As anglers, we’re usually optimistic that bass will be going gangbusters. More typically, we have to grind it out for a handful of good bites. Rapala’s Dan Quinn has such a day and shares his system for pitching soft plastics into bushes and laydowns using the Tokyo Rig.
FEATURED TACKLE
- HOOK – VMC Tokyo Rig, 4/0
- WEIGHT – VMC Tungsten Slider Weight, 3/8-ounce
- PLASTIC – 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Tail Invader
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound
- ROD – 13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod, 7’3″ MH
- REEL – 13 Fishing Inception Casting Reel, 8.1:1
- SPINNERBAIT – Terminator Pro Series Spinnerbait, Double Colorado
Spring is known for rapid shifts in water temperature, and a fast warmup isn’t always ideal. Dan explains how an 8-degree water temp increase in just two days shut down his spinnerbait bite. His solution was to slow down by fishing prime laydowns and bushes on banks leading into spawning pockets.
While many pitching setups with work, Quinn prefers a Tokyo Rig and thin plastic around hard cover for its easy-in, easy-out attributes. He recommends fishing the outside first, then making a few pitches into the heart of the cover. Negative bass will often position on the bottom in the thickest portion of the cover. Quinn shares his go-to rod setup and why he prefers straight fluorocarbon in this scenario.
OTHER GEAR
- SHIRT – Rapala Core Long Sleeve, Royal Blue
- HAT – VMC Trucker Cap Black Red White Mesh
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade
- BOAT – Ranger Boats Z520C Comanche
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS Outboard Motor, 250hp
