If you get the right day, it’s not uncommon for post-spawn bass to fill the shallows in less than a foot of water! Will Stanley shows how to use hollow body frogs through shallow emergent cover during the early summer post-spawn season. June is a prime month for this frogging tactic throughout northern natural lakes where the bass are actively feeding in the shallows. Stanley shares pointers on navigating his boat through the thick habitat and gear preferences for extracting bass from the thick stuff.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- FROG – Zoom Hollow Body Frog, Black: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – ARK Essence Series Casting Rod, 7’6″ Heavy Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – ARK Gravity 5 Casting Reel, 8.1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid, 40-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITIONS
Mastering the art of bass fishing requires understanding the conditions. Stanley begins his adventure under the high sun, a perfect time for post-spawn bass fishing. The bass, still recovering and hungry after spawning, are found in surprisingly shallow areas. Given the shallow depth and thick cover, a hollow body frog fished is the best choice for targeting these fish. Stanley focuses his efforts around high-percentage areas such as grass edges, transitions between weed types, and openings in the cover.
TACTICS FOR SUCCESS
Success in bass fishing, particularly in skinny water, requires patience and precision. These bass are notoriously spooky, so it’s essential to fish stealthily as you navigate through the shallows. Stanley adjusts for the shallows by jacking up his trolling motor and outboard to reduce noise while employing shallow water anchors to pin down in productive areas. Long casts are also essential for reaching undisturbed fish.
GEAR AND TECHNIQUE
A rod 7 feet, 6 inches or longer paired with a high-speed reel and braid support bomb casts while having the speed and power for extracting bass from dense vegetation. A hollow body frog is the best frog lure in conditions like this due to its weedless design and easy casting. Stanley prefers a walking frog, which is ideal for fishing fast or slowing down and working in place to draw bass to the bait. Interestingly, in this situation, he prefers a smaller diameter line to slice through the thick cover.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- BOAT – Skeeter ZX150 Bass Boat: Check out at Skeeter
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex 52″ 24V 80 lb: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Minn Kota Talon 10′ Bluetooth Anchor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
