BASS INSIDER: Micro Downsizing For Dramatic Results

WORDS: Howard Johnson IMAGES: Ruaan Lubbe & Rory da Silva At certain times of the year when the fish appear to have “shut down”, they have not stopped eating, they are just focusing on certain types of food. This can typically be characterised by spawning baitfish, tadpoles turning into small frogs, the appearance of the year class of crabs, a particular insect hatch and so on, and they will often ignore all offerings as they are so focused on what they are eating, everything else is superfluous. In this scenario being observant to the surroundings is as important as the baits that are chosen. Here are four downsized tackle and baits to look out for: BAITFISH SPAWN During spawning the bass focus solely on eating baitfish fry, and won’t eat anything else. Easy ways to determine this are simple observations, such as time of year (spring through early summer), looking in the shallows around the slipway, where you are sure to see schools of baby fish, bass busting in super shallow water, or in weed beds, all sure signs that they are feeding on small baitfish Bass will adapt seasonally to the available prey, often keying in on smaller sized food organisms during summer. SMALL CRABS These will be seen on submerged bushes or by simply turning over a few rocks in shallow water, also observing clay banks where the smaller holes will be more noticeable (crab holes). INSECT HATCHES For example huge flying ant and mayfly hatches that are usually highly visible. Here are four micro strategies to consider: MICRO SPINNERBAIT These are ⅛oz - 1⁄4oz spinnerbaits with small blades (#2 or 3) in baitfish colours, or more translucent colours. TACKLING UP: Just because the bait is smaller does NOT mean that you have to go ultralight - in this case a 6’9 MH rod with 12lb fluorocarbon line and a 6.4:1 reel is suitable. WHEN TO THROW IT: When you see small baitfish schooling, or bass busting in super shallow water. As a general rule the bigger the baitfish, the deeper they live. WHERE TO THROW THEM: These baits are at their best in shallow water with some weed/small bushes/grass in slightly stained water; alternatively look for baitfish schooling in the top branches of submerged trees in deeper water as this can be a gold mine HOW TO THROW THEM: Quite easy – throw into the area where you saw the baitfish, or where you believe they are, on a medium retrieve, not too fast or the spinnerbait will just roll over. Be attentive as the bites are fast and vicious. MICRO JERKBAIT Tiny versions of what you would normally throw, 5-7cm jerkbaits in natural baitfish colours. TACKLING UP: The best way to fish these baits is on a spinning rod. A 7ft M spinning rod with 6-10lb monofilament line, and a quality spinning reel with a good drag is essential as these baits have tiny hooks which pull out very easily. WHEN TO THROW THEM: Same scenario as with the spinnerbait. WHERE TO THROW THEM: When you see small baitfish schooling, or bass busting in super shallow water. As a general rule the bigger the baitfish, the deeper they live. WHERE TO THROW THEM: This bait can be thrown anywhere, but is particularly effective around rocky or gravel areas where there is algae growing on rocks; they are also effective on the outside edge of reed beds. HOW TO THROW THEM: Because they are so small, these baits cannot be worked as violently as a big jerkbait; fish with a jerk, jerk, pause type cadence, and make the pauses longer or shorter until you find exactly what the bass want. Micro topwaters have been a best secret of KwaZulu-Natal anglers as this bass caught on a white walk the dog bait proves. SMALL TOPWATER This can be a small popper, or a walking or tiny prop bait with baitfish colours, or an “insect” type presentation. Use colours such as yellow or green and try to mimic a crippled baitfish, or an insect that has fallen into the water. TACKLING UP: Cast this on a light baitcasting rig such as a 6’8” M rod with 8-10lb monofilament line, with a 6.4:1 baitcasting reel, or use the same spinning rig as with the light jerkbait. WHEN TO THROW THEM: When you see bass pushing baitfish to the surface, or if there is an insect hatch that is primetime for this diminutive little bait. WHERE TO THROW THEM: Obviously anywhere you see bass busting bait in open water, but they are also great over submerged weedbeds where baitfish will hide in the heat of the day, and around shallow timber. HOW TO THROW THEM: Again, because of their small size, do not over work these baits, a similar retrieve to the jerkbait is just fine: jerk - jerk - stop. MICRO JIG A smaller version of what you would normally throw, whether it be a football jig, finesse jig, or a pitching jig in ⅛oz - 1⁄4oz. Keep the body profile of the bait small and the trailer accordingly small. Stick to more natural browns, or green pumpkin colours, bear in mind you are trying to mimic a small crab. TACKLING UP: A 7-7’6 MH spinning rod with 12lb fluorocarbon on a 6.4:1 reel will work well. WHEN TO THROW THEM: When you observe smaller crabs or frogs in the water. WHERE TO THROW THEM: Depending what type of jig you are throwing, either around shallower rocky areas, or areas that have bushes or timber, remember that you have downsized your line size. Look for small holes in clay banks to give you obvious areas where crabs may be living. This feisty bass succumbed to a 1/4 oz micro jig pitched to the edge of a rock face. HOW TO THROW THEM: Cast as for a normal sized jig, but work the jig slightly faster, and more erratic, as this is how smaller crabs behave in nature; bigger crabs are more cautious and slower. Simple but practical advice to bag bass when they get fussy!

BASS INSIDER: Micro Downsizing For Dramatic Results

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