Finesse tactics have become increasingly essential in the last several years due to heightened fishing pressure and technological advancements. In this video, Bryan Schmitt discusses his top finesse bass baits and techniques that have proven effective across various fishing scenarios nationwide.
WACKY AND NEKO RIGS
Schmitt emphasizes the versatility of the wacky and Neko rig presentations. He notes that inserting a nail weight into a Missile Baits “The 48” worm enhances its fluttering action on the fall. He prefers using a light wire wacky hook for this setup, ideal for light line applications and skipping under docks or into shaded areas.
FEATURED PRODUCT
WACKY/NEKO RIG PRODUCT
- PLASTIC – Missile Baits “The 48”: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Hayabusa WRM962WG Special Wacky Wire Guard, 1/0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Fitzgerald Bryan Schmitt Series The Neko Rod, 7’1″ Med Hvy Spinning: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
DROP SHOT TECHNIQUE
The drop shot rig is another essential in Schmitt’s finesse arsenal. He usually rigs his worms with a 12- to 18-inch leader and a 1/4-ounce tungsten drop shot sinker. Schmitt highlights the importance of using a light wire offset worm hook, which penetrates easily without a forceful hookset. This setup is particularly effective for triggering bass in deeper waters or when subtle presentations are required.
DROP SHOT PRODUCT
- PLASTIC – Missile Baits Magic Worm: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – Reins TG drop shot Sinker Slim Round Eye, 1/4-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Hayabusa WRM957 Offset Shank Hook, 3/0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Fitzgerald Vursa Series Spinning Rod, 7’2” Medium Heavy – Moderate Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
FINESSE SWIM JIG
Schmitt utilizes a finesse swim jig paired with a subtle swimbait trailer to cover water while maintaining a finesse approach. This combination mimics small baitfish and is effective when you quickly fish shallow water areas.
SWIM JIG
- JIG – Hayabusa Lil’ Schmitty Swim Jig: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- PLASTIC – Missile Baits Shockwave Swimbait: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Fitzgerald Fishing Bryan Schmitt Series Casting Rod, 7’1” Medium Heavy – Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Fitzgerald VLD 10 Casting Reel, 7.2:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
FINESSE CRANKBAIT
Schmitt also recommends a small flat-sided crankbait such as the SPRO Little John MD 50, a compact crankbait with a tight wobble, ideal for deflecting off cover such as rocks and laydowns. He prefers fishing these baits using a shorter and moderate taper rod paired for enhanced casting accuracy and hook-to-land ratio.
FINESSE CRANKBAIT PRODUCT
- CRANKBAIT – SPRO John Crews Little John MD 50 Crankbait: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Fitzgerald Fishing Bryan Thrift Series Casting Rod, 6’6” Medium Heavy – Moderate Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
You’ll be able to quickly adapt to the conditions and trigger bass by incorporating these mixed finesse techniques and baits into your fishing repertoire.
