Hybrids and how do you catch them?

[bass ADDICTION]

I am going to start Hybrid bass fishing and I have no clue on how to catch them! If anyone can help.. please do. And also... do they put up a good fight? :-?

[fretfishman]

if you're talking about wiper (striper/white bass) then yeah...they hit hard! they hit and fight like a striper, but aren't quite as finicky on lure choice - they take all the same baits I use for LM/SM bass. I've caught them even on 1 oz jigs and heavy spinnerbaits. it may be different in your neck of the woods - I don't know. in colorado, though, you can pretty much treat them like another bass.

whenever I fish striper in lake powell (utah) it reminds me of how different the hybrids really are. striper are much more selective. g'luck!

[The Rooster]

I fish for white bass and wipers here in Kentucky along the Ohio river using inline spinners. Worden's Roostertails in 1/6 oz. or heavier sizes. Also use Blue Fox Foxtail inline spinners, the ones with the hair skirts in white and red colors.  They especially like anything white or shiny silver or chrome. Any version of it will do, and another good one is firetiger also.

So simple to do here where I'm at, just cast out from the shore and retrieve back and they nail it down below the dam on the river. I think that particular spot is where they've figured out to wait for injured prey to come through the dam. I cast out into the current, let it roll and sink with it for a few seconds, then start my retrieve and WHAM!!! They about pull the rod out of my hands. Man do they fight. Especially in that current, it feels like they're twice the size they are. I'd have to say I like fishing for them better than I do for largemouth when the whitebass bite is on. Just a lot of fun.

[hawgchaser]

Hybrids run in extremely large schools chasing baitfish. The key is to find the baitfish. I fish for hybrids very often and catch them in 40-60ft of water. They will crush topwaters but you will usually catch many more fishing below the topwater bite.

The best lure I have ever used is made by Gerald Reynolds. He is a local guide on Greers Ferry Lake. Greers has the world record and will probably have the next one as well. Its an inline spinner called the secret weapon or top secret. If you are interested, I will give you his number and he will mail you some. They are $6 a piece and top quality...much better than roostertails. Geralds baits are hand made and have a thumper blade that puts off great vibration.

The key is to use your depthfinder and locate baitfish or to find the hybrids busting on top. Drive your boat right into them and start casting. I use 2 rods at one time and let one sink while i burn the other in....Early morning I throw a spook(blue chrome) or a Sammy.

On Greers, we all have handhelds and will call the other boats when we find the fish, Usually there are about 12 of us so we always know where they are. if you can find a group like this, you will be set.

Lastly, I always recommend getting a guide for a half day. You will learn all you need to know. Even if it is on your home lake

They will fight like crazy and they are a very fun fish to chase. Cut the red out of them and they are delicious.

Here is a double from the spring.