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 Fishin’ Ledges With My Secret Weapon
By Tim Mason, Bass Guide
Used with permission from tennesseebassguides.com
June 2006
Fishing big spinnerbaits on points, ledges and humps isn’t a big secret, but it’s a technique that very few bass fishermen use. I think it boils down to knowledge or maybe “lack of knowledge” on what to use. My goal by writing this article is to give you some tips that will help you understand what works for me and give you some new ammunition to use on your next trip to the lake. There are a ton of factors associated with fishing ledges correctly with a spinnerbait such as: (1) the spinnerbait itself, (2) correct blades, (3) the right rod, (4) reel ratio, (5) line size, and (6) bait colors for Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
My Choice In Spinnerbaits?
 This is going to be easy. My first on only choice in Spinnerbaits is the Secret Weapon Spinnerbait! Why? Here’s several reason why. First: Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits move and sound different in the water in my opinion than any other Spinnerbaits that I have ever fished. Second: Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits has attracted more Smallmouth and Largemouth than any other Spinnerbait that I have ever fished. Third: Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits hook and land more fish. This doesn’t happen by accident! If you will look closely the first thing you will notice is that there are no swivels, but rather free-floating in-line blades that track perfectly and reduce roll-over on rapid retrieves. Fourth: Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits are meticulously manufactured with a beautiful powder coated, chip resistant minnow profile head that slips through the vegetation and brush. Another benefit with this head design is that it will dislodge much easier than cone shaped or rounded heads. When you combine this with the Ultra Point Extra Long Mustad hooks, the heavy gauge stainless steel wire frames and the top quality silicone skirts you have an unbeatable bait. Fifth: This just maybe the most critical for me! I love to use the Secret Weapon Spinnerbait as a “drop bait.” The reason why is because the body remains horizontal on the fall and not one but (get this) all blades helicopter freely all the way down. Sixth: Take a look at the picture above and notice that the line tie is directly in line with the hook point. What this means is that you get solid hookups compared to spinnerbaits with higher line ties. It doesn’t matter if I’m fishing pea gravel, riprap, grass, humps, ledges, daytime or night, Secret Weapon is the Michael Jordan of all spinnerbaits. What a fantastic tool!
Let’s talk about Spinnerbait colors, rods, reels and line sizes. My favorite colors on Barkley and Kentucky Lakes are Threadfin Shad, Blue Herring, Blue Avenger, Baby Bass, Bleeding Minnow, Chartreuse with blue/back, Citrus Shad, Chartreuse & White, Green Sunfish, and Tennessee Shad. I also use a 7-inch Prowler Paddle Tail Worm as a trailer on my Spinnerbaits.
Rod, reel, and Line
Line sizes vary from 10- to 15-pound test, and I always use P-Line CXX Low-Vis green. Reel gear ratio also varies from 4.3:1 to 5.5:1 to 6.3:1. Reel speed almost entirely is dependent upon water clarity and vibration of the Spinnerbait.
My favorite Spinnerbait rod hands down is the All Pro Rods APX 7-foot Medium Heavy (APX7MCA). This is the most sensitive rod that I have ever used.
Technique
On Barkley and Kentucky Lakes I love to “slow-roll” a Secret Weapon. This technique can be very effective when used correctly! When slow rolling you must be feeling the thump or vibration of the blades. This is why using a All Pro APX is so important. I like using this technique when the water temperature is below 60 degrees or when crawling the Spinnerbait near or on the bottom. It’s also very effective when using a Colorado blade at night or fishing for suspended fish. For those just learning to slow roll Spinnerbaits it’s much better to start with a 4.3.1 or a 5.5.1 gear ratio reel. This will allow you to feel the thump and vibration with a single Colorado blade. Slow-rolling tends to keep the bait in contact with cover provided you’re not over real deep water. I look at 5 to 15 feet as the perfect depth to slow-roll.
Whether you’re slow rollin’; or fishing the Secret Weapon on a fast retrieve, twitch the rod occasionally to change the lure speed, vibration, and flare in the skirt. This encourages bass to hit; it triggers the reaction instinct in them. In warm, clear water and for suspended fish I crank the Secret Weapon faster, once again looking for that reaction bite. I love using a 9/16- to 13/16-ounce bait with single or double willowleaf blades when the fish are on the bottom. Kentucky Lake Smallmouth often hold above cover or suspend off points, bars and humps. In a river system like Barkley Lake, bass will hold tight to cover and you will want to work the Secret Weapon slower to draw strikes.
Ledges are key bass holding structure that produce almost year around. The fish may shift vertically on ledges depending on the season, water temperatures, water generation, water clarity, location of bait fish and time of day. That’s when being patient and using a Secret Weapon Spinnerbait as a search tool becomes so important.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you’re a tournament angler or an occasional weekend fisherman — when you’re on the water you want something tugging on the end of your line. Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits will give you an edge to make that happen. These baits are available all across the country in sporting good stores and bait shops. Pick one up I know you will be as impressed as I am. Always take a friend and kids fishing. Be safe, snatch hard, and God Bless. You can contact me through www.tennesseebassguides.com or at 270-305-9118.
For more great tips and techniques, go to TennesseeBassGuides.com
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