By James Roberts – Pure Fishing SA Pro Angler
C
ontrary to some beliefs, a bedding bass
is not easy to catch, particularly the big
females. It is true that the small males
are often aggressive in their guardian duties,
but the trophy fish is very difficult to catch. To
catch fish during this time of year, I use a few
methods, depending on whether or not the
water is clear enough to see the beds.
power fishing and some finesse. Some will be
suspended and some physically in the nest on
the ground.
My top 4 choices:
1) Berkley Havoc Flat Dawg
The key to sight fishing is to treat every bed as
a new opportunity to start fresh. The bait that
caught the last fish might not work on the
next. Each fish has its own preferences so
don't be afraid to rotate through your arsenal
of rods until you've found the bait that works
best.
I choose four different baits which cover four
various techniques. These will include some
Angling Times Weekly SA
12
This stick bait has two flat sides. This allows it
to catch more water on the fall, slowing its
descent. It also features a slightly crooked tail
that produces increased vibration and drives
bass mad. This bait would fall into the finesse
category when sight fishing. I would cast it just
passed the nest and allow it to fall naturally
onto the nest. Give it two or three twitches
and then approach at another angle. This I will
fish weightless on 10lb Berkley Trilene 100%
fluorocarbon. My colours of choice are Green
Pumpkin Gold Blue and Dark Watermelon
Black.
2) Berkley Warpig
Designed with a thin body and an advanced
rattle chamber, the Berkley Warpig Lipless
Crankbait generates a strong shimmy that
translates to a serious acoustic attraction.
Whenever a new rattling bait comes into the
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