AJ and I are all about fishing. Personally, I love to fish no matter what is biting. AJ, on the other hand, is rather particular about what she wants to fish at different times of the year. Inevitably bass fishing tends to be a popular choice with these warmer Texas waters. Different times of the year, however, require different techniques.
One popular technique being talked about all over social media right now is deadsticking. Though it is common in several types of fishing, it has become a popular topic of conversation for modern bass fisherman. A lot of the new anglers we have been talking to have unfortunately come to the conclusion that this is a new concept. Not only do we want to clear up some of these misconceptions but we also want to help you, the newer angler, get the best advantages possible while learning your new skills.
Let’s start with what deadsticking isn’t:
As I mentioned, deadsticking isn’t a new concept. Ice fishing, crappie fishing, and cane pole fishing have been using the deadstick technique for about as long as anyone can remember. Much to many peoples surprise, it’s been common among more traditional bass anglers just as long.
Why?
Passive fishing is where humans started in the sport. A baited hook on a line waiting for a fish to bite was the best way to gain sustenance without exerting too much energy.
Active fishing, on the other hand, is truly still in its infancy of technological development. Every week new styles, concepts, and tools are being released to help the modern angler get an edge over the target fish. Deadsticking, by definition, is putting your bait in the water and keeping it still until a fish bites. This is the very opposite of the ever popular active fishing.
Why can deadsticking be your great advantage?
There are certain times of year when fish need to conserve their energy. Winter is especially significant for this discussion. In winter, fish school together in deep waters. Their heart rate decreases which reduces their demand for oxygen. Oxygen levels deplete in cold water so they have to conserve their energy for survival. With the reduced activity and energy demand, fish are going to be less interested in eating. If they believe they will have to work to eat, they’re going to skip that meal. This is where deadsticking truly becomes invaluable.
When looking for fish, look for birds. They will congregate close to where the fish are schooling and pick off their meals over time.
Where do you use the deadstick technique?
Find structure and deep water columns. Fish will huddle together for warmth. They’ll go about as deep into the water column as they can to find the water that is still holding onto that summer heat. And, when the water isn’t deep enough to hold onto that residual heat, they’ll find structure to cling onto. They’ll be more prone to holding onto stone, metal, and other hard surfaces that put off more heat than softer surfaces like wood. Plants will be another resource for the fish as they will want oxygen whenever and wherever possible.
If you don’t have a fish finder, don’t sweat it. Look at Google, topographical maps, aerial photographs, or just go look at the water with your eyes. Large structures standing out of the water will be obvious. Deep pockets will be a darker color on aerial shots. The more you fish the water you’re studying, the more you’ll find those hidden gems of structure and warm pockets. If you fish during the summer and keep track of those seemingly random locations, you’ll be able to go back to those locations in the winter and find your hidden targets.
Now you know where and when to use the deadstick technique, but how do you do it?
The whole point to deadsticking is to put a bait in the face of the fish you want to catch, make the fish think the bait is dead or dying, and your target will be unable to resist the easy meal. To accomplish this you’ll want a very sensitive, lightweight rod. I use an ultralight.
The fish at your location will determine profile size.
Depending on the fisheries you’re at, you will go for a smaller profile than normal or a larger profile than what you usually use. This determination typically requires experimenting. Keep in mind, small baits result in more bites from smaller fish while large baits produce fewer bites but the bites will come from larger fish. A general rule of thumb is to use a smaller profile when fishing a relatively small area because you’re locking into a secluded area. Larger baits will be more effective if you will be moving around frequently.
Be conscientious of your use of weights.
You should use just enough weight on the line to get the bait to the depth the fish is holding at but not so much weight that the fish feels a resistance on the line. If you’re using a hard bait, consider use something that has muted colors, and doesn’t make much if any sound. If you’re using a soft plastic you’ll want one that looks like a sick or dying bait fish, and has just a touch of action. Remember, no more activity than absolutely necessary to gain the fishes interest.
When fishing small lakes or fisheries that don’t have much depth I usually use a small swimbait (2” pearl STORM wildeye that comes with a size 6 hook or Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad) in pearl or clear coloration. If it doesn’t have a touch of red on it I’ll sometimes add a dot of red with a sharpie to imply a wound. I try to stick to 2/0 hooks for this style of fishing and prefer hooks with a corkscrew spring.
In larger lakes and near damns with deep pockets I will use a ¾-1 oz weighted jig head with a Zoom fluke in duller, local colors. The hint of color to catch my target’s attention will show on the jig head. Remember that the larger the fish you’re targeting the deeper you’ll probably have to go when temps remain low for several days.
The ultimate key to deadsticking is keeping your bait still.
No matter which size you choose to go with, keep your rod still if you’re on the water. I usually deadstick from my kayak so I hold the rod still, often bracing it against my knee, and let the water’s current move my jig. The water will cause the kayak to fluctuate naturally which gives the lure a realistic floating pattern to the fish watching it. The undercurrent will initiate the twitch in the lures tail giving your bait ample movement for the cold weather.
If you’re using a live minnow or other bait fish, your setup will basically memic the soft plastic setup. Just remember to add a swivel. Your live bait will be moving around and can cause significant line twist on the lighter weight lines you need for this style of fishing.
Different situations will demand different precautions
Most instructions you find on the internet tell you to drop the bait down, put it in a rod holder, and wait. I live in Texas and have never ice fished, so I will defer to the experts on that front. In warmer climate fisheries, such as what we have here in Texas, I find leaving my rod in a holder results in a significant number of missed baits.
Fish are not exerting energy when feeding. They take soft, slow bites that are not likely to cause a noticeable bend to your rod until they are in the process of spitting your bait out. I prefer to keep hold of my fishing rod with a finger touching the line. I’ve talked in the past about my neuropathy and how feeling the line is difficult. This was, in fact, the hardest part of finesse fishing for me to learn. I finally found a finger with enough sensory ability to allow me to feel a bite.
Patience truly is the golden rule of fishing, followed closely by an insatiable drive to experiment and learn. What I have found is that I have to feel the line and wait for the slight ping of a bite. Since I’m using small hooks, I have to use a gentle and smooth hookset to engage my target fish. Your bait is almost straight down from where you’re fishing, so you just need to lift up to set the hook. I rarely find that a sideways or angled pull is necessary with this method.
How do Kayaks fit into this equation?
This is where the true fun of deadsticking comes into play. You can deadstick from the bank if you’ve got access to structure in a shallow fishery. There are plenty of deep pockets to fish in when fishing from a boat. But what about those places others just can’t get to? A kayak gives you the freedom to go just about anywhere a fish can go.
More importantly, fishing from a kayak gives you a different vantage point when fighting a fish. You’re closer to the water which makes leverage better. You have a smaller profile than a large, clunky boat when sneaking up on schools. When you get the fish to you, there is less risk of error to boat the fish. No tall side to reach over. You’re not even going to need a net most of the time. And you can work the fish into submission while it drags you around the water. Boats are too heavy which can result in broken lines more frequently. Bank fishing doesn’t give you the ability to follow the fish at all.
With these cold, winter, months that we’re currently facing, there’s never been a better time to give deadsticking a try. Take your time, experiment with baits and gear, and catch those fish your buddies are certain went into hibernation.