A Tip For Deadsticking Fans.

When most people think of bass fishing they think of an angler on the front of the boat with the trolling motor wide open, making cast after cast after, chunking and cranking, covering as much water as possible, quickly. For the most part, this image is dead on accurate. However there are times when shutting the trolling motor off and moving at a snails pace can produce the best results. If you're like me, you appreciate these times most of all.

There are many ways to fish a bait once you have slowed down to a snails pace however one of my favorites is to Deadstick. It's definitely one the most relaxing methods, that's for sure. I am guessing most Bassholes know what Deadsticking is. Just in case there is a Basshole out there who doesn't, deadsticking is simply casting your bait to the most bassy looking spot you can see and then letting it sit. Whether you let it sit for 30 seconds or for 5 minutes, this is Deadsticking. It may sound boring but you can really catch some massive fish this way.

When deadsticking, the ability to line watch is paramount! You may never feel the fish pick up your bait, but if you pay carefull attention you will almost always see the fish pick up the bait by watching the line. Of course in most situations your line will sink if you let it sit still long enough, especially a lot of these new super lines.

I learned a very simple trick years ago when I was kid that helps prevent this and allows you to see your line much better.

Next time you are at the store, pick up a jar of petroleum jelly. Grab the rod you will be using for deadsticking and head out to your front yard. Make a cast as far as you can. Before you reel it in, place your index finger and thumb into the petroleum jelly (not the index finger and thumb on your reeling hand, use the opposite hand) As you reel in your line, pinch it between your thumb and index finger so that the line gets a coating of the jelly as you reel it in. Re-dip your finger and thumb as need be, however dont get it caked on. You just want it coated nicely.

For those who may be wondering will the jelly's smell turn the fish off? In the 25+ years I have been using this method I have never noticed any fish being turned off by natural petroleum jelly. If you are concerned though, when applying the jelly to the line, stop running the line through your fingers when you get within 5 to 10 feet of the hook.

Now when you cast your line when on the water, you will notice the line will float nice and high in the water and much more of it will stay afloat. This is because the jelly has sealed the line keeping your line from absorbing water and because the petroleum jelly naturally floats on top of water.

Now when a fish hits, you will have 80% of line on the surface to detect hits by rather than just a few feet near the area your line enters the water. Pick ups that you normally may miss will now be easily seen as they are telegraphed through your line on the surface.

If you haven't tried this out, give it a shot and let me know how you do.

Tattered Thumbs n Bigguns, Jared