Baits for 30+ FOW?

[@reelChris]

What lures/techniques would you use in the this circumstance:

Northern River, 30-35 FOW that's muddy and 65 degrees.  Visibility is 2' or less.

 

The smallies are down there because your boat partner is catching them on a drop shot.  What lures/techniques would you use  to get the attention of brown bass?

[PaulVE64]

A heavy jig, stroke a tube or a jigging spoon.

 

[TnRiver46]

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

[MickD]

25 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

Right on the drop shot. If your friend is catching them, duplicate what he is doing.

[FryDog62]

Jewel Baits Live Spin is a good search bait at deeper depths. You can countdown approx 2 feet per second to desired depth in water column:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Jewel_Baits_Live_Spin/descpage-JSCS.html

[Dwight Hottle]

Blade bait would be my first choice. 

[newriverfisherman1953]

Yep if your buddy in the same boat can catch them on drop shot, no reason you can’t. That’s where I’d start anyway. 

[pdxfisher]

A drop shot is always a good choice. I have not used them much in muddy water so I don't know how effective it would be in those conditions.

 

I throw a wobblehead jig with a creature bait in those kinds of depths out here. Depending on the current I would use a 1/2, 3/4 or 1oz version with a creature bait. I have been liking the Zoom Z Craw because the two flappers on it really flutter a lot. I think that makes it easy for the fish to find in deep water.

[Columbia Craw]

3/4 ounce trap

[WRB]

Why fight success, use what is working!

Tom

[Nelson Delaney]

Ounce or heavier jackhammers or snap jigs bounced on bottom 

[softwateronly]

On 10/1/2023 at 9:23 AM, FryDog62 said:

Jewel Baits Live Spin is a good search bait at deeper depths. You can countdown approx 2 feet per second to desired depth in water column:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Jewel_Baits_Live_Spin/descpage-JSCS.html

 

@FryDog62  I know this is old, but my man, this is a great recommendation.  This time of year I have shad chasers on these large 20-25' flats that don't want a hopped bait, and this is a perfect antidote.  I'm not in love with the dual trebles, but with some babying I only lost one dink at the boat that was my fault.  Have you found a better setup?  Single hook? short assist hook?

 

scott

[FryDog62]

3 hours ago, softwateronly said:

 

@FryDog62  I know this is old, but my man, this is a great recommendation.  This time of year I have shad chasers on these large 20-25' flats that don't want a hopped bait, and this is a perfect antidote.  I'm not in love with the dual trebles, but with some babying I only lost one dink at the boat that was my fault.  Have you found a better setup?  Single hook? short assist hook?

 

scott

So far that’s the best set up I’ve found, single hook…

[WRB]

We call a bass jig with a Colorado #1 blade attached to the hook bend using a small swivel clip a Matty. 30+ feet of water I would a 1/2 swim jig Matty and swim/hop along the bottom.

Tom

[softwateronly]

@WRB Megabass "borrowed" a version of this idea a few years ago, been a great bait for me....

 

scott

 

 

[Catt]

[RB 77]

On 10/1/2023 at 3:13 AM, TnRiver46 said:

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

 

The thing is, this is the most deadly technique for deep water where i'm from. Yes, I know the boring ol' drop shot, but catchin' is catchin' right? 

[TnRiver46]

4 minutes ago, RB 77 said:

 

The thing is, this is the most deadly technique for deep water where i'm from. Yes, I know the boring ol' drop shot, but catchin' is catchin' right? 

I love drop shot, just bustin chops 

[RB 77]

6 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I love drop shot, just bustin chops 

 

Oh, I know... thats why I hit you with the laughing emoji on the ratings. Haha. For me, I will not hesitate using it as it can be the difference between catchin'  and a boat ride. I love to bust D-Shot haters chops too! Ha!

[papajoe222]

Am I the only one that throws a Rocket Shad for deep smallies? It's not the only thing I throw, tube-blade-hair jig, but it's the first thing.

[TOXIC]

Well, I just got back from a trip to the St Lawrence river in New York/Canada and fished smallies in 35-60 feet.  #1 catcher….Dropshot.  Heavy dropshot because the current was  massive.  Believe it or not, a few were also caught on a sinking jerkbait and a heavy Ned. 

[softwateronly]

13 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

Am I the only one that throws a Rocket Shad for deep smallies? It's not the only thing I throw, tube-blade-hair jig, but it's the first thing.

Just discovered that bait this year.  There's been more than a few days where it was the deal, already.

 

scott

[papajoe222]

4 hours ago, softwateronly said:

Just discovered that bait this year.  There's been more than a few days where it was the deal, already.

 

scott

Stck with me kid and you’ll be cashing out in tournaments in no time.