choosing minnows for bass fishing, consider the size of the minnows. For larger bass, such as largemouth bass, you may want to opt for jumbo minnows.
Fishing Techniques with Live Minnows
When using live minnows as bait, there are a few techniques to consider:
- Hook Placement: When attaching the minnow to your hook, you can hook it through the lips or the back. However, some anglers suggest setting the hooks early to avoid deep hooking the fish.
- Float Rigging: Using high-tech floats, such as thill pencil floats, can enhance your live minnow presentation. These floats have fluorescent tips for better visibility and a mechanism that indicates the bite direction.
- Depth Adjustment: Bass tend to wait in ambush near the shoreline, so casting your line parallel to the shoreline in about a foot of water can be effective. However, bass are lazy and won't chase their food, so you need to get your bait close to them. Adjust the depth of your rig accordingly.
- Bait Balls: During summer, minnow fry tend to congregate around shallow cover like wood, grass, or even other minnows. Look for bait balls of minnows near gravel flats, steeper clay and rock banks, or main lake bars. Casting your bait beyond these bait balls and working it into the school can be an effective approach.
- Docks and Shallow Flats: During certain times of the year, docks and shallow flats can be productive spots. Look for small baitfish hovering just under the docks or big bass wandering on shallow flats, chasing bait balls.
Handling Live Minnows
When using live minnows, it's important to handle them carefully. Transporting live minnows can be challenging, and keeping them alive requires proper techniques. Additionally, some anglers believe that keeping fish alive has more to do with how you handle the caught fish rather than the bait used.
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Using dead minnows
While lures are the go-to method for bass fishing, using live minnows as bait is a traditional method that is still popular with some anglers. Minnows are small fish that larger fish prey on and eat.
However, if you are using dead minnows, there are two main tactics you can use. Firstly, you can use the dead minnow like any other dead bait. Simply hook it, attach your bait rig, and throw it into the water. This method is popular for catching catfish, but bass anglers do not commonly use this technique. It requires a lot of waiting around and does not give the bait any action, which tends to trigger bites when fishing for bass.
The second tactic is to jig your minnow. Take the preserved minnow, put the hook of a jig through its mouth and out its back, and then move it around like a soft plastic lure. This way, you get the scent and natural look of real bait, but you can still present it as if it is a lively fish that triggers reaction bites. This method is recommended over the first, and in some cases, it can be more effective than using a soft plastic lure.
Minnows can be bought from tackle shops, where they are preserved with a mixture of salt and other ingredients and usually come in plastic bags. They are also often scented and dyed. Alternatively, you can catch your own minnows, although this can be challenging.
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Where to find bass in summer
Summer bass fishing can be challenging, but with the right techniques and knowledge of bass behaviour, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips on where to find bass during the summer months:
Shallow Waters
Bass tend to move towards shallow waters during the summer, especially when water temperatures are high. Look for areas with 2 feet of water or even less, as bass can be found in extremely shallow waters when it's hot. Shallow flats points and main lake bars, and isolated targets such as wood or grass cover are prime locations to find bass chasing baitfish fry like minnows. Keep an eye out for baitfish balls, as the presence of these small fry indicates a higher likelihood of finding bass nearby.
Deeper Waters with More Oxygen
During the summer, bass seek out areas in lakes, streams, or trenches with more oxygenated water. Search for deeper sections of the lake, such as drop-offs, ledges, points, and brush piles. These structures provide cover and access to cooler, oxygen-rich water. Use live traps and artificial lures like skirted jigs, lipless crankbaits, or topwater frogs to target bass in these areas.
Submerged Vegetation
In summer, bass tend to seek out shady areas, and submerged vegetation can provide the perfect cover. Look for areas with submerged grass or outside grass lines, as bass may be lurking in these cooler, shaded environments. Plastic worms work exceptionally well in these situations, as they can be fished slowly and tightly around the cover, imitating the natural movements of baitfish.
Bird Activity
Keep an eye out for birds like blue herons or ospreys diving into the water. These birds can be indicators of life around the lake, suggesting the presence of baitfish or other prey that bass may be feeding on.
Coastal Areas
In late spring, target coastlines that receive full sun exposure first. Bass tend to move towards these warmer coastal areas as they provide an abundant food source. However, as temperatures rise, bass may move to deeper waters or areas with more shade, so time your fishing trips accordingly.
Remember, bass behaviour can vary depending on the specific body of water and environmental conditions. Always observe the surroundings, look for patterns, and adjust your tactics accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic minnows are effective for catching bass, especially in shock colours like bubblegum, true pink, fluorescent green, and swamp gas. These colours stand out to the bass, making them irresistible. Use a lighter rod and line for better action. Also, pay attention to the weight of the jig head and lure selection.
Live minnows are a traditional method of fishing for bass. You can hook them through the lips or back, but they can be expensive and difficult to transport. Plastic minnows are cheaper and can be more effective than live minnows when presented with action, as they give the scent and look of real bait.
When fishing with plastic minnows, try to find visible baitfish or "bait balls". Cast your plastic minnow ahead and work it into the school of baitfish. This will increase your chances of catching bass as they tend to feed on these baitfish.
Polarized sunglasses are essential for eliminating glare on the water's surface and spotting bass and baitfish. You will also need a good rod and reel combo, such as a medium-action model for a softer, more natural action. Finally, get a variety of plastic minnow colours, including natural shades like green pumpkin and shock colours.
