Winter Creature Baits

[XF15-Loader]

So, I've been hitting my spot when weather permits.  I've been throwing a Texas rigged crawl in either pumpkin or blue/black.  Throw, wait for the craw to settle, and bounce it back.

 

Pretty simple, right?

 

Or is it?  Rocks, logs, branches, downed vegetation.  All of things may present as a fish taking hold of the bait.  Is there a secret to slow rolling these baits?  Any suggestions?

 

My method is working but I'm wondering how many I miss.

 

Thanks,

 

-J

[Catt]

Nice chunk

 

Keep chunking n reeling that t-rig!

 

Once ya determine the differences between rocks, logs, branches, downed vegetation & bass...it's on!

 

Guarantee you'll be a better angler for it!

[Bluebasser86]

I like to use the lightest weight possible during the winter, 1/8oz has been the magic number the last couple times. I've actually been using a baby brush hog on a shakyhead and doing well.

[whitwolf]

One set-up I like a lot Is a Siebert Outdoors Zenith shakeyhead tipped with a R.I. Smallie Beaver. It's very versatile!

[Bucky205]

I watch my line really closely.  If I see it move against, or across the grain I set the hook.  I got a 7-14 two weeks ago on a green pumpkin brush hog and never felt her hit.  Line just moved unnaturally and I set the hook.  Lot of things you drag across feel like a bite.  Hook sets are free, I've rather set the hook on an obstruction than miss a fish.

[XF15-Loader]

Thanks for the responses.  

 

I never considered moving to a lighter weight.  I'm using a 3/8 for no other reason than, that's what most of my jigs are.  I can see some new tungsten in my future...lol.

 

"Hook sets are free"...Good point...Lol.

 

Thanks again for the responses!

 

-J

[fishwizzard]

Hook sets are free unless you set your lure into a branch underwater.  

[Bucky205]

20 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

Hook sets are free unless you set your lure into a branch underwater.  

 

LOL, It definitely happens. I retie and go on.  It's so thick down here If I didn't hang up occasionally I wouldn't feel like I was bass fishing.  I have a lure retriever that does well, but I only use it when there is some value to the bait.  Brush hog, weight, and hook may be worth .60.

[bagofdonuts]

you might mix in a swing head type bait every now and then. easy to slow roll and bounce along the bottom, hook up ratio is really good. makes a good search bait to  combine with your texas rig. same creature baits or craws can be used on both.

[XF15-Loader]

10 minutes ago, Bucky205 said:

...Brush hog, weight, and hook may be worth .60.

Unless you're transitioning to tungsten...Omg, that stuff is expensive!!!

 

5 minutes ago, bagofdonuts said:

you might mix in a swing head type bait every now and then.

Saw these at BPS the other day.  Wasn't sure if it was a legit. 

[frosty]

21 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

Hook sets are free unless you set your lure into a branch underwater.  

And for that split second when you say to yourself "it's a big' un!" Then you realize it's just another wooden fish