In this video, Dan Quinn explores a relatively new bass fishing method, targeting fish in the open water basin of a lake using a jig and minnow (plastic) lure. Using the “Shake n Bake” approach, Quinn uses a lighter jig head paired with a CrushCity Freeloader, a straight tail minnow-imitating plastic.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- JIG – VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC – Rapala CrushCity Freeloader, color – Gizzard Shad: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Spinning Rod, 7’1” Medium – Extra Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – 13 Fishing Axum Spinning Reel, 2.0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braided mainline) – Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid Fishing Line, Neon Lime 6-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (fluoro leader) – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon Leader, 12-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
*Additional product links at the bottom.
The fish in this area are pelagic, roaming the middle of the lake in pursuit of baitfish like bluegills, crappies, and minnows. Quinn compares this technique to Jacob Wheeler’s win on Lake Gunnersville, applying forward-facing sonar technology to locate and target open water largemouth bass. By adjusting his presentation to keep the lure in the strike zone, he can trigger bites from fish that might otherwise go unnoticed.
USING THE RIGHT GEAR FOR SUCCESS
Quinn emphasizes the importance of the right gear in this technique. He uses a medium-action spinning rod with a 6-pound braid to a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. This setup allows precise control over the bait’s movement, keeping it hovering just above the fish. He notes that a heavier jig head would reduce the subtle rocking action that makes the Shake n Bake technique so effective. The flat sides of the bait enhance this movement, creating a tantalizing presentation that fish find hard to resist.
THE POWER OF FORWARD-FACING SONAR
Throughout the video, Quinn highlights how forward-facing sonar has revolutionized how anglers approach bass fishing. By tracking fish movements in open water, anglers can now focus on previously overlooked areas. This technology has opened up new possibilities for targeting largemouth bass in deeper waters, expanding the applications of this tactic beyond what was practical just a few years ago.
BOAT SETUP & MISC.
- BOAT – Ranger Z520R: Check out at Ranger
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
- FISH FINDER – Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Lowrance Ghost Freshwater Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
