What to use?

[jig fisherman]

On one of the lakes I go to small bluegills and sometimes tiny stripers feed on the top in 15+ of water. But to catch the bass that are no doubt below them I don't know what to use. This lake is in the mountains and the water temp is about 75 when this happens. The lake also has good populations of smallmouth and largemouth. So does anybody have an idea on what I should try?

[BassinID]

Have you tried throwing a deep diving jerkbait such as an x-rap deep or deep down husky jerk? I would assume that the bass are feeding on the wounded shad that are trying to swim away.

[jig fisherman]

no, its just bluegills eating little bugs or something on the surface.

[BassinID]

oh, are you concerned with getting your presentation past them or are they irrelevant?

[jig fisherman]

I just want to catch the bass that are below them. I know tha tthey are there because I have seen them roll up on bluegills and we caught a small bass while fishing for the bluegill.

[BassinID]

There's a good chance that they are feeding on the smaller bluegill, try a rapala dt-6 in bluegill or a similar style crank, just go slow and if that doesn't work throw in some pauses.

[keithdog]

I'd try a deep diving crankbait like a Norman DD22 or a Deep Liitle N. Or as bassin said, a deep diving X Rap which will suspend once you get it down there. Another option would be a carolina rig. Also, you could try working a worm or creature bait t rigged with a 1/2 oz tungstin weight to get it down fast and keep it there. You could try a jig, say 1/2 or 3/4 oz with a trailer like a Strike King Rage Chunk and try swimming it in deeper water. One lure that works very well in deeper water for me if you can find one is a 1/4 oz. black maribue jig with a 6 inch lizard for a trailer. Cast it out in deeper water and simply crawl it along the bottom with occational hops.

[B-I-G]

Try a Bandit 100 or 200 in Chrome Bluegill color

[bamabassman]

this is covered, good choices guys.

[carolina-rig-01]

also don't rule out throwing a fluke and letting it slowly sink while giving it some light twitches, it would immitate a dying bait fish.

[zooker]

Originally Posted by keithdog

I'd try a deep diving crankbait like a Norman DD22 or a Deep Liitle N.

too deep you will be fishing under them..

Originally Posted by B-I-G

Try a Bandit 100 or 200 in Chrome Bluegill color

the 100 is a poor choice as you'll be to shallow and into the brim..

the bait in this case that makes the most sense is a similar sized lipless bait. 1/4 once if the brim are dinky 1/2 once if they are hand size.. count it down 5 seconds and make 5 cast then try 6 seconds and make 5 more. keep at it till ya hit the sweet spot-and catch a bass- then wear them out..

zooker

[B-I-G]

Thanks for the correction zooker

[S4il]

What about using a rattle trap in bluegill pattern, and letting it flutter down under the school, and than ripping it every 5-8 seconds, to cause a reaction strike, you said the water temp is 75, that is like bath water!, and we have all heard faster moving baits in warmer water, which i also assume the water is clear since you said its in the mountains (~faster retrieve in clear water~)

Maybe this generate a reaction strike from those bass just under the school of Gills.

[Bender]

What about using a jigging spoon for vertical jigging them. Sounds like a good situation to try it. If you have a good sonar you should be able to see it go down and jig it at whatever depth you want.

[SCJ89]

Well said zooker thats my best presentation when in comes to this senario. This happens a lot on the strip pits in my neck of the woods

[BassAddict]

Originally Posted by carolina-rig-01

also don't rule out throwing a fluke and letting it slowly sink while giving it some light twitches, it would immitate a dying bait fish.

I've had a similar situation on a small lake here in August and I catch them on a fluke or Senko. If they are busting the bluegills I've caught them on a Shad Rap... if not then throw a watermelon fluke with the tail dipped in chartruse Spike It. That will work! Good luck.

[jig fisherman]

What rattle traps do you use SCJ89 and zooker?

[Bassboss]

You could try a deep crank, worms, or heavy spinnerbait. Any thing that can get deep is good, if you use a spinnerbait, make sure to let it sink to the bottom, or close it, than start reeling it back nice and slow. I'd also try a C-rigged lizard!

[zooker]

Originally Posted by jig fisherman

What rattle traps do you use SCJ89 and zooker?

and assortment.. rapala,cotton cordell,skrike king,rat l trap, lucky craft..

each have there own lil thing.. not a single one comes thru weeds like a cotton cordell super spot..rapala and lc have the best paint.. the strike king is a great loud bait with lots of vibration. however the paint job SUCKS all of mine are repaints-by carolina chip-the ratltrap is great bait as long as you change the factory hooks...

zooker

[jig fisherman]

How about colors?

[BassinID]

If they're bluegill then bluegill color for cranks, for jigs I like green and green pumpkin with a little orange. If you have red-ear, I would go with something like a rapala dt in hot mustard or parrot, or a jig in brown/watermellon/orange or similar.

[toppwatr]

i would definetly try a subsurface lure like the rapala subwalk. it can get to the suspended fish, and i would use it in a series of slow twitches, not to fast though. the slow twitches so you can get down to the basses level.