Lipless baits on large flats are the right situations to look for. The key to lipless baits is control, depth, and placement. Aim for water elements to hit and cause a reaction.
Remember, the bait has to hit something! A 7-foot rod with a fluoro line is a good place to start. Spend some time with KVD and learn more about fishing lipless. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, power fishing, and KVD show you how it’s done! Make more casts to increase your efficiency and odds.
This throwback 2005 footage to The Bass Pros from season one is fun to look back at and gather some great fishing advice from Kevin VanDam.
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Fishing with lipless baits is an exciting and effective technique, especially when covering large, flat water areas. These baits excel in in-depth control, water coverage, and triggering strikes when used correctly.
Below, we explore the key aspects of fishing with lipless baits, from the equipment setup to the strategies for maximizing success.
How to fish lipless crankbaits on flat water? Why Lipless Baits Are Effective
One of the standout features of lipless baits is their casting ability. These baits can be thrown a long distance, allowing anglers to cover vast stretches of water efficiently.
Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for flats, where the expansive shallow waters demand tools that can search for fish quickly.
The real magic of lipless baits, however, lies in how they interact with their environment. They are most effective when they come into contact with underwater structures like rocks, grass, or even the muddy bottom.
This deflection or disturbance is what often triggers fish to strike. Simply retrieving the bait in a straight line without any interaction won’t yield the same results.
The Right Equipment Setup
To fish lipless baits effectively, it’s critical to match your equipment to the conditions. Here’s an overview of the ideal gear:
Rod
A 7-foot glass rod is an excellent choice. This rod offers a good balance of flexibility and control, allowing you to feel the bait’s movements and its interactions with the bottom or cover.
Reel
A 5:1 gear ratio reel is ideal for fishing lipless baits, particularly when targeting deeper waters. This slower retrieve helps keep the bait down, maintaining contact with the bottom or cover.
While some anglers prefer high-speed reels, the slower gear ratio ensures the bait stays in the strike zone longer.
Line
Having a variety of line sizes rigged on different rods is crucial for controlling the bait’s depth:
- Shallow waters (up to 2 feet): Use a 20-pound test line to keep the bait higher in the water column, above grass or other shallow obstacles.
- Deeper waters: Opt for 8- or 10-pound fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon sinks help the bait stay down and maintain contact with the bottom or grass at greater depths.
Fishing Technique: Making Every Cast Count
Fishing lipless baits isn’t about simply casting and retrieving. Instead, the key to success lies in how you work the bait:
- Contact is Key: Always aim to have the bait hitting something—whether it’s rocks, grass, or the bottom. This contact creates deflections that attract fish. If the bait isn’t hitting anything, stop reeling and let it sink until it does.
- Vary the Retrieve: A steady retrieve rarely triggers strikes. Instead, vary your retrieve speed and incorporate stop-and-go movements. Allow the bait to sink periodically, mimicking natural prey movements.
- Target Depth Zones: Adjust your line size and retrieve technique to target specific depths. For example, in shallower areas, keep the bait higher by retrieving faster or using heavier lines. In deeper areas, let the bait sink and slow your retrieve to maintain bottom contact.
Choosing the Right Lipless Bait
Lipless baits come in various sizes, each suited for specific situations. While you can experiment with different weights, the half-ounce size is particularly versatile:
- Shallow to mid-depths: Use heavier lines (e.g., 20-pound test) to keep the bait higher.
- Deeper waters: Use lighter fluorocarbon lines to maximize depth and maintain contact with the bottom.
The sound and vibration of the bait, combined with its deflection off structures, are irresistible to fish. However, if the bait isn’t interacting with anything, it loses its effectiveness.
Conclusion: How to fish lipless crankbaits on flat water
Always remember: the goal is to create movement and disturbance. Whether it’s deflecting off rocks, stirring up mud, or slicing through grass, these interactions are what trigger fish to strike. Fine-tune your setup and strategy, and get ready to reel in the big ones!
