Ron's Catch: Flipping Fall Grass for Big Bass
Fall is right around the corner and it’s one of my favorite times of year to fish for Big Bass in the grass. As the nights cool, baitfish will move from the main lake into the backs of creeks and flats as water temperatures also drop.
Baitfish that normally roam around open water will make their move to the grass for cover and to feed which usually means the bass are not far behind. If you hear crackling or snapping noises in the grass, you have most likely found the feeding baitfish. The grass has been growing all summer and will be most dense at this point of the year which means it will hold fish until the temperatures hit the 50s and the grass begins to decompose.
One of my favorite approaches is to Flip and Pitch the grass when searching for big bass. I prefer to target the outer edges, points or isolated denser patches of vegetation. It’s much easier to hit specific targets with this presentation as opposed to trying to fish a vast grass flat. These outer edges of the grass is where bass like to sit, making it easier for them to dart out and snatch up unsuspectingly prey as it swims past. I tend to get my biggest bass flipping a jig, although the Texas-rigged plastic can be hard to beat making this a great combination to have on deck during your fishing trip.
When working key grass edges in 10 feet and shallower, I prefer to use a ½ ounce to 1 ounce flipping jig with a craw trailer depending on the density of the grass I am fishing. The bulk presentation of the jig gives the bait a slower fall and tends to trigger bigger bites. After flipping or pitching the outer edges, points and pockets in the grass with the jig, I follow up by targeting the inside edge or thickest part of the grass with a Texas-rigged plastic presentation, like an Arizona Custom Baits Creature Bait.
Much like the jig, I will often rig up with a 1-1.5-ounce Tungsten weight paired with soft plastic which can punch through the thick vegetation where bass may be sitting. I normally pitch my presentation into the vegetation, allowing it to fall to the bottom while I carefully watch my line to see if it jumps or has any slight tick. Most bass will be suspended in or under the grass striking your presentation on the fall.
Once you bait falls through the grass, give it several vertical lifts or hops before bringing it in and switching to the next target. Your strikes will come quickly if a hungry bass is near so always be ready to set the hook. It’s critical to use the right equipment when fishing heavy cover or grass, so a Heavy to Extra Heavy fishing rod in 7’6” to 8 foot in length is important. I recommend the Duckett Fishing Silverado or Jacob Wheeler Series paired with 50 to 65lb Braided line (available at Shoppers Supply).
The length of the rod and power give you total control allowing you to rip these Big Bass out of the grass landing your catch. Lastly when using your favorite plastic, I also recommend the Trokar TK130 Flipping hook which has incredible penetration and strength when it counts and will flat out get the job done. Some of my biggest bass of the year will come from fishing grass in the fall, and soon yours will too!