So say the experts, anyway. They point out that the bass are migrating back to summertime habitat, following the same pathways they used when moving up shallow to spawn. The only difference, though, as they explain, is that the fish are looking for bream and other sources of forage to feed on to renew lost body weight due to reproduction.
There are several styles and models of wake baits available. Each one seems to be built a bit different. One thing they all have in common, however, is the signature V-wake made on the surface when retrieved.
According to outdoor writer, photographer, and professional fishing guide Brad Wiegmann, "A V-wake on the surface during postspawn is a dinner bell for bass, because it imitates a fleeing shad or bluegill. Of course, a bass has to be able to see the V-wake that shad or bluegill make, so water clarity is vital. Too much wind also has negative results, since it's impossible for a wake bait to make a V-wake during such conditions.
"Some of the best locations are obvious," continues Wiegmann. "Secondary points and main-lake points always will be productive. These locations offer open and deep-water access, with a constant supply of roaming schools of forage to feed on. Big underwater boulders and rocky areas also will hold large schools of suspending bass.
"Less obvious locations are the next best place to fish a wake bait. Laydowns often are overlooked, but bass will suspend next to the trunk or tip of the branches, depending on water clarity and time of day. The best way to fish a laydown is to cast up near shore by the tree root and reel back parallel to the trunk.
"The shady side of boat docks on shallow lakes are another great spot to catch postspawn bass. Again, it's a great ambush point, while offering a hiding place. Also, stumps in 8-to-12 feet of water will have suspending postspawn bass around them.
"If you want to know when to start fishing a wake bait, just look at the beds. When the bass start spawning, or you see a lot of empty beds, you should be casting a wake bait.
"Picking the right wake bait depends on the conditions you are facing. Overall, one of the best wake baits for all species of fish is the Cotton Cordell RedFin. It's renowned for being able to make a wake, without requiring any modification to the bill or hooks.
"RedFins come in several sizes, as well as a jointed model. The latter makes more noise and has more action than the one-piece model.
"The Bomber 15A also is renowned for catching largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass during the postspawn. It's well-known that, by flattening the lip of this bait, the lure's action becomes more erratic and irresistible to bass.
"Other productive wake baits include the Jackall Mikey Jr., Ima Roumba, and Deps Buzzjet. Handcrafted balsa wood wake baits is another option if you can find them available anywhere.
"No matter which wake bait you fish, it should be tied on with a loop knot, which will keep the front end of the bait from digging in and diving deeper. The loop knot also lets the lure have more freedom to swim back and forth.
"Having the right tackle is crucial when fishing a wake bait. Spinning tackle is perfect, because it increases the casting distance for lightweight lures. The angle of the fishing rod is upright, and you can put on plenty of monofilament fishing line that sinks slowly."
Incidentally, Wiegmann also points out that "postspawn isn't the only time fish will hit a wake bait. During the fall, once the water temperature drops below 65 degrees, the wake-bait bite will be on again. Further, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass aren't the only fish willing to bite a wake bait. Stripers, hybrids, white bass, and other game fish also will hit them while being reeled across the surface," he concludes.
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