Power Fishing
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.
Setup & Gear
| 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) |
Best Conditions
Grass edges and flats, winter and early spring, cold water, windy days, schooling fish, any time bass are chasing shad
Seasonal Tactics
spring
Early spring in grass — rip through milfoil and hydrilla as it starts to green up. Chartreuse/shad colors.
summer
Burn over deep grass tops at first light. Let it deflect off the edge at end of cast.
fall
Schooling fish near the surface — burn it or yo-yo it under the school. Chrome and shad patterns.
winter
Best season. Slow yo-yo retrieve in 6–15 feet along grass edges. Gold/red and chrome are classic.
Hank's Pro Tip
Swap treble hooks for 1/0 trebles with feathered rear hook. Adds action, improves hookup ratio on short-striking fish.
Frequently Asked
7'–7'3" medium to medium-heavy casting rod, moderate-fast action. Pair it with a 7.1:1 baitcaster, spooled with 14–17 lb fluorocarbon; braid if punching heavy grass. Use 1/2–3/4 oz (Rat-L-Trap, Strike King Red Eye Shad, Yo-Zuri Rattl'n Vibe).
Grass edges and flats, winter and early spring, cold water, windy days, schooling fish, any time bass are chasing shad
Spring: Early spring in grass — rip through milfoil and hydrilla as it starts to green up. Chartreuse/shad colors. Fall: Schooling fish near the surface — burn it or yo-yo it under the school. Chrome and shad patterns.
Swap treble hooks for 1/0 trebles with feathered rear hook. Adds action, improves hookup ratio on short-striking fish.
More Techniques
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