Targeting trophy bass often requires thinking beyond conventional lure choices. While traditional bass lures remain effective, adapting techniques from saltwater fishing has proven to be a game-changer. Here’s a look at how oversized topwater stickbaits, commonly used for Giant Trevally, can entice some of the biggest bass in pressured waters.
Giant Trevally Lures for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Giant Trevally (GT) are aggressive predators found in tropical oceans, often exceeding 100 pounds. The topwater stickbaits designed for these fish create an unmatched surface disturbance, making them irresistible to predatory species. When scaled down slightly and applied to freshwater bass fishing, these lures present an action and profile that bass rarely encounter, leading to increased strike potential.
Stickbait Strategies for Bass Fishing
Stickbaits, though similar in shape to traditional walk-the-dog lures, offer a broader range of motion. Instead of only producing a left-to-right zigzag, these lures can be manipulated for erratic movements, slow rolls, or aggressive sweeps that mimic struggling baitfish. Watching saltwater anglers work these lures for GTs provides insight into alternative retrieve styles that can be applied in bass fishing.
Selecting the Right Stickbait
Among the many available options, the Cast Fishing OG Stickbait has delivered exceptional results. Constructed with balsa wood, this lure maintains a natural buoyancy that allows for more dynamic surface movement. Unlike resin-based lures, balsa provides a lively action that triggers reaction strikes. While it is more fragile than synthetic materials, a through-wire construction ensures durability against hard-hitting fish.
Choosing the Best Colors
Bass respond well to natural baitfish imitations, making color selection a key factor. The Big Bass Dreams Spotted Bass pattern, modeled after Lake Lanier’s spotted bass, has proven highly effective. Additionally, the Big Bass Dreams Smelt color mimics various forage species, including shad, herring, and ciscos. Other productive choices include herring, bone, and black pearl from the Cast Fishing lineup.
Size Matters: When to Upsize Stickbaits
Retailers often stock 20- to 30-gram versions of these lures, but larger sizes, including 40-, 60-, 75-, 90-, and even 120-gram models, can be highly effective. In regions where 6-pound bass are considered giants, the 40- and 60-gram sizes excel. However, when targeting trophy bass exceeding 10 pounds, the larger models help eliminate smaller fish and focus on true giants.
Retrieve Techniques for Maximum Effectiveness
One of the greatest advantages of the OG stickbait is its versatility. A series of sharp rod twitches combined with slack line produces an aggressive side-to-side action. This is particularly useful around isolated cover where big bass often lurk. Long-distance casts allow for fast retrievals to locate aggressive fish, while extended pauses can trigger reaction bites from wary bass.
For anglers fishing deep, open-water structures where pelagic bass roam, stickbaits can serve as search baits. By incorporating exaggerated sweeps similar to saltwater retrieves, these lures create a unique bubble trail and water disturbance that bass aren’t conditioned to. This can be especially useful in clear-water lakes where visual appeal plays a significant role in triggering strikes.
Key Tackle Considerations
- Line: Defiant Smooth Casting Braid offers a thinner diameter for longer casts and smoother performance. A 55- to 23.6-pound leader is ideal for smaller stickbaits, while the 60- to 120-gram sizes pair well with an 80-pound braid and 35-pound leader. A short fluorocarbon leader prevents line fouling and maintains a natural presentation.
- Reel: A high-speed reel (7:1 to 8:1 gear ratio) is recommended for rapid retrieves. A 200-size reel works well for smaller stickbaits, while a 300-size is preferred for larger models.
- Rod: A longer rod (7’6” to 7’11”) with a moderate to soft taper provides better casting distance and control. Crankbait rods often work well for this application.
For those looking to elevate their bass fishing game, incorporating saltwater-style stickbaits can be a game-changing strategy. This unconventional approach has proven highly effective on pressured fisheries like Lake Lanier in Georgia and Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. Starting with a 20- or 30-gram model is a great way to explore this method, but for those truly aiming for trophy bass, upsizing to 60-gram and beyond can lead to incredible results.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
