It’s the middle of the spring spawn and the hawgs are on the bank, problem is, you can’t see the bank.
The banks on the south end of Toledo Bend are covered with buck brush, button brush, willow trees, cypress trees, & numerous other types’ vegetation.
In fall the lake level is 7 ft. below normal pool, which is allowing more vegetation to grow.
From late January through April, the spring rains will bring the water level back to and above normal.
Now all that new growth is in 7 to 10 ft of water and the bank is some 30 yards from the outside edge of the brush. Question how does one take these extreme amounts of cover and turn it into a productive pattern.
First, you gotta park that big ole bass rig in exchange for an all welded aluminum rig. The aluminum rig is lighter, narrower in both bottom width & beam width.
The approach is simple but methodical, start by selecting an area of brush that is thinner or where you can see openings/trails. At pitching distance from the outside edge, work any isolated brush. Work a 20-ft path on both sides of the selected point of entry, and then slowly work to within flipping distance. Once you worked the outside edge thoroughly, you can start flipping the first 10-ft into the cover. Target the outer branches first, then all the way to the trunk.
The next part is where the extreme fishing begins; use your trolling motor to pull you as far into the brush as it can. With you and a partner standing on the bow deck grab the branches and pull your boat forward. Look for openings in the brush and maneuver the boat in that direction but stopping every 10 yd. to flip the area.
Next let’s look at rod-n-reels, a 6’ or 6’6″ is all you’ll have room to maneuver. A heavy rod with a lot of backbone to move large fish off the bottom but with enough tip to feel light bites. A quality reel with a solid drag spooled with 50 lb. braided line.
Lastly the lures; Texas Rigged Rage Tail Lizard, Lobster, or Space Monkey, ¼ oz. pegged bullet weight, with a 4/0 hook or a 3/8 oz Jig. This is extreme close-up angling so be ready to set hook on any line movement, tap, light feeling, or heavy feeling. Set hook hard, straight up, & move the fish fast out of the cover. If the fish is too big to move on the hook set, your first concern is a solid hook, give no slack, and then go to the fish.
This short video is an introduction to the Rage Tail line of soft plastic baits produced by Strike King Lure Company. Take a minute to watch this video to see what the rage is about.
This short video is a pro-fisherman video testimonial/commercial about the Rage Tail Shad.
Take it from these guys, the Rage Tail Shad is a great soft plastic bait for topwater bass fishing.
Rage Tail is happy to announce the release of our “Next Generation” line of soft plastic bass lures by Strike King Lure Company. Each of these great new baits provides anglers something unique and equally effective at catching bass. Sit back and relax, the next generation of soft plastic baits video will get you in that fishing mood.
The Rage Anaconda is a “Next Generation” soft plastic worm available in both 7 and 10 inch models.
The Anaconda is unlike worm ever produced and is sure to become a great lure for anglers tackle boxes. The slithering action and vibration of this bait coupled with the great color selection makes it a great choice to catch big bass.
If you would like to add your feedback and comments about the Rage Tail Anaconda, feel free to add them here.
Ellesar has submitted this comment about his experience with the Rage Tail Anaconda while fishing with his father. Thanks for the product feedback Ellesar.
I’ve really had some great success with the 10″ anaconda in the grass. It’s interesting that my dad had a hard time feeling the hit with a senko and missed a lot of fish ( I also suspect there were lots of bites he never felt). With the anaconda that’s not a problem. It has been been my experience that the fish just crush the thing. He had one that nearly pulled the pole out of his hand it hit so hard and so fast. Here is a picture of my dad’s anaconda fish caught in the past few weeks.
The Rage Tail Craw is one of the original soft plastic baits released under the Rage Tail line of soft plastics by Strike King Lure Company. The Rage Craw is unique in it’s ability to create a huge amount of vibration, move lots of water and still have a life-like appearance.The ragetail craw is available in plenty of colors, it can be fished T/rigged or used as a jig trailer making it a great choice for bass anglers interested in crayfish baits.
If you would like to add your feedback and comments about the Rage Tail Craw, feel free to add them here.
