Experienced anglers will tell you that if you’re not snagged now and then, you’re not fishing the right spots. Known for claiming more than a few lures over the years, spots like laydowns, bridge pilings and thick grass also reward those anglers bold and tenacious enough to fish them.
With grass, it doesn’t matter where you’re fishing; odds are vegetation will be holding a few bass. Many anglers tie on a topwater bait, like a buzzbait or a frog, when they come up against grass, but here are 4 virtually snag-free lure options for fishing grass.
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Spin Me Right Round
Though they’re primarily used in shallow water when anglers are trying to find fish, spinnerbaits can actually be ideal in the weeds. Go with a lighter model in the 3/8 or 1/4 ounce range, rather than a 1/2 ounce, and use spinnerbaits that feature less bulky blades. These more compact baits will move through the weeds a little easier. Be sure to use braided line, too, as it will allow you to pull your bait and bass through the grass without the risk of losing either.
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Get Jiggy Wit’ It
Flipping a jig is a common method for working vegetation, but to get the most out of a jig, you’ll want to make sure to use a heavy model. The heavier the jig the better it will punch through the grass and reach the bottom. Furthermore, a heavier jig will pull free from the grass better when you give it a tug.
Crank You Very Much
It may sound crazy, but pulling a crankbait through the grass can yield amazing results. Choose a model that won’t dive too deep, but go with a crankbait that will run just above the top of the weeds. Again, braided line will be your best friend, as a quick snap of the rod when you feel the weeds tug at your bait will pull it free. Bonus Tip: You’ll find that your crankbait will move through the grass more smoothly if you keep your rod tip high during the retrieve.
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Don’t Give ‘Em Any Lip
Just like a crankbait or spinnerbait, lipless cranks can draw reaction strikes from bass when you rip the bait through the grass. One thing I like to do when I’m working lipless cranks in the grass is to remove the front treble hook from my lipless crank. The lure’s body is enough to keep the rear hook from snagging a ton. Yeah, I may lose a few more fish here and there, but I don’t get snagged as much.
Photo credit: Wikimedia
6 Classic fishing lures
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Johnson Minnow
Few lures can match the effectiveness of the flashy Johnson Minnow fished in heavy weed cover. With its weedless hook, it can reach fish tucked in to the toughest cover. It can go through the weeds, but can also be effective dragged on top of the weeds. Whether it is bass, northern pike, walleye or trout you are after, the Johnson Minnow can catch them all, and has been for many decades.
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Dardevle
When you think of fishing with spoons, the first thought that may come to mind is the classic red-and-white Dardevle. This lure is a must-have for anyone fishing for northern pike, but it will also catch bass, walleye, trout and panfish. With its deadly flash and wobble, the Dardevle has been catching fish for more than 100 years.
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Rapala
The classic black-and-white floating Rapala remains one of the best lures ever designed. It imitates a minnow as well as anything and can catch fish on even the slowest day. Its all-around attraction makes it effective for northern pike, bass, trout or walleye. It can be fished in any type of water, throughout the season. MSRP $7.99
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Jitterbug
When fishing surface baits, there is nothing that feels better than seeing a big largemouth bass hit a Jitterbug as it chugs across the surface. Many decades after its creation, this classic lure remains effective, with its hypnotic motion and gurgling sound as it crosses the water. No bass angler should be without one.
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Hula Popper
Like the Jitterbug, the Hula Popper is an amazing surface bait. The popping sound it makes seems to be irresistible to big bass, because it has been catching them for decades. This bait is great for heavy cover and going places other baits cannot. This is a must for bass anglers.
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Mepps Spinner
Any angler who does not carry a selection of Mepps spinners is missing a lot of fish. This classic bait has been deadly for generations. It can work on a wide range of gamefish, from largemouth bass to rainbow trout. Anywhere fish can be found, Mepps spinners can catch them. Some anglers might reject the classics as old fashioned or out of date, but it is hard to ignore baits that have proven themselves over and over again, for generations. If you want to catch fish, the classics are a great place to start.
