For all the lures in the tacklebox, nothing tempts a wary trophy largemouth quite like a lively baitfish. A frisky golden shiner or minnow, presented naturally, is deadly on big, cautious fish and on cold-water bass that will not chase, and it is one of the surest ways to put a beginner or a kid onto a bass.
Why it works
A live baitfish gives off exactly the movement, flash and vibration a bass expects from real prey, no lure imitates the real thing perfectly. Big bass that have grown cautious, and lethargic fish in cold water, will often take a struggling live shiner when they ignore everything artificial.
How to rig and fish it
- Under a float: a shiner set beneath a bobber, at the depth of the fish, is simple and deadly around weed edges and coves. The float signals the take and keeps the bait in the zone.
- Freelined: a lightly hooked shiner with little or no weight, cast to cover and allowed to swim naturally, tempts the wariest fish.
- Hook it to swim: hook the bait through the lips or just behind the dorsal so it stays lively and natural.
Tip Keep your bait lively and let the fish eat. A fresh, struggling shiner out-fishes a tired one every time, and when a bass takes a big bait, give it a moment to turn the bait before you set.
Gear
A medium spinning outfit with a Daiwa reel and a float or a light freeline rig is all you need. Match your hook to the size of the shiner, and keep bait cool and aerated to stay frisky.