Dustin Connell has a well-earned reputation as an expert offshore angler but is equally adept at sniffing out big bites on shallow flats in the springtime. In this video, he shares expert insights into pitching Texas-rigged soft plastics for bass around the spawn. The CrushCity Bronco Bug proves the perfect lure for sniffing out bass on submerged stumps. Discover his strategies for making the perfect cast, selecting the right gear, and understanding bass behavior during spawning season.
FEATURED PRODUCTS (retail links)
- BAIT – Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug, color – Black/Blue Flake: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – VMC Tungsten Flippin Weight, 3/8-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Hybrid Wide Gap Hook, 4/0: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BOBBER STOP – VMC Sinker Stop: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Favorite Fishing Pro Series Casting , 7’3″ Heavy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel, 8.1:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon Line, 20-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES FOR PITCHING STUMPS
FINDING PRIME SPOTS
Connell emphasizes the importance of identifying submerged stumps on flats—key areas where bass tend to spawn or stage. While he does use his graph to locate stumps, the naked eye can be just as effective when sniffing aroudn the shallows. The key is to move slowly and deliberately to avoid spooking fish. Connell recommends slowing down your approach when bass are spawning. His method involves accurate pitching to likely bass-holding cover and working the bait longer to increase the chances of getting bit.
READING SPAWNING BASS
Observing how bass interact with the bait can provide crucial clues. Connell notes that aggressive strikes often indicate active feeding, while more subtle takes may suggest a more cautious approach is necessary. Success when bed fishing for bass is all about reading their mood and choosing the right baits. Connell’s content focuses on a more aggressive approach to target big females.
ADAPTING TO CONDITIONS
Connell adjusts his tactics based on water clarity and temperature. He stresses the importance of adapting the retrieval speed and the bait’s action to match the prevailing conditions.
PITCHING PLASTIC AND ROD SETUP
Connell prefers using a bigger, more aggressive plastic when pitching for spawning bass. Perhaps an imposing bait represents a more significant threat. Whatever the case, the Bronco Bug’s size and unique action move water and give off flash. Also, its unique swimming action makes it effective when covering water on the cast. Connell prefers a 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy fast-action rod with an 8.3:1 gear ratio reel and 20-pound fluorocarbon. This setup offers the precision and control needed for horsing big bass clear from heavy cover.
BOAT SETUP & OTHER
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDER – Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR – Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOAT – Triton 21 TRX: Check out at Triton Boats
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury
- HITCH – B&W Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount: Check out at B&W
- SWEATSHIRT – Rapala Hooded Sweatshirt – Grey: Buy at Rapala
- HAT – CrushCity Small Patch Hat: Buy at Rapala
- TACKLE BOX – Rapala RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
