When it comes to increasing success on the water, few techniques match the effectiveness of using “dice” style baits. These unique lures, designed to mimic the unpredictable movement of baitfish and other forage, can entice even the most hesitant bass. This article explores key techniques for rigging, fishing, and adapting dice baits to different conditions.
What Are Dice Baits?
The popularity of “dice” style baits has surged in recent years, thanks to their success in professional fishing tournaments. One notable instance was Kyoya Fujita’s second-place finish at the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Seminole using the O.S.P. Diced Rubber. Since then, many pro anglers have won events with these lures, leading to a wide variety of dice-style baits on the market. Popular examples include the O.S.P. Dicer Rubber, RAID Japan 1Way Hybrid Dice, and the Geecrack Imo Kemushi Cue Bomb.
These baits feature a thick, square plastic body with skirt-like strands that create a unique action in the water, one that bass are often unfamiliar with.
How to Rig Dice Baits
Rigging dice-style baits allows for several methods, depending on the fishing environment and target species. Among the preferred techniques is the weedless Neko rig. For this, a nail weight is inserted into the bait’s body to speed up the fall. A 2/0 Ryugi Heavy Guard Talisman Weedless Neko Hook is typically used to make the rig weedless, making it ideal for fishing around brush and vegetation. This method works well in clear or slightly stained water, but it can also be effective in muddier conditions.
Another effective option is using dice baits on a drop shot rig. The bait is attached to a drop shot hook with a leader connected to a weight, suspending it off the bottom. This allows anglers to target fish at different depths. A shorter leader is ideal when fish are hugging the bottom, while a longer leader works best for suspended bass. This method is especially productive in open water.
Finally, rigging the bait wacky-style is another excellent approach for enticing finicky fish. The hook is inserted through the middle of the bait, leaving the hook exposed. This is an effective technique when targeting shallow structures or cruising fish. When using the bait weightless, it’s important to select a soft plastic that is dense enough to cast over long distances. A great example is the OSP Saikoro Dice Rubber Max Salt Soft Bait, which is designed with enough salt content to cast without added weight.
How to Fish Dice Baits
Mastering the fishing technique for dice baits can significantly improve success. A common method is to fish it like a traditional worm—cast it out, allow it to sink, and slowly drag it back. However, there are several subtle tactics that can enhance results.
Dead-sticking is one of the most effective techniques when fishing around pressured bass. This involves holding the bait with a tight line and allowing it to rest on the bottom. The skirt-like strands create a subtle pulsing action, even when stationary, which can draw in finicky bass.
Another method involves pulsing the bait away from fish using quick rod twitches. This mimics fleeing prey and often triggers a reaction from bass that may not otherwise commit to striking. Whether using a slow retrieve or pulsing method, dice baits are incredibly versatile and effective in many bass fishing applications.
Choosing the Right Setup
Selecting the right rod, reel, and line setup is crucial for successfully fishing dice baits. A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod between 6’6″ and 7’0″ in length offers a good balance of sensitivity and leverage. This allows for accurate casting and effective hook sets when using finesse-style presentations. A fast-action tip is preferred for better bait control and sensitivity. The 6’10” medium-action Shimano Expride B Spinning Rod is a popular choice for this style of fishing.
A reel with a 2500-sized spool is ideal for dice baits, providing sufficient line capacity and a smooth drag system. A 10-pound Power Pro Braided line paired with a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader is often recommended. The Daiwa Tatula MQ LT Spinning Reel, with its balance of size, weight, and smooth drag system, is a top pick for dice-style bait fishing.
Roll of the Dice
In conclusion, dice-style baits have proven their effectiveness across various bass fishing scenarios. These baits, similar to traditional soft plastic worms, can be used on nearly any lake. By selecting the right rigging method, mastering retrieval techniques, and using the proper gear, anglers can significantly increase their chances of landing more fish this season. Whether for weekend anglers or full-time professionals, dice baits offer an edge on the water.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
