Just wondering what are some of the best wake baits ya'll use and some of the best techniques ya'll use with them. I've never fished one and was interested in getting one and trying it out. Do you use them like a buzzbait or stop and go?
Thanks
Chad
Just wondering what are some of the best wake baits ya'll use and some of the best techniques ya'll use with them. I've never fished one and was interested in getting one and trying it out. Do you use them like a buzzbait or stop and go?
Thanks
Chad
Wake baits are awesome! As far as I'm concerned, there are two you will need: 1) the 7" AC Minnow made by Optimum Baits, and 2) the 3:16 Wake Jr. The AC Minnow is a great bait which makes a KILLER "clacking" sound as the two wooden body halves come together during the retrieve. For some reason, it drives fish nuts and they just clobber it. It's also relatively affordable at ~ $25. Change out the stock hooks to 1/0 Owner or Gamakatsu trebles, and make sure you have some 2"-3" Big Hammer paddletail swimbaits on hand to use as spare tails; you'll see what I mean when you get the bait.
As good as the AC Minnow is, the Wake Jr. is better. Although it's an injection molded bait, it too has a unique "clacking" sound upon retrieve, and the tail-high, struggling action is almost irresistable. No need to change anything on this bait, just take it out of the box and go fishin'. The only drawback to the Wake Jr. is the price - figure on ~ $90 for this one.
As for techniques, wakebaits are deadly from spring through fall. Anytime I see water temps. above 60, you can usually coax a wakebait strike, but post-spawn, summer and fall can be awesome. I like to work the bait parallel to steep walls, along points, and especially along deeper channel banks where pre- and post-spawn fish tend to congregate. I'll often slow crawl the bait right down the middle of deeper channels on clear water lakes - the spotted bass will just crush these baits!
As for tackle, I use a 7'6" MH BPS Crankin' Stick, a 5.1:1 ratio Quantum PT reel, and 50# Power Pro braid. Just crawl the bait slowly and steadily with maybe an occasional pause, but don't force the bait under the surface - it really seems to kill the effectiveness of the bait.
Good luck!
RR_20
I also use the AC Minnow and 3:16 Wake. I really like the 3:16 wake junior in Baby Bass pattern which is a little smaller and a little less expensive. Can't tell you how many vicious strikes I've had on these baits. Another good one is the 7" Slammer. I like to fish any of these over submerged weed beds or along tule banks. I've never had good luck with them in deep spotted bass impoundments but I know guys do well on them. For me Clear lake and the Delta both scream for wake baits from now until mid-Fall. They aren't cheap but hey you only need one and you should never lose it with braid or 20 lb mono.
NoCAL
2004TR-21X/2015 250 ProXS
2B112175
I like a jointed thunderstick or a 3.5 jointed Rick Clunn.
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