I am afraid to use the big baits

[MrZac2613]

I have a couple of really large baits that I really want to use, but I'm really intimidated by them. I'm referring specifically to the  Spro BBZ-1 Rat, the Lucky Craft Real Ayu and Bluegill, and the Spro BBZ-1 jr. They are the largest and heaviest lures I own. The rod and reel I use are a 7'9 Cabela's swimbait rod rated for 1-4 oz., and an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur STX 5600 spooled with 65lb Suffix braid. I love the rod and reel when I'm using smaller baits such as the 5" Castaic BD Shad and Keitech swing impact fats. When I tie the heavier lures on, it feels like the the rod cant handle it, and I'm afraid to make a hard cast. I haven't heard anything bad about the BBZ-1 Rat but yet I'm too intimidated to use the d**n thing. Does anyone have any advice they can give me on how to approach the big baits?

[gulfcaptain]

First off, you don't need to make hard casts with larger baits.  Big baits can be a little overwelming until you catch that first fish on it and then the whole it's really big idea goes right out the window.  If you want to fish a big bait here's the deal.  Leave everything else and only take that one bait and fish it all day.  I throw Hudds and Triple Trouts at certain times and only take my swimbait setup so I can't fall back onto something smaller.  Go fish the rat and let have fun.  Make a lob cast opposed to trying to cast too hard.  Use 25lb leader on there as well opposed to going straight braid.  

[bigbassin']

Are you whipping the baits? You need to use an overhand lob when throwing bigger baits.

[MrZac2613]

Just now, bigbassin' said:

Are you whipping the baits? You need to use an overhand lob when throwing bigger baits.

With the large baits, I just try and lob it, but I don't feel like I am getting any distance from my casts.

2 minutes ago, gulfcaptain said:

First off, you don't need to make hard casts with larger baits.  Big baits can be a little overwelming until you catch that first fish on it and then the whole it's really big idea goes right out the window.  If you want to fish a big bait here's the deal.  Leave everything else and only take that one bait and fish it all day.  I throw Hudds and Triple Trouts at certain times and only take my swimbait setup so I can't fall back onto something smaller.  Go fish the rat and let have fun.  Make a lob cast opposed to trying to cast too hard.  Use 25lb leader on there as well opposed to going straight braid.  

I don't know why, but that hadn't occurred to me. next time I go fishing, I'll try that. Thanks!

[bigbassin']

Also, I personally won't throw anything heavier than 3/4 ounce on braid unless I'm flipping. I prefer to throw the rat on 25 pound mono, I feel like its more forgiving when dealing with the momentum from a heavy bait.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

The rat, bluegill and Jr should be fine on that rod (given that the rod ratings are accurate, unfortunately many are not).

The BBZ 1 may sit at the upper end of that rod and even a lob cast may make it feel underpowered. The nice thing about them, assuming they are floaters like the rat, is you can go get them if you would happen to snap them off on a cast.

Stick with the baits you have and fish them, even when you aren't getting bit. Fish them in places you know fish live. It's VERY difficult to learn the nuances of big baits if you are throwing them without confidence as it's very easy to go back to what you know (jig, tx rig, cranks, etc).

[MrZac2613]

1 minute ago, SPEEDBEAD. said:

The rat, bluegill and Jr should be fine on that rod (given that the rod ratings are accurate, unfortunately many are not).

The BBZ 1 may sit at the upper end of that rod and even a lob cast may make it feel underpowered. The nice thing about them, assuming they are floaters like the rat, is you can go get them if you would happen to snap them off on a cast.

Stick with the baits you have and fish them, even when you aren't getting bit. Fish them in places you know fish live. It's VERY difficult to learn the nuances of big baits if you are throwing them without confidence as it's very easy to go back to what you know (jig, tx rig, cranks, etc).

its just the 6in bbz-1, so its only about 2 ounces. its just on the larger size of what I'm used to. I'll keep what you said in mind. 

[IndianaFinesse]

1 minute ago, MrZac2613 said:

its just the 6in bbz-1, so its only about 2 ounces. its just on the larger size of what I'm used to. I'll keep what you said in mind. 

Don't be afraid of the size, I have had many twelve inch bass eat my bbz-1 rat and a few fish that were even smaller.  Bigger baits just mean a bigger meal, and that appeals to all sizes of fish.  Plus it doesn't get much easier to catch than a protein rich rodent struggling to swim.

[MrZac2613]

1 minute ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Don't be afraid of the size, I have had many twelve inch bass eat my bbz-1 rat and a few fish that were even smaller.  Bigger baits just mean a bigger meal, and that appeals to all sizes of fish.  Plus it doesn't get much easier to catch than a protein rich rodent struggling to swim.

how do you retrieve it? 

[IndianaFinesse]

27 minutes ago, MrZac2613 said:

how do you retrieve it? 

I usually slowly wake it on the the surface or right beneath it, stopping every few feet and letting it sit still for up to ten seconds.  The bites almost always come on the pause, so make sure to include a good number of them in your retrieve.

[Molay1292]

I know it sounds kind of weird but if you are worried about an overhead cast with one of the heavier baits  you might try pitching them.   I do this often as I fish  from a boat and my casts are typically about 20 yards or so to cover.   I am much more accurate with the pitching.   It will also give you and idea of how the rod is going to respond and may give you some confidence with other styles of casting the heavier baits.

 

[chadmack282]

Just use a nice smooth arching cast with out any snap to it.

Then do it 1000 more times & then it will be the same old thing!!

[j bab]

Here is a link to a useful video on casting big baits. I've learned a lot from Matt Allen on youtube regarding big baits.

[MassYak85]

Those baits do seem big at first but once you start catching 2lbers on them you won't think twice about throwing them. I would start with the rat and fish it near shallow cover (I am assuming you have the 40 size, correct me if I am wrong), even 1lbers will eat it no problem. I like casting right next to a patch of pads or a laydown, and after maybe 10 seconds once the ripples settle I walk it, pause, walk it, pause, and then steady retrieve it back to the boat if nothing appears interesting. 

Also, @j bab posted an awesome link above me, matt has some great videos on fishing big baits. 

[Bluebasser86]

First time a big fish eats one, you'll realize those baits really aren't that big compared to what they're capable of eating. 

Nothing builds confidence like catching fish, but you have to fish them to accomplish it. 

[MrZac2613]

On 7/22/2016 at 5:51 PM, MassYak85 said:

Those baits do seem big at first but once you start catching 2lbers on them you won't think twice about throwing them. I would start with the rat and fish it near shallow cover (I am assuming you have the 40 size, correct me if I am wrong), even 1lbers will eat it no problem. I like casting right next to a patch of pads or a laydown, and after maybe 10 seconds once the ripples settle I walk it, pause, walk it, pause, and then steady retrieve it back to the boat if nothing appears interesting. 

Also, @j bab posted an awesome link above me, matt has some great videos on fishing big baits. 

i regret not getting the 40, but i got the 50. i'll just have to get a 40 too lol