When it comes to maximizing your success on the water, few techniques are as effective as fishing with “dice” style baits. These versatile lures, designed to mimic the unpredictable movement of baitfish and other types of forage, can entice even the most finicky bass. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of fishing with dice baits, including the best techniques for rigging, fishing, and adapting to various fishing conditions.
WHAT ARE DICE BAITS?
I first heard of “dice” style baits around a year ago. The buzz started after Kyoya Fujita got 2nd at the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Seminole on the O.S.P. Diced Rubber. Since then there have been numerous pro-level events that have been won using this technique, and numerous companies have released their own version of this popular lure.
This type of lure consists of a thick, square plastic body with numerous skirt-style strands protruding from the bait. This gives anglers a super unique action that the majority of bass aren’t used to seeing. Some popular dice style baits include the O.S.P. Dicer Rubber, RAID Japan 1Way Hybrid Dice, and the Geecrack Imo Kemushi Cue Bomb.
HOW TO RIG THE DICE
Dice-style baits offer numerous rigging options depending on your fishing scenario. I’ve tried a variety of different styles, each suited for different situations depending on cover and fish activity. Here are a few of my favorite rigging methods.
A weedless Neko rig has quickly become one of my preferred ways to rig dice baits. For this, a nail weight is inserted into the body of the bait, providing a slightly faster falling action. I then insert a 2/0 Ryugi Heavy Guard Talisman Weedless Neko Hook into the body of the bait. This creates a weedless profile that’s perfect for fishing in and around brush. typically works best in clear or slightly stained water, however I’ll use it in muddier scenarios as well.
Rigging these baits on a drop shot is another fantastic way to catch bass. Attach your dice soft plastic to a drop shot hook, leaving an extended leader connected to a weight. This allows you to keep the bait suspended off the bottom, targeting fish at whatever depth you set your weight to.
I prefer this rigging style in open water as it has an exposed hook. Casting this bait at both suspended fish and bass cruising along the bottom is a great way to catch both numbers and size on dice style baits. I tend to vary my leader length depending on how fish position themselves in the water column, using a shorter leader if the bass are on the bottom and a longer leader if fish are suspended high in the water column.
Last but certainly not least, rigging this bait wacky-style is another fantastic way to coax finicky fish into biting. Hook your dice soft plastic through the middle of the bait, leaving your hook point exposed. This is great for casting at shallow structure and cruising fish.
When throwing these baits weightless it’s important to ensure your soft plastic is heavy enough to cast. Therefore I typically rely on versions that feature a heavy salt content. One of my favorites for fishing weightless is the OSP Saikoro Dice Rubber Max Salt Soft Bait. This bait has enough salt content to allow anglers to cast it at increased distances without added weight.
HOW TO FISH THE DICE
Understanding how to fish dice baits is the next step in becoming proficient with this style of lure. I fish this bait similar to how I’d fish a traditional worm. I cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and slowly drag it back. While this may sound simple, there are several nuances that will help you become a more effective angler with this bait. The first of these includes how you present your lure.
I’ve found that the dead-sticking method is typically the most effective presentation whenever I’m fishing around pressured bass. Holding this bait with a tight line as it rests on the bottom allows it to flow naturally in the water. Even while sitting still, dice baits produce subtle action through their pulsing skirt-like strands, perfect for enticing finicky bass.
Pulsing this bait away from fish is another great way to generate some strikes. I typically use this whenever fish follow the bait but refuse to commit. This method consists of pulsing your bait away from the fish using three or four quick twitches of your rod. This imitates the fleeing motion of most prey, often causing even lethargic fish to react.
Regardless of what retrieval technique you employ, dice-style baits are effective in a wide range of bass fishing applications. Understanding where, when and how to use these subtle enhancements can be the key in generating quality bites.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETUP
Using the right rod, reel and line setup is crucial in becoming proficient with dice style baits. I typically prefer a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod between 6’6″ and 7’0″ in length. This length provides a good balance of sensitivity and leverage, allowing for accurate casts and effective hook sets on this finesse-style presentation. Look for a rod with a fast action tip, which will help with overs sensitivity and control of your bait. One of my favorite rods for throwing dice style baits is the 6’10” medium action Shimano Expride B Spinning Rod.
For a reel, I prefer one with a 2500-sized spool. This offers good line capacity and a smooth drag system essential for fishing finesse lures. I typically use 10-pound Power Pro Braided fishing line connected to a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader, therefore there’s no use for a large spool. One of my favorite reels for throwing dice style baits is the 2500 Daiwa Tatula MQ LT Spinning Reel. This real has the perfect balance of size, weight, and a smooth drag system perfect for fishing this style of lure.
ROLL OF THE DICE
In conclusion, dice-style baits are effective in a variety of different bass fishing scenarios. Similar to a soft plastic worm, this bait can be successfully fished on nearly every lake in the country. By selecting the right rigging method, mastering various retrieval techniques, and selecting the right gear, you can maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full time professional angler, dice-style baits will help you put more fish in the boat this season.
