Pro angler Matt Arey breaks down a reliable shallow pattern: pitching and flipping laydowns. The approach works year-round, especially in clear water. Arey focuses on stealth, efficiency, and thorough coverage. He stresses working from the edges to the core, then returning for a second pass. The result: more bites from pressured fish holding in gnarly cover.
Featured Product
- JIG – Homemade Flipping Jig (1/2 oz.): Shop Flipping Jigs at Bass Pro Shops
- TRAILER – Craw-Style Trailer: Shop Trailers at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Pulse Fish Slack Liner Casting Rod 7’6″ Heavy: Buy at Pulse Fish
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Baitcast Reel 8:3.1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon (17 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
Why Laydowns Produce
Laydowns create shade, current breaks, and ambush points. The bushiest ends often hold the most fish. However, bass can set up anywhere along the trunk. Therefore, treat each limb as a separate target. Moreover, revisit productive trees. A fish may chew an hour later.
Outside-In Game Plan
Start on the outside edges of the laydown. Pitch to the visible limbs first. Then, extend casts to the submerged ends that sit off the bank. After covering the perimeter, ease into the heart of the tree. Hit each lane from multiple angles. Finally, circle back and repeat key pitches. Thorough coverage turns lazy followers into eaters.
Presentation: Jig Cadence That Triggers
A compact jig shines for flipping a laydown. Hop it along the bottom to find aggressive fish. Next, drape the line over a limb and yo-yo the jig in place. Hold the bait in the thickest section longer. That pause often seals the deal. Match local forage with natural colors that suggest a crawfish.
Boat Setup
- BOAT – Ranger Z520R: Check out at Ranger
- OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Lowrance Ghost Freshwater Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
