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Versatile strategy for post-spawn bass fishing

We get some really good questions here at MVF from our readers so today, we’re going to answer another that is a compilation of recent e-mails. To paraphrase, “Now that the spawn is over, I’m having a hard time getting bites. Are there any techniques that I can use for these conditions?”

One of our favorites for this time of year is a variation on the, “Float and Fly” rig that we talked about when reviewing the Spro Phat Fly. Incidentally, this is still one of the rigs that we continue to catch a lot of fish with when bass get lock-jaw. There seems to be something about leaving that little fly in front of a bass’ nose that will coax all but the spookiest fish into biting.

Just like the float and fly rig, the tools that you will need are simple. Here is a comprehensive list:

A bobber stopper. We prefer a simple piece of string for this.

A plastic bead below the stopper.

A cylindrical bobber. We prefer the bottom portion to be more of a natural wood color.

A jig head that keeps the bait horizontal in the water column.

Finally, small soft plastic of your choice.

Setting Up The Rig

Now you’re ready to rig up your modified float and fly. First thing you do is tie your bobber stopper up your main line. You can do this to accomodate any depth you want to fish from 1 foot to 15 and then some.

Next thread your plastic bead onto your main line below your stopper. Then thread your bobber on. All you need to do now is tie your jighead on, select your bait of choice and you’re ready to fish.

All you do with this rig is cast it out to your target allowing your bait to sink to the desired depth. You’ll know it’s there when your bobber and bead make contact with your stopper. Now, let it sit!

This is a finesse technique so allowing your bait to remain stationary in the water column will get you the best results. Now don’t think that it’s sitting under there doing nothing. Depending on your choice of baits, current is moving it even when you do nothing.

After counting anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds, give the rig a couple or three little sideways pulls and allow the bait to once again settle below the bobber. Repeat this process all the way back to you experimenting with the time of your pauses as well as how subtle or animated your pops are. You’re looking for the fish to tell you what they prefer on any given day as far as your retrieve cadence.

When you get a bite with this technique, more often than not it is going to be subtle. You also have to remember that there is a pronounced bend in your line which requires you to take up more line on your hook set.

You have to approach this kind of like fishing with a top-water bait. In other words, you want to first feel the weight of the fish, then reel down picking up all the slack in your line, then and only then, set the hook.

This may sound complicated but it isn’t all that difficult once you’ve done it a few times. You just want to make sure that once you get a bite, you keep pressure on the fish.

This modified float and fly works in lakes and rivers so have fun with it!.

See ya’ on the water …