Dustin Connell has a well-earned reputation as an expert offshore angler but is equally adept at sniffing out big bites on shallow flats in the springtime. In this video, he shares expert insights into pitching Texas-rigged soft plastics for bass around the spawn. The CrushCity Bronco Bug proves the perfect lure for sniffing out bass on submerged stumps. Discover his strategies for making the perfect cast, selecting the right gear, and understanding bass behavior during spawning season.
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TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES FOR PITCHING STUMPS
FINDING PRIME SPOTS
Connell emphasizes the importance of identifying submerged stumps on flats—key areas where bass tend to spawn or stage. While he does use his graph to locate stumps, the naked eye can be just as effective when sniffing aroudn the shallows. The key is to move slowly and deliberately to avoid spooking fish. Connell recommends slowing down your approach when bass are spawning. His method involves accurate pitching to likely bass-holding cover and working the bait longer to increase the chances of getting bit.
READING SPAWNING BASS
Observing how bass interact with the bait can provide crucial clues. Connell notes that aggressive strikes often indicate active feeding, while more subtle takes may suggest a more cautious approach is necessary. Success when bed fishing for bass is all about reading their mood and choosing the right baits. Connell’s content focuses on a more aggressive approach to target big females.
ADAPTING TO CONDITIONS
Connell adjusts his tactics based on water clarity and temperature. He stresses the importance of adapting the retrieval speed and the bait’s action to match the prevailing conditions.
PITCHING PLASTIC AND ROD SETUP
Connell prefers using a bigger, more aggressive plastic when pitching for spawning bass. Perhaps an imposing bait represents a more significant threat. Whatever the case, the Bronco Bug’s size and unique action move water and give off flash. Also, its unique swimming action makes it effective when covering water on the cast. Connell prefers a 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy fast-action rod with an 8.3:1 gear ratio reel and 20-pound fluorocarbon. This setup offers the precision and control needed for horsing big bass clear from heavy cover.
BOAT SETUP & OTHER
Kobie Koenig
Kobie has been interning at Wired2fish for several years and they were eager to scoop him up full-time as soon as he graduated college. Fishing for his high school team and then Bemidji State, Kobie got a solid foundation in bass fishing tournaments that helped him win the Minnesota BASS State Federation Championship this summer. He’s a heck of a good stick with a great eye for capturing captivating shots while telling a compelling story.
