from Fish the Moment on 8/11/2023

Fishing enthusiasts know that the late summer and early fall present unique opportunities to catch big offshore bass. In this exploration, we delve into the expert techniques and strategies employed by Jonny from “Fish the Moment.” Focusing on offshore wood structures, including brush piles, lay down logs, standing timber, and offshore stumps, Jonny reveals how to play the odds, understand fish behavior, and choose the right equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting your fishing journey, these insights provide a comprehensive guide to enhance your success in catching bass during this transitional season. Join us as we break down Jonny’s methodical approach, complete with links to the specific gear he recommends.

Introduction

• Seasonal Focus: Late summer and early fall across the Southern Lakes.
• Target Structure: Offshore wood, including brush piles, lay down logs, standing timber, and offshore stumps.

Why Offshore Wood?

• Depth Variability: Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 2 feet of water to suspended fish in standing timber as deep as 40 to 80 feet.
• Bluegill Connection: Proximity to bluegill beds, which spawn through September, provides a food source.
• Shad Connection: Bass ambush shad during their migration from the main lake back into the creeks.
• Dual Forage Opportunity: Offshore wood allows bass to ambush both bluegill and shad in the same areas.

Challenges and Strategy

• Isolated Fish: Often find isolated fish or small wolf packs of 3-5 fish using a particular piece of wood.
• Odds Game: Bite odds vary depending on the type of wood; 1 out of 10 to 15 for general wood, 20 to 30 for standing timber.
• Type of Wood: Different types of wood may have different odds; bigger brush piles may have better odds.

Practical Approach

• Finding Brush Piles: Using side scan to mark brush quickly; not focusing on down Imaging or 2D sonar.
• Types of Brush Piles: Christmas trees (bushier) vs. oaks/maples (branchier); fish may prefer one type over another.
• Playing the Odds: Making 2-5 casts per area with baits like Shaky Head, jig, swimbait; it’s an odds game, sometimes needing to run 30-40 brush piles to catch enough.
• Deep Water Flipping: Thinking of offshore brush piles as deep water flipping; likened to flipping a shallow laydown.

On the Water

• Positioning: Lining up on the brush pile using front and back graphs, heading arrow, range rings, and live scope.
• Baits and Techniques:
• Three-quarter ounce football jig with Kamikaze craw (Big Bite Baits).
• Big 10-inch worm (Big Bite Baits B2 10 and a half inch Plum Apple) with a 5 offset Gamakatsu worm hook, eighth ounce Denali tungsten slip Sinker, pegged with a peg.
• Casting Strategy: Making 2-5 casts per brush pile, fishing each for no more than 3-4 minutes.
• Observations:
• Fish may fire at different times; timing is crucial.
• Fish may be closer to the boat (40-50 feet away).
• Positioning the boat into the wind to drift away from the brush pile after catching a fish.
• Re-fishing Areas: Refishing the same areas; timing and cloud cover may affect fish behavior.

Equipment Mentioned

• Big Worm Setup:
• Big Bite Baits B2 Worm 10″ Plum Apple: Link
• Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend Worm Hook 5/0: Link
• Denali Kovert Tungsten Flipping Weight 3/8oz: Link
• Denali Lithium Pro Casting Rod 7’4″ Heavy Worm Jig: Link
• Abu Garcia Max X Casting Reel: Link
• Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon 18lb: Link

Conclusion

• Summary: Emphasizes the importance of playing the odds, timing, and persistence.
• Encouragement: Encourages viewers to try the techniques and baits mentioned, even if it means refishing the same areas or fishing during non-peak hours (noon to 4 o’clock).

Jonny’s approach to bass fishing with offshore wood is methodical and based on understanding the behavior of the fish, the type of wood, and the timing. His techniques and insights provide a comprehensive guide for anglers looking to improve their success in catching bass during the late summer and early fall.