When to Use Reaction Baits vs. Slowing Down for Bass

Start the Day with Reaction Baits

When Josh first hits the water, he almost always begins with a reaction bait because they help you learn where the bass are located. Early in the day, bass are usually actively feeding, making it the perfect time to cover water and trigger aggressive strikes. The key is to choose a reaction bait that you’re confident in whether it’s a spinnerbait, jerkbait, or a bladed jig like the Chatterbait. 

• For open water, Josh chooses the Shimano World Minnow jerkbait because it’s a great bait for covering water and triggering bites from bass that are actively chasing.

• For shallow water with thick vegetation, the choice is Z-Man Chatterbait because it excels in grass, creating vibration and flash that bass can easily track.

The goal during this phase of fishing is simple: move water and find fish. Josh likes to spend most mornings covering water and learning how bass are positioned on the lake. He takes note of key details like:

• Vegetation vs. open areas

• Brush piles or offshore structure

• Boat docks and shoreline cover

• Water clarity

• Water temperature

• Potential spawning areas

Once You Find Fish, Slow Down

After you start getting bites and begin to understand the pattern, it’s time to slow down. This is when finesse presentations and slower-moving baits are his go-to. Slowing down allows you to work an area more thoroughly and catch fish that didn’t react to the faster presentation.

A go-to option for him is the Z-Man Bang StickZ stick bait with a small weight. It’s incredibly versatile and can be flipped, pitched, or skipped around cover. When slowing down, Josh focuses on small targets like holes in grass mats, pockets in lily pads, and edges of vegetation where bass often sit waiting to ambush prey.

When Conditions Force You to Slow Down

Sometimes slowing down isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. A cold front, heavy fishing pressure, or changing weather can make bass much less aggressive. When that happens, reaction baits may not offer the results you want. Instead, slowing down and carefully picking apart heavy cover or small pockets of water can make all the difference. Rather than searching for aggressive fish, you’re focusing on presenting your bait precisely where bass are holding.

Josh’s Simple Strategy for Finding Bass

Here’s a summary of when Josh chooses to use a reaction bait or slows down:

1. Start fast. Throw reaction baits and cover water to find active fish. 

2. Analyze the conditions. Look for vegetation, structure, and water clarity changes. 

3. Slow down once you find them. Use finesse or slower baits to pick apart productive areas.

4. Adjust if conditions change. Tough weather or cold fronts may require a slower presentation.

By starting fast and slowing down once you locate fish, you can maximize your time on the water and turn a few bites into a successful day. Next time you’re out fishing, try this approach. Cover water early, find where the bass are holding, and then slow down to make the most of every opportunity. If you have other questions about specific fishing strategies or techniques, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Fishing Expert.