You know, I love to power fish, but right now it’s spring. Soon, I’ll be catching them good on a Redeye Shad, a jerk bait, and things like the Thunder Cricket. But right now, you need a really good finesse approach.
In early spring when the water is really cold, you often need a finesse approach. These are three finesse baits that I have in my back pocket that really get it done when you have cold clear water.
Strike King Ned Ocho
Strike King Bitsy Tube
Strike King KVD Lures: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/KjZ5xv
Lew’s / KVD fishing rods: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/LXZ94o
Importance of a Finesse Approach
I like a lot of different finesse baits, but I’ve learned that a few really shine. Anywhere in the country, anytime I’m faced with clear water and pressured fish, I need to generate bites when it’s tough. There are a few baits in my back pocket that really get it done.
Go-To Finesse Baits
A Ned rig is one of my go-to options. The Ned Ocho is just fantastic with its real dirty, sticky action. When it gets really tough, the Baby Z2 rigged on a Strike King Ned Head is phenomenal.
Both baits work well on the bottom, with the head making them stand upright, which makes a big difference in the number of bites you get in ultra-clear water. The Baby Z2, with its little tail, has a lot of movement, while the Ned Ocho offers a slightly bigger profile for colored water. I usually have one tied on and switch between them.
Downsizing with Bitsy Tubes
I learned a great technique from my buddy Zona. I’m a tube fisherman, and the Strike King Coffee Tube is a staple in my arsenal. However, downsizing to the Bitsy Tube on tough days in cold water can be a game changer.
It’s a subtle bait, and we’ve developed a whole line of Tour Grade Bitsy Heads specifically for these tubes. The right size hook is key, and I try to use as light a setup as possible.
However, don’t be afraid to use a heavier Bitsy Tube head in windy conditions or when you need a fast fall to trigger bites.
Preferred Gear Setup
I like to fish these baits on my GS4 KVD spinning rod, a 7’2″ medium-light action rod. I’ve paired it with the Custom Lite 200 series reel, which has been phenomenal for me. I use either straight fluorocarbon or braid with a fluorocarbon leader, typically six or eight-pound test.
The braid is eight-pound test for cutability, and I use a six or eight-pound fluorocarbon leader. Fishing these baits slowly, wherever the fish are set up, is key. The Ned action, with the bait standing up, is dynamite on certain days, while the Bitsy Tube is incredible when the fish are focused on crawfish.
Color Selection and Technique
Natural colors tend to shine with these baits. I prefer green pumpkin, Arkansas Shiner, and something with a little chartreuse. Natural colors blend like a chameleon with the surroundings. Around green grass, I might use more of a watermelon tint. In sandy areas, light melon purple is a favorite up here in Michigan.
These baits and techniques work across the country, from Florida to Tennessee, Missouri, and out west. If you get them around the fish, they can’t help but bite.
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