At 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!
