UNIQUE GEAR FOR BASS – November/December 2021

BASS FISHING is not just a sport. It’s an art. Largemouth bass can be extremely abundant in a lake and yet a highly-skilled angler can fish all day without getting a bite.

It is because these fish are extremely sensitive to fishing pressure, barometric pressure and other conditions in their environment. And while we can’t do anything about weather, we can work around the human pressure issue.

Ever wonder why a new style of lure or type of rigging is all of a sudden red hot around the country?

It’s because occasionally anglers tap into something the bass have not seen yet and it gives enough of an edge to make a splash in the fishing world. We have found a brand that does just that. Matzuo America has its origins in Japan where the artistic side of bass fishing collides with the practical to create some special tackle offerings. We have discovered some unique lures and riggings that could change the game for bass fishing along with some great and affordable rod and reel combos and line.

Honshu Rig

Are you looking for a way to rig your soft plastics that most Texas bass have not seen? Are standard rigs for bass positioned near the bottom not getting it done.

This could be the solution.

The Matzuo Honshu rig is a technical rigging tool built to position a plastic just off the bottom. The Honshu features a unique clacker system that is completely new to the market. These rigs are pre-weighted out of the package and come in ¼, ½ and full one-ounce weights and are available with either a 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 or 4/0 – EWG hook.

This rig allows you to hop, crawl, drag or even slow troll and with the addition of the clacker bead you can not only cue in on the bass’s visual predatory instincts but draw reaction strikes to sound as well. They are an excellent alternative to drop shot rigs and jigs.

Honshu rigs are especially deadly whenever bass are positioned near the bottom.  Depending on what plastic you pair the Honshu Rig with – you can drag, hop, or slowly retrieve your rig by any hungry fish, and they will surely find it hard to resist!

Rig this with a crawfish or creature bait pattern and hold on tight!

Ned Style Rigs

These ready-to-cast-out-of-the-package finesse rigs are good for everything from largemouth and smallmouth to crappie. They come weedless and are excellent for fishing hydrilla-infested lakes where some of Texas’ biggest bass dwell.

These come in a four pack and the worms are three inches long and are easy to fish. Simply cast, let sink and work back to the boat.

Kroaker Frog

Who doesn’t like frog fishing?

There may not be a more exciting style of bass fishing than chunk a frog imitation over pads and thick grass. The Kroaker Frog features a unique cupped mouth that spots a large plume of water when popped.

It also features multi-strand legs and a dual weedless black nickel Matzuo hook.

Doragon Minnow

This one definitely falls into the category of art meeting performance fishing. This swimbait has a five section body with four joints for super realistic swimming action. The finish is stunning and is as lifelike as anything on the market.

The lure swims with impressive action and swims at rest giving anglers the option of a “swim and sink” action which is especially effective when you can see wary trophy bass following the lure but not quite committing.

Doragon by the way means “dragon” in Japanese and while these lures don’t spit fire, they will certainly entice monster-sized bass on lakes like O.H. Ivie, Fork and Sam Rayburn.

Ikari

Lipless crankbaits are standard edition bass fishing gear across Texas, but you probably haven’t seen one quite like the Ikari. Coming with super ornate designs with colors like Fire Craw, Giz Shad, Green Craw, Red Craw, Rusty Craw and Chrome Blue, their shape is a little different than anything else out there.

The lure has loud, resonating steel rattles to draw those reaction strikes, slowly sinks in parallel wobbling motion and is balanced for great action at all retrieve speeds.

Nano Crank

Whether you’re seeking slab crappie or trying to get a big largemouth to bite when the barometer is high and the bite is tough, this is a unique choice.

This lure floats at rest and is great for working those shallow to mid-depths.

And think about it. How many other anglers have worked a crankbait this size through the area?

That alone makes it worth a try.

Red Series Light Finesse Spinning Combos

Sometimes anglers have to go small to catch big bass. It’s called finesse fishing and Calcuttaoutdoors.com has some affordable options in the rod and reel department.

The Matzuo Red Series Light Finesse combos come in two actions: the 5’, 5’6”, and 6‘ ultralight and the 6’6” and 7 foot light action.

These combos feature a premium, five ball bearing graphite reel that it’s paired with a high quality, high modulus IM6 rod that’s thin enough and light enough to feel the most sensitive of bites but at the same time strong enough with enough backbone to fight your larger fish. 

Matzuo Braided Line

This braided line comes with superior strength in low-vis green and floats at rest. 

It comes in 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 65-pound options.

Since braid has no stretch it is crucial for helping anglers feel soft bites and also powering lunker largemouth out of heavy grass and cover.

Bass fishermen take their time on the water seriously. And for those who want to try something a little different and maybe start the new lure or technique trend in Texas, Matzuo has the goods.

Check out all of this great fishing gear at calcuttaoutdoors.com.

 

—TF&G STAFF REPORT

 

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