Favorite reaction strike retrieves or odd-ball retrieves that produce

[soflabasser]

There are times that reaction bite techniques get you bass when other techniques do not work, so it is always a good idea to keep a open mind when it comes to how you retrieve your lure.

[Big Swimbait]

Many years ago, I was fishing with guide Bill Fox (RIP) on Toledo Bend in February. I was a total noob to lipless cranks. Bill told me even in this cold water, I couldn't fish it fast enough. Of course, this was before high speed reels. So I experimented with 5 or 6 hard cranks, then I would rip it as hard as I could, then repeat. Like LuckyJ96 said, the strikes were brutal on that very brief pause. It still works today. I also use that same retrieve on jerk baits if the normal cadence is not working.

[RHuff]

There are two reaction retrieves that seem to work for me. 

 

1) When cranking a chatterbait, spinnerbait, lipless crank, or buzzbait letting it "flutter" for a second by the target will sometimes result in hard strikes. Big fish and non-aggressive fish seem to like this and will key in at times. 

 

2) When fishing a jig, any of the above mentioned baits, or even a popper as I come past the target I will actually burn the bait a little back towards my boat. This will entice aggressive fish to strike in an attempt to not to allow the bait to get away. 

 

I always share my secrets because I wanna see everyone catch fish, but #2 is deadly when flipping a laydown tree or bush. Flip the jig or plastic into the tree and when you work it back up to the surface don't ever just lift the bait out of the water back to the boat. ALWAYS swim it back. Many times fish will key in on the bait and not commit but as they see the bait attempting to swim away they will ambush it by not allowing it to get away. Bass will never pass up an easy meal.