Bass Fishing Techniques

Question: Is anyone familiar with the bass fishing technique called "sweeping"?

(Posted by: on 2011-07-22 22:53:35)

Http:/ / www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3G8XGFTxFDE You hold a buzzbait a few inches below the rod tip and buzz the water in front of brush and over weeds. The guy in the youtube video is Sweeping from a kayak, I'm wondering if I can do it from my float tube? I bought a new Fish Cat 4- LCS float tube last weekend and haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet. I'm hoping to put it in the Castaic Lagoon tomorrow and I want to try "sweeping ". There's a spot with a bunch of reeds near a place with docks that is off limits to the general public and I thought maybe if I could get close enough with one of my heavier rods, I could pick up a bass using the sweeping method there. My question is, can I use the sweeping technique from a float tube instead of a kayak? I know it looks like cheating, Charlie, but I'd like to try it anyway. Catching bass out of the Castaic Lagoon is tricky. And I like surface strikes. I'm taken btw ; ) The first area, Grand Master, near the outlet. I've picked up big crappie near those docks with my float tube, just never any bass. And I have an old 8' Bass Pro Shops Flippin' Stick that's pretty heavy and rated for 15- 30lb line that I think would work great. My b/ f is letting me use his Ambassadeur 5000C with 17lb or 20lb mono. I was not aware bass fishing was popular in the '30s.

Posted by: Grand Master Basser® on 2011-07-22, 23:28:33

The spot you're referring to, is that near the outlet by the bridge or up a ways by a gated area near a half-floating carpeted dock? Anyway, back to the question... it would possibly work from a tube, but it's probably more effective from a kayak. You'll need a longer rod, 8 to 9 feet long and about as heavy as a light action broom stick. And just as a little side note, the technique was originally called "skittering " and a long cane pole was used with a bit of stout dacron and a big salt pork frog. It was done a lot in the 1930s. It also went by the name of doodlesocking and jiggerpoling.

Posted by: Backwater Charlie on 2011-07-22, 23:04:26

Of course, it's no different. I wouldn't find it much fun though, fighting a fish that's caught literally inches from where you're sitting. P.S. -- Fisherwoman that can ride the stick fast and hard? Either one of my dreams come true, or someone playing a sick game on us. Lol..

Posted by: Jackrabbit Slim on 2011-07-23, 22:47:23

Yes, it will work in a tube. i have never tried that technique in a tube, but in my youth i fished exclusively in a tube. i caught countless bass practically right under my feet. i would be a little concerned about the mechanics though. it would be hard to gain purchase for a hookset. i am picturing it and i would think you could cruise along backwards ( i assume you are using scuba-style flippers instead of those duck feet.) and "sweep' off the side of the tube. i think it would be difficult to do in front of you. i think it would be a little tiresome at first because you would have to constantly correct your position with your feet. but after a while you would get more comfortable with it.