In my neck of the woods here in Ontario, bass can be pursued using many different techniques. One of my most favorite ways to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass is using a Rattl’n Vibe or Hardcore Vibe: Both are great choices!
A baitcaster for casting the Vibe seems the most efficient way to cover water when looking for bass during the fall transition. I typically target largemouth along transitional zones between weeds and rocks, or hard to soft bottom areas. It’s also key to find greenest weeds.
After the cast is made, I will rip the bait off the bottom to blow off any weeds that might have been picked up – this move can also generate a reaction strike from the curious onlookers. Sometimes fish are instantly alerted to the presence of your bait when it splashes down during the initial cast. In general I target the deep edges of the structure. If I’m not catching fish, or they are short striking I’ll change from a straight cast and retrieve, to a yo-yo style retrieve. The lift and fall is a deadly way to get fish to commit as they fear the meal might escape.
I use the Vibe for deepwater smallies too. Long casts get the nod. The vertical drop gets their attention. Be a line watcher! At times smallmouth will swim up to intercept your bait as it falls.
I use a lift and drop retrieve almost exclusively in water as deep as thirty feet. This is where the ¾ ounce Vibe really shines. If smallmouth are bottom oriented, the Vibe kicks up the bottom and makes a big racket that they can’t resist. Often it seems that smallmouth will pin the Vibe to the bottom when it hits – when you lift up, the fish is already hooked!
As a rule of thumb, I tend to use brighter colors like Hot Tiger in dirty to stained water, and more natural patterns such as Gizzard Shad when water is clear and calm. The presentation of the Rattl’n Vibe is most often made using a baitcaster with at least a 7.1:1 retrieve ratio which is handy to pick up any slack line. Sometimes I will use spinning rods spooled up with Yo-Zuri Super Braid too, especially when the temps get cold enough to form ice on your reels.
If you’re wanting to get a little out of your comfort zone, and expand your on-the-water repertoire, give the Vibe series a try – you won’t be disappointed!