Weeding out Largemouth

Where are all the bass hanging out in your local pond or lake right now? For many it's a no brainer-under all the weed coverage that's probably taking over your favorite fishing hole. But for some it's an overlooked jackpot that with a few changes to your tackle can be easily fished. Be prepared for some explosive top-water action!

Here's some tips:

• Use stronger line~ 8-12lb test
• Use a heavier action rod
• Pick up some weedless frogs (try matching them to your spot's species)
• Get some weedless wide-gap worm bass hooks~ 3/0-5/0 (depending on worm size)
• Make sure you have some thicker soft plastics (color really doesn't matter)

Once you've set up your rod with the heavy line, seek out good cover in you spot. Look for duck weed, lily pads, thick grass, grass mats, and logs. During the hot months bass hide under these to escape the sun. Start out by throwing your frog through all this and see if you can get a bite. Remember to set the hook hard because frogs are notoriously bad at hooking. If this fails to produce then switch over to your weedless rigged soft plastic (Senko, salamander...) and cast right into the heavy stuff.
If dragging it through the thick weeds doesn't work, then try casting a few feet past a clearing in the muck and let it sit, then slowly reel in to the opening and let it sink down. Many bass will follow the bait till the opening and then smash it.

Weedless rigged Senko worm