Stick Bait Versatility

stickAt first glance, some lures don’t look like much. However, looks can be deceiving, and the simplest of baits can work wonders on the water. Plastic stick baits are such a lure. These cylinder-shaped baits are usually tapered at either end, come in a variety of lengths, and their ends provide nice action on the fall that drives bass nuts. Stick baits can be fished effectively using a variety of methods and today we’ll take a look at a few.

Wacky Rig

Hooking a stick bait in the middle so that it takes on a rainbow shape as it falls is a popular option. You can also pull it through the water steadily to give it a jellyfish-like action, which often elicits strikes from bass.

Lead Jighead

You may be surprised to read this, but rigging a stick bait on a jighead and working it through the same areas you would throw a grub works like magic, due to the bait’s undulation.

Texas Rig

This rig has been a popular stick bait setup for many years and is a great way to appeal to the fish with a different kind of subtle action.

Buddy System

If action is hot, you can increase your odds of enticing a strike by using a drop-shot hook to add a small stick bait a few feet up your line from another bait.

Skipping  

The design of stick baits causes them fall through most cover, which can make it hard to get to those hard-to-reach places. Skipping or bouncing them, though, will get them under low-hanging branches, boat docks, and other tight places. It may take a little practice, but mastering the skipping technique will pay off.

Drop-Shot

Use a drop-shot rig with a stick bait in any areas where you would typically use a regular drop-shot worm. Their bigger size and unique action often triggers strikes on the fall where worms may not.

Weightless Jerkbait

When rigged on a strong hook, a stick bait fished as a jerkbait can add a whole new level of possibilities to your presentation, in terms of action.

Stick baits are a cheap, versatile bait that can be used in a variety of situations in a variety of ways. The techniques outlined today are great ways to take advantage of their design and effectiveness. Don’t miss out on all they offer on the water and grab a few bags for the season!

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