Finding bass in large grass flats can be challenging, but modern sonar technology makes it much easier to find hidden sweet spots. Wired2fish contributor Scott Walsh shows how he uses side imaging sonar to locate rock patches in thick grass beds — a proven bass magnet. He then takes to the bow armed with a crankbait to target bass relating to these patches of rock. Here’s his process:
FINDING OVERLOOKED HARD SPOTS IN GRASS
Walsh starts by scanning grass flats using side imaging and 360 sonar to find boulders and rocky patches. He explains how these isolated rock spots, though small, hold concentrations of bass drawn by abundant crawfish and bluegills. One essential tip he shares is to scan these areas early in the year while the grass is at its thinest.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER – Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging Transducer – Ultrex: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BASS BOAT – Skeeter FXR21 Pro: Check out at Skeeter Boats
HOW TO FISH CRANKBAITS ON ROCK PATCHES
Once Walsh identifies the rock patches, it’s time to fish them effectively. While a Texas rig seems the obvious choice, a tight wobbling flat-sided crankbait fishes the cleanest and triggers the most bites. The tight action of the Rapala OG Deep Tiny cuts through the intermixed grass while maintaining contact with the bottom. With his boat on Spot-Lock and aligned with the structure, Walsh uses his 360 Imaging to make accurate casts to the biggest boulders and cleanest hard spots.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
- CRANKBAIT – Rapala OG Deep Tiny 7: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- CRANKBAIT – Rapala OG Tiny 4: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- HOOK – VMC 7547 Hybrid Treble Hook, size 5: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – G. Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait Casting Rods, 6’6” Medium – Moderate Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Shimano Calcutta Conquest 100A (CTCNQ100HGA): Check out at Shimano
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 12-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLIERS – Rapala Stainless Steel Fishermans Pliers, 6.5”: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
ROD SETUP FOR CRANKING ROCKS IN GRASS
Walsh prefers a slow gear-ratio reel spooled with 12-pound fluorocarbon to maintain a consistent speed and running depth when crankbait fishing. He explains that bass typically strike after the crankbait deflects off a rock or when making bottom contact. While some anglers prefer glass rods, Walsh argues that a moderate taper graphite stick provides better sensitivity, allowing you to feel subtle bites and bottom composition more effectively.
Throughout the video, Walsh demonstrates how targeting hard spots in grass flats with the proper technique and equipment produces consistent catches. Whether you’re fishing northern natural lakes or southern reservoirs, these sonar and crankbaits tips have a time and place in your arsenal.
