Catching Bass and Walleye is not that difficult and there are several types of baits that will produce fish, but the method and bait you decide on using can make a big difference in the strike and fight. So if you want to experience the best striking action continue reading!
Most Aggressive Bass Strikes
There are several types of baits one could use for catching Largemouth Bass and some of those baits will produce more fish than others. But are you after quantity, quality, or just good hard hitting action?
I prefer the sensation of seeing and feeling the Bass Strike, which limits me to top-water baits that require a continuous retrieval. Baits such as the Frog, Jitterbug, & Buzz Bait are just a few that fit this requirement. Next you will need to trial a few of these baits to see which one produces the greatest strike action. What I mean is a strike that not only is aggressive on the hit, but one that feels like someone just jerked your arm off. Let me put it like this; no matter how prepared you are for the upcoming strike, the hit is so fast and hard that you’re always caught off guard.
I have found the best top-water bait for producing the hardest strike is the Bass Buzz Bait (yellow/orange). Why, the line is always tight and the retrieval is moderately fast, so the fish is attacking a moving bait. And since the line is taunt majority of the hitting force is absorbed by your arm, which is an awesome feeling.
Modifying The Buzz Bait
I was going through a lot of Buzz Baits and even wrote the company about it. They were kind enough to send me a few replacements, but it still did not fix the problem. The issue with Buzz Baits is they have a weak point at each bend in the metal rod, especially when catching bait jerking Smallmouths. So I have made the following modifications; I first tie monofilament around the end where you attach a swivel, then I epoxy (5 min epoxy) both that monofilament and the skirt (both sides). These modifications help with the following; The distance from the propeller & hook are fixed (no more separation, no more breaking or flying apart after two Smallmouths), easier to get the bait to surface and ride on the surface during the retrieval, and the skirt will last a lot longer.
Most Aggressive Walleye Strike
Again, first ask yourself what are you after, quantity, quality, or a good solid arm wrenching strike? For me it’s the hard hitting arm pounding hit, so I use the 200 and 300 Bandit Crankbaits. The Walleyes seem to hit these on the run and what your rod can not absorb your arm surely will.
As with the Bass Buzz Bait the crankbaits are retrieved moderately fast so there is little to no slack allowing the strike to be absorbed by the rod and your arm, which again is an awesome feeling. Of course the amount of force that is transferred to your body will vary depending on the line you’re using and the action of your rod tip.
Cleaning Walleye & Bass
When it comes to cleaning Bass and Walleye I use the same method as with Crappie and Bluegills, Filleting. The only differences are; you will want to take out the bones that connect the fillets to the top edge of the ribs and remove the cheek meat on the Walleyes as shown in the video.
Cooking Walleye & Bass
There are two methods I like to use for cooking Walleye & Bass. The only difference between these two methods is part D, which can be skipped.
A. Clean the fillets in cold water (no bones)
B. Place fillets on a paper towel and let air dry for 1 hour
C. Season fillets with Garlic and Blackened Pepper (both sides)
D. Shake in Flour with Lawyer’s salt
E. Place in fry pan and cook with oil