Bait sinks to bottom during slow reel

[Omaha]

Probably a really silly question here, but I'm an inexperienced fisherman trying to get better and figure this is the best place to ask even the simple questions. I was fishing for bass the other day and couldn't figure out how to get the line cast and reeled in as I wanted. I didn't want to use much weight because I didn't want my bait sitting on the bottom, but if I had very little weight on there I couldn't get the distance I wanted (fishing from a bank). I was shooting for some logs that were jutting out of the water and got a couple really vicious tugs, but ended the day with nothing. How can I, without using a bobber, cast where I want and slow reel it in without it sinking down to the bottom. I don't want to reel in too fast, but that seemed the only way to keep it from dragging. I'd take weight off and I couldn't cast very far. As I said, I'm sure there is a simple solution, but I'm a rookie and would like any help with this. Thanks.

[Muddy]

If you are using night crawlers, you may want to try a slip bobber

I use Wing it's: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20289&rid=&indexId=cat20289&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20289&id=0017620

This alows you to cast, and the line will only go out a certain pre set depth. If you are using shiners, go to a larger shiner and hook it behing the dorsal fin

 Sometime , like in lure fishing just leaving it be for a while, will attract a hit, bottom or not,

[Grey Wolf]

What kind of bait were you using ?

[.dsaavedra.]

any particular reason you don't want to use a bobber?

if i was in your situation, i would put on a medium sized plastic bobber for casting weight and to keep the bait off the bottom.

but like Muddy said, sometimes just having the bait stationary for a few minutes will attract fish.

[Marty]

I agree with the bobber idea for what you want, even with lures, such as soft plastics. You could also try a relatively heavy, floating-diving crankbait or jerkbait that you can get out there far with and reel in slowly.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

There is also a very common rig used that allows you to add weight AND keep it off the bottom.  Look up "drop shot rig"

And welcome to the site.  

[Sam]

LBH, I was also thinking a drop shot rig but if Omaha is new to bass fishing he will not have any idea of how to rig it.

What about a Carolina rig with a long leader and a floating worm?

How deep is Omaha fishing? And how deep does Omaha want the bait?

The bobber idea is excellent and I agree with the guys but not knowing the bait being used it is difficult to offer pointed advice.

So Omaha, tell us about your current set up; the water depth; and how deep you want your bait to sit in the water column.  Armed with this data the guys can give you more advice.  

P.S.  Try not to bunch everything into one large paragraph.  Put some "white space" in your posts as they will be easier to read.  

[Omaha]

Ok, I have to figure out some of the nuances with this forum, like notifying me when I have a response to this thread.   ;D

Ok, I'm not sure about the depth of where I was fishing, since I was off the bank, but I'd guess about only 10-15 feet.  

I was using large minnows as bait and would only want the bait to be about 5 feet below the surface.  

I think I'd like to use a bobber, but have been told not to use one if I'm slow reeling in fishing for bass.  Honestly, at this stage of my game I'd prefer it since I manage to get snagged too often.  I take kids fishing too and insist they use bobbers for this reason.  

I'm interested in hearing more about this floating-diving crankbait or jerkbait.  

How's that for white space Sam?    And thanks for all the responses and I'll try to figure out, oh there it is, how to get notified when there is a reply.  

[Muddy]

Hey: Instead of slow reeling, try just seeting a depth under your bobber and let the minnow just do it's thing, may help you.

[Sam]

Use the bobber.

One that can support the minnow.

If you really want to have some fun consider hooking a small live bream or bluegill on your hook and throw it out and see what happens.  ;D

[Omaha]

I'll try those things.  Use a small bobber though right?  I heard some bass see the bobber above, if it's too big, and get spooked and won't take the bait.