Lipless Crankbait Fishing on Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett Reservoir · Mississippi · Southeast
This large, relatively shallow impoundment of the Pearl River is characterized by vast acres of submerged vegetation, cypress trees, and countless stumps, offering diverse cover for largemouth bass. Water clarity typically ranges from stained to moderately clear, with significant current influence near the Pearl River channel.
A flat-sided, lip-less bait that sinks on a slack line and vibrates intensely on the retrieve. Versatile in depth (yo-yo it deep or burn it shallow) and highly effective in vegetation. The 'ripping' technique — letting it sink into grass then snapping it free — is one of the deadliest triggers in bass fishing.
Lipless Crankbait Setup for Ross Barnett Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium to medium-heavy casting rod, moderate-fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon; braid if punching heavy grass |
| Weight | 1/2–3/4 oz (Rat-L-Trap, Strike King Red Eye Shad, Yo-Zuri Rattl'n Vibe) |
Seasonal Tactics on Ross Barnett Reservoir
Lake: Bass migrate to shallow cypress trees and emergent hydrilla in 3-6 ft, preparing for and executing the spawn. Flipping jigs and creature baits are highly effective.
Lipless Crankbait: Early spring in grass — rip through milfoil and hydrilla as it starts to green up. Chartreuse/shad colors.
Lake: Largemouth relate to dense hydrilla mats and main lake humps in 6-12 ft, with punching and deep cranking becoming primary tactics, especially during low-light periods.
Lipless Crankbait: Burn over deep grass tops at first light. Let it deflect off the edge at end of cast.
Lake: As water temperatures drop, bass aggressively chase schooling shad in creek arms and along main lake points, often responding well to topwater and lipless crankbaits.
Lipless Crankbait: Schooling fish near the surface — burn it or yo-yo it under the school. Chrome and shad patterns.
Lake: Fish concentrate in the deeper holes of the Pearl River channel and adjacent structure in 15-25 ft, requiring slow-rolled jigging spoons or football jigs with extended pauses.
Lipless Crankbait: Best season. Slow yo-yo retrieve in 6–15 feet along grass edges. Gold/red and chrome are classic.
Best Conditions
Grass edges and flats, winter and early spring, cold water, windy days, schooling fish, any time bass are chasing shad
Swap treble hooks for 1/0 trebles with feathered rear hook. Adds action, improves hookup ratio on short-striking fish.
More Techniques for Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ready to fish Ross Barnett Reservoir?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →