by Randy Crist
Brief Bio: Randy is a New York State licensed fishing
guide and owns/operates Chautauqua Lake Fishing Charters. He also owns/manufactures the
EZ-Cull System. Please visit his web site at hawgstomper.com/chautauqua
Please Note: I am personally fond of the Berkley Power Slug, but any soft bait similar, that you have confidence in will work just fine.
The main body of water I fish receives a great deal of tournament fishing pressure. Many fish the numerous docks on this natural lake. Most will toss a jig/pig, worms, or tubes to get at the bass. As you can imagine, they do not produce consistently after a while.
I sought out a different approach and gratefully discovered the "Power Slug". This bait has virtually zero action, just kinda sits there for a second or two, then slowly sinks to the bottom.
I am not positive why this bait is so productive but it certainly works well. And yes, this is a big fish bait. I have caught numerous bass over 4lbs using this bait.
Terminal Tackle:
Rod - medium action 6'6"
Reel - medium high speed spinning (open face)
Line - 10 -12lbs mono
Rigging:
hook - VMC offset wide gap 5/0
Using the 5/0 hook, you rig this bait very similar to a texas rigged worm. (without the weight) The back of the Power Slug is split, and this is where you want the hook to come out. Once rigged, the point of the hook will be under the spilt back of the slug, which makes it very weedless. But the hook is right there for easy penetration.
The Technique:
The technique I use is very similar to "dead sticking" By that I mean you skip the slug under a dock the let it sit, for up to two minutes at times. It is essential to watch your line for a twitch or movement from one side to the other. The beauty of this bait is that the bass will hold on to the bait for a long time.
When you first start fishing this bait I highly recommend that when you detect a bite or pick up, actually count to your self one, two three, then set the hook hard.
I would have all the confidence in the world to fish behind a line of boats fishing the same stretch of docks using this bait. Besides being a bit different of a bait, you can skip this slug very far under overhangs. I have also used this bait to fish weed beds, when the bite has been slow, with great results.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
By: Randy Crist