Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 03/14/2010: Weed Edges for More Bass

Weed edges are natural habitat for the largemouth bass and often harbor some of the larger fish in the area. These edges provide cover and ambush points for the bass when baitfish such as shad cruise from open water to the shallows.

Typical weed types that form these edges are Kissimmee grass, bulrush, cattails, hydrilla and pad fields. Any of these types of weeds can be productive during certain times of the year predicated upon their proximity to deep water and the type of bottom they grow on.

In general my experience has shown that weed edges from 3 to 6 foot deep are the most productive during times other than the spawning season. During the spawn, edges from 1 to 4 feet can be producers as the bass look for shallower waters.

When fishing weed edges I generally cast or pitch beyond the front of the boat. This tactic allows you to fish waters that have not been stirred and avoids spooking fish. My favorite bait for these weed edges are soft plastics such as Zoom worms or if they are spawning tube baits and crawfish imitators. Cast into pockets and points of weeds and work the lure parallel to the weed edge. This will keep your bait in the strike zone longer. Use as light of bullet weight as possible that will allow the bait to sink and not hang up in the weeds.

Spinnerbaits and topwaters can also be used. Work the spinnerbait through the outside edge of the weeds\trying to maintain contact with the cover. Use the topwater in pockets and cast beyond points for ferocious strikes.

So the next time you are on the water give weed edges a shot and you might very well be surprised in what happens!

Tight Lines!

The Largemouth Herald