“This is my jerkbait. There are many like it but this one is mine. My jerkbait is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my jerkbait is useless. Without my jerkbait, I am useless… I must fire my jerkbait true…”

It’s easy to get attached to our favorite lures, favorite locations or favorite fishing patterns. So much so, that parting ways with a certain bait – or a certain lake – seems unfathomable.
We go with what we know.
If you take a look at the recent TV spot for Minn Kota Trolling Motors with iPilot & Spot Lock – what do they keep repeating?
“This is MY SPOT. I ain’t going NOWHERE.”
It’s the same with confidence baits. While they are (very) important, if we don’t break away from “the usual”, we never grow as anglers.
… so… what do you do when YOUR SPOT ain’t producing fish? What happens when YOUR CONFIDENCE BAIT gets ignored?
YOU PIVOT – because sticking with the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.

It’s time to fish something different!
I bank fish often. Love it. Usually, it’s a successful way to target largemouth bass… but lately, the bank-bite has been off.
Way off.
I’m talkin’ non-existent at my favorite lakes. We touched on setting up scouting missions when times are tough – which is exactly what I’ve been doing – fishing new, challenging water with presentations I’ve never tried before. (Some old favorites have produced as well…)
Take a look at a few recent fish and presentations that have worked. See if one of these suggestions sparks your curiosity – then get out there and give it a shot!

Heddon Zara Spook Puppy:
Tackle Direct | Amazon

Strike King Super Finesse Worm:
Amazon

Powerbait Twitchtail Minnow:
Tackle Direct | Amazon

Z-Man Finesse BulletZ:
Tackle Direct | Amazon

3″ Yum Dinger:
Tackle Direct | Amazon
How about you? Any lures or locations you’ve been experimenting with? Let me know!
It ain't rocket surgery - if you want to grow as an angler, it's never too late - but you need to push yourself. Grab something new, go somewhere strange, and start casting.
I'll be doing the same.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
Thank you Readers!
Thanks for visiting! I’m going to keep doing everything possible to keep the helpful content coming, and FREE FOR EVERYONE… but I need your help. Please chip in by making a small monthly contribution to keep this site alive & growing. $4.96 will buy a sweet Pack ‘o Dingers, and with it, I promise to catch many bass in your honor. Thanks. You are a gentleman & a scholar! -AJ
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