Written by: Account Manager, Kade Gewanter
From outdoors to fishing, Darby Communications collaborates with brands in a handful of key industries. As avid participants, consumers, and industry professionals, we’ve developed plenty of opinions…some of which are worth sharing. Our new Hot Take series hands our blog over to a Darby Comm team member where they share their opinions on industry-related topics with our readers.
To kick it off, we’ve tapped our agency’s fishing enthusiast, Account Manager Kade Gewanter, to wax poetic on the next frontier of bass fishing. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the ins and out of bass fishing, read on.
Bass Fishing Will Change Forever
I possess plenty of shortcomings, and two such shortcomings are the subject of this article: fishing for suspended bass and slow-pitch jigging. In my defense, I’m infamous for avoiding activities I’m bad at, offering a slim chance for improvement. The only thing worse than putting pen to paper to detail an embarrassing shortcoming is doubling down on it and writing about two.
I divulge this information to suggest my qualifications are on shaky ground for what I’m about to clairvoyantly predict: the bass fishing world will turn on its head in two years thanks to advancements in slow-pitch jigging and forward-facing sonar. There’s a meaningful correlation between slow-pitch jigging and fishing for suspended bass, and these techniques are ripe for freshwater adoption. You heard it hear first.
Slow-Pitch Has Led to Micro-Jigging Techniques
For those unfamiliar, slow-pitch jigging is a saltwater technique made popular and proven deadly by the great Benny Ortiz. Slow-pitch jigging requires specialized tackle systems and hinges on center-weighted jigs utilizing a fluttering action as they fall through the water column, triggering strikes from pelagic game fish. Presentation is key as anglers work towards perfectly imitating a struggling baitfish by fluttering a sinking jig via a slight upward flick followed by a subtle de-load of rod tension, setting the jig back down. All while trying to maintain a completely vertical presentation.
Iterations of slow-pitch jigging have led to the development of the micro-jigging technique. Micro-jigging is effective in much shallower water over reefs and hard bottoms. In most instances, large boats are unnecessary as the technique can be used in a variety of inshore environments. The tackle is similar to slow-pitch but requires even lighter gear and is therefore available to anglers of all ages regardless of physical strength. The technique is also more forgiving, as anglers can get away with a less-than-vertical presentation.
My Prediction Qualifications
Let’s discuss my slow-pitch jigging qualifications: almost none. Once, I embarrassingly experimented with slow-pitch jigging to extend a haddock fishing trip. Shy one keeper with plenty of day left, I pried my slimy hands out of the clam bucket, tied on a new jig, and sent it down with a rod possessing the same action as a pool cue. On the rail, veteran slow-pitch anglers inquisitively looked on as my bastardized Gjigging system embodied my potent mix of inexperience and awkward enthusiasm. I gave up after an hour, adding a final keeper and a few nice hake to my tote by mindlessly drowning clam strips.
I grew up idolizing Andy Morgan…the universe knew I was bound to be a junk fisherman. Ten rods with ten different baits strewn across the boat deck, beating the bank at a maniacal pace, my perfect day on the water.
As an avid bass angler, I seek out docks, laydowns, pads, mats, weed lines, points, bluffs, stumps, fingers, and rip rap, clearly missing an eye (and skillset) for deep fish-holding structures. Patience is not a virtue of mine, so the idea of staying still, picking apart a complex ledge system or a visual school is…nauseating. On days when shallow efforts aren’t cutting it, I begrudgingly make a halfhearted pilgrimage offshore in hopes I’ll get lucky.
Suspended Bass, Forward-Facing Sonar, & Micro-Jigging
Suspended fish are the final frontier of bass fishing. Fish suspend for a variety of reasons, including stress from high levels of angling pressure, pelagic baitfish species schooling up at the end of lake points and central basins, or even disruptive weather patterns. Catching these fish can be tricky, requiring anglers to keep a bait in the strike zone long enough to entice strikes.
Once challenging to target, in today’s angling climate, locating suspended fish is easier than ever. Forward-facing sonar allows anglers to observe what is happening in front of their boats in real time. A true game-changer.
While the use of traditional jigging spoons and large flutter spoons for offshore bass is nothing new (especially in Southeastern reservoirs), the adoption of micro-jigging techniques in shallower water will open up new opportunities for hardcore bass anglers.
The slow fall and flutter of a micro jig can maximize the time spent in a fish’s strike zone. In most cases, suspended fish tend to be in a neutral or non-feeding mood, so the longer a bait can be in its sights, the better. Due to the small size and weight of a micro-jig, this nonintrusive, finesse tactic is perfect for cold water periods. With the help of forward-facing sonar, anglers can move from suspended school to school, picking off the most aggressive fish, then slowing down to develop the right cadence to trigger the more weary fish.
Gear List To Get Started
Ready to become a true fishing pioneer? Below is an introduction to the gear you will need to master the micro-jigging technique.
Rod: It starts with the right rod and presentation. Slow-pitch rods are lightweight and possess an action that loads with a turn of the reel. These rods are designed to minimize physical tax on anglers as they work a jig effectively for hours. Treat yourself to a Game Type Slow J series model from Shimano.
Reel: The reel is the workhorse of any slow-pitch tackle system. Compact lever star-drag conventional reels allow anglers to handle big fish arriving from deep water. High-cranking power and smooth drag systems are mandatory as the reel provides the strength to get the fish boat side. A great option is the Ocea Jigger. It comes packed with features that ensure a comfortable fishing experience.
Line: Technology advancements in rods and reels have propelled the slow-pitch jigging technique to new heights. However, the advancements in thinner diameter, low-stretch braided line is just as important. Micro-jigging is only effective if anglers are able to maintain a presentation as close to vertical as possible. Braid options like Maxcuatro are excellent as they are extremely thin and cut down on the surface area that current and wind can push against.
Jigs: Micro jigs tend to range in weight from 10g-60g and come in a variety of colors and slightly differing shapes. You can expect these jigs to come with a gentle “keel” to their design which causes the erratic swoops, spirals, and flutter as it falls through the water column.
Darby Comm team members possess plenty of opinions developed from a mixture of professional experience, industry knowledge, and passionate hobby participation. Interested in learning more about our professional ‘Hot Takes’? Reach out, and let’s talk! We’re always willing to share.