For pro bass angler Britt Myers, ledge fishing is getting out on the edge of the old river or creek channel and covering water until you find fish. We met him on Lake Guntersville for a rundown on locating offshore bass using electronics and a simple drop shot rig worm setup around high-percentage spots.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- ROD – Duckett Micro Magic Pro Spinning Rod 7′ Med Lt
- REEL – Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel (VFC3000XGF)
- LINE (mainline) – Sufix 832 Braided Line Hi-Vis Yellow, 10-pound
- LINE (leader) – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon Line Leader, 10-pound
- PLASTIC – Roboworm Straight Tail Worm
- WEIGHT – Tear Drop tungsten drop shot weight
- HOOK – Drop shot hook, size 1 or 1/0
ELECTRONICS SETUP
- FISH FINDERS – Garmin 93sv UHD U.S. LakeVu g3 GT-56
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LiveScope Plus System (GLS10 & LVS34)
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor
Unlike many pro bass anglers, Myers prefers offshore fishing over targeting bass down a bank. The first step to finding fish is using mapping to locate subtle areas of difference along these extended ledges (drop-offs). Myers focuses his efforts on dips and points — these areas disrupt the current flow and tend to stack up baitfish and bass.
Identify several of these areas and then start running a milk run. Myers often bypasses power fishing techniques and jumps straight to finesse with the drop shot rig. These key areas are usually small and targeted, so he can fish them fast with a finesse setup, which appeals to fish of all moods.
Forward-facing sonar has become a huge plus for determining if there’s fish on the spot. Use it to locate the edge of the ledge and eelgrass beds, followed by accurate casts to fish and prime cover. A longer rod provides greater casting distance, while a Texas-rigged drop shot worm fished on a short dropper comes through the grass without snagging.
