(Editor's note: The following is the latest installment in a series of fishing tips presented by The Bass University. Check back each Friday for a new tip.)
BPT pro Brent Ehrler learned to fish in California and has the pedigree in finesse techniques to prove it. “Early on, growing up in California, the splitshot was the deal,” he said. “We don’t even do that anymore. In fact, I probably haven’t thrown a splitshot in 20 years, (since) when the dropshot came out.”
He inadvertently discovered that latter technique in a U.S. Open on Lake Mead, and he’s known as one of the experts int eh field, even though he considers himself to be remarkably versatile. Nevertheless, he’s well aware of how, why and where the dropshot works. One thing that he generally doesn’t talk about is power-shotting – a technique that took his Mead experiences and applied them to waters like the California Delta and Clare Lake.
It involves baitcasting tackle – a medium or medium-heavy stick, but it needs to be light to prevent forearm fatigue. He uses two: A 7’3” Daiwa Tatula Elite medium-heavy multi-purpose, as well as a 7’ Tatula Elite Finesse rod. He likes the latter because it has AGS (“Air Guide System”) carbon fiber guides, which are especially lightweight. He also uses two different reels for the same reasons, a Daiwa Tatula Elite or a Tatula SV, which is slightly lighter. He spools them up with straight 14- to 15-pound Sunline Sniper fluorocarbon. He doesn’t like a braid-to-fluoro combo and said that any lighter line reduces abrasion resistance.
Fortunately, you don’t have to set the hook hard with this technique because a super-sharp Gamakatsu G Finesse Hybrid Worm Hook penetrates easily. He pairs it with a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce Ark Tungsten skinny weight, which comes through cover best. He typically uses a 12- to 15-inch leader, which allows the bait max action.
Ehrler generally utilizes two different worms. The first is a 6- or 7-inch Roboworm straight tail. “Pick your color. Doesn’t matter. Whatever color you prefer.” He also likes the Yamamoto/Daiwa Neko Straight, which is fairly heavy due to the salt inside. “It’s going to fall kind of like a Senko.” No matter which soft plastic wiggler you choose, make sure that it’s rigged perfectly straight.
Once you have the right tackle, start picking apart shallow cover. He hits the corners of floating docks, but until he develops a pattern he’ll hit every piling on a pole dock. “Ladders are always a good thing to pitch around,” he added. The technique is good around the edges of grass, and in any openings, and also around fallen trees. “You can fish it right into the center of the laydown,” he explained. Cypress trees are also a preferred target, and that rig with the skinny weight is often a better choice than a traditional Texas rig or jig because you can shake it repeatedly and keep it in the same place.
Ehrler’s strategy is to keep the rod tip up and shake it, while maintaining a substantial amount of slack. Sometimes he’ll stop and let it flutter down, and then repeat the process. Just figure out what the fish want on that particular day.
If you want to learn more of the veteran pro’s power-shotting tips, including a demonstration of how to properly place your worm on a finesse hook for maximum action, and remedies for annoying line twist, check out his full video, available only by subscribing to The Bass University TV.
