Bernie Schultz grew up fishing Florida’s natural, grass-filled lakes. However, grass is a bass magnet outside of Florida, as well; and Schultz has a plan to pick apart green stuff anywhere he goes. Here are his 5 favorite grass fishing baits, from top to bottom.
1. Rapala X-Rap Prop
“Anytime I’m fishing grass and the conditions are right for a topwater, my first choice is the X-Rap Prop. I’ve fished this lure extensively for more than a year now, and I can say with complete confidence it’s the best prop bait out there.
“This bait has so many things going for it. It comes with great cosmetics, and its counter-rotating props emit a unique clicking sound as they rotate. That really draws the fish. I work it slow with periodic pulls, usually two short pulls at a time, then I let it sit. Fish can’t stand that!”
2. Hildebrandt HeadBanger
“Anytime I’m dealing with large areas of vegetation, I try to make a buzzbait work. They're not always the best choice, but when they are, it’s game on.
“I like the HeadBanger because of the loud clacking sound the plated blade makes when it strikes the tin head. It’s almost as loud as a string of tin cans trailing behind a newlywed’s car. The bait runs true at warp speed, and the hollow tubular skirt traps air, which allows me to retrieve it at ultra-slow speeds. Any slower and it would be made of cork.”
3. Rapala Rippin’ Rap
“I like the Rippin’ Rap because it’s so versatile. It’s extremely effective using a straight, steady retrieve, and it’s the best lipless lure I’ve found for ripping through the tops of submerged grass. It has a very distinct rattling sound — not too loud, not too dull.
“If you’re tired of the finish peeling off of those high-dollar crankbaits, give the Rippin’ Rap a try. I’m still fishing the first one I ever got.”
4. Yamamoto Swim Senko
“This bait is deadly as a swimming worm. It has a streamlined profile with a subtle swimming action, and I'm certain that makes a difference.
“Whether I’m fishing shoreline grass, or submerged vegetation, I simply throw it out on a long cast and reel it steadily back to the boat. I recommend rigging it Texas style with the least amount of weight necessary. This lure will catch them in shallow grass when nothing else will.”
5. Yamamoto Fat Baby Craw
“This is my go-to bait anytime I’m flipping vegetation. Its compact, wide profile matches the diameter of heavy flipping weights perfectly, and it doesn’t have too many appendages that can hang up in the grass. It’s also a great trailer for grass jigs.
“My favorite colors are green-pumpkin, black-blue, and junebug. I know one of these will work, depending on the conditions or what the fish want.”
