In this video, Skeet Reese explains a jig and minnow approach for targeting prespawn bass around structure. Instead of relying on forward-facing sonar, Reese adapts that style into a casting presentation. As a result, he covers water efficiently while keeping the bait in the strike zone.
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Targeting Structure and Shade
Reese focuses on shade first. He consistently targets the shaded side of trees, docks, and isolated cover with a jig and minnow. Fish position there for security, especially in clear water. Reese lines up each cast to hit the darker side of the structure. Reese also looks for subtle cover that sits just under the surface. In many cases, only the tip of a brush pile or tree is visible. Even so, those small targets hold quality fish. Working the jig and minnow high in the water column and moving it over the top of the cover, Reese keeps the presentation visible and natural.
Why the Jig and Minnow Works
Larger swimbaits often draw follows in clear water, yet they fail to trigger bites. Reese adjusts by downsizing to a jig and minnow profile. The smaller presentation matches what fish expect to see, so it produces more committed strikes. Reese retrieves it steadily while adding subtle twitches. This combination creates a natural swimming action without overworking the bait. At the same time, it allows Reese to fish faster while maintaining control of depth and speed.
Pattern Takeaway
This jig and minnow pattern shows how effective the presentation can be without forward-facing sonar. Rather than tracking individual fish, Reese uses the jig and minnow to target likely holding areas like treetops, brush, and dock shade. By keeping the bait high and moving, Reese turns a sonar-driven technique into a simple casting approach. That adjustment allows anglers to cover water and still trigger suspended prespawn bass.
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