I've been struggling a lot lately and saw the video BR has about detecting strikes. Glenn stated to use a Splitshot rig all day and it'll help you learn what they feel like. Not only am I doing this to learn, but I want a day of numbers. I've probably caught 10 bass all year...in Texas....I need help.... I also watched the BR video on the Splitshot rig. Just need some more info.

 

My favorite lake is Lake Arlington in Fort Worth, TX which is a solid bass lake. I want to try this Splitshot rig this coming weekend. It has consistent hard bottom with islands and plenty of coves and pockets. The depths range from 30' to 2'. I will be fishing from a kayak so accessing the creeks is not a problem. Should I focus on the shallows all day like Glenn said, or should I go to the 10'-15' range of even deeper if I don't get any bites? 

 

Reason I ask is because this past Sunday I went and fished a T-rig craw ALL DAY with only 1 14" bass and a catfish. Any input would be appreciated, thanks guys!

I'd rather fish at the depth where the fish are. On structure of course.

 

Also, look up the slip-shot rig. No pinching of split shots or swivels between you and the hook. (Rod tip-> Mojo weight -> Bead -> Bobber stop -> Hook)

What tackle to you plan to use?

Tom

What tackle to you plan to use?

Tom

I have a small selection of rod/reels. But a 7' MH baitcaster with 50# braid and a 14# flouro or 20# mono leader. 5o work hook, and idk about the work yet. I will probably go with 3/8oz split shot or cylinder mojo weight. Maybe heavier depending on wind.

Split shot, slip shot or finesse C-rig are normally thought of as light tackle rigs for spinning tackle or casting tackle with 6-10 line.

Your tackle is better suited for a C-rig.

You an use what you have if you go down to 10 lb FC leader about 24" long, use a 3/8 oz mojo style weight with a bead, 3/0 off set hook. This rig works good using 4" GYCB twin tail Hula grub on the off set hooked or a 7" trick style straight tail worm. You need to slow down instead of using a heavier weight. 3/8 oz weight in the wind works good down to about 20' depths, with your tackle.

Find a point and fish it uphill, down hill, parallel or on the sides. Points are great to learn how the bass are relating to the structure, then look for similar structure/ depths. You also drift and drag this rig with your kayak, when you know the right depth.

Good luck.

Tom

Split shot, slip shot or finesse C-rig are normally thought of as light tackle rigs for spinning tackle or casting tackle with 6-10 line.

Your tackle is better suited for a C-rig.

You an use what you have if you go down to 10 lb FC leader about 24" long, use a 3/8 oz mojo style weight with a bead, 3/0 off set hook. This rig works good using 4" GYCB twin tail Hula grub on the off set hooked or a 7" trick style straight tail worm. You need to slow down instead of using a heavier weight. 3/8 oz weight in the wind works good down to about 20' depths, with your tackle.

Find a point and fish it uphill, down hill, parallel or on the sides. Points are great to learn how the bass are relating to the structure, then look for similar structure/ depths.

Good luck.

Tom

I have a spinning setup, but its an ugly stick GX2 6'6" MED rod and has zero backbone. I'm hoping to upgrade soon to a nicer rod I can also use for dropshotting.

I have a spinning setup, but its an ugly stick GX2 6'6" MED rod and has zero backbone. I'm hoping to upgrade soon to a nicer rod I can also use for dropshotting.

You can that spinning outfit, use a 1/8 oz mojo weight, bead, Carolina Keeper and size 1 Owner #5133 hook with 4 1/2" to 5" finesse worms. Adjust the distance between the keeper and hook, about 18" for 6'6" rod is good.

The slip shot gives you better feel of the worm than a fixed split shot and the bass doesn't detect the weight as easy.

Tom