3 Bizarre Freshwater Fishing Tactics That Actually Work

In my opinion, one of the biggest keys to becoming a better angler is keeping an open mind when it comes to new fishing tactics and baits. Sure, you may feel more comfortable sticking with what you know, but trying new techniques and using a variety of different baits can take your freshwater fishing skills to a whole new level. Besides, unexpected fishing opportunities can arise from time to time, so it can help if you know how to be resourceful.

Check out the below bizarre freshwater fishing tactics that actually do work!
 

1. Using a soft plastic shrimp as freshwater bait for bass. You might be more accustomed to saltwater fishing for redfish or spotted seatrout, but happen to be near a freshwater lake and only have your saltwater tackle with you. Don't worry, you can still wet a line and have a good chance at landing a largemouth bass. How? Use one of the soft plastic shrimp in your tackle box. Think about it, they sure look a lot like a craw, don't they?

2. Wacky rigging your soft plastic stick baits. I used to stick to the traditional Texas and Carolina rigs when freshwater fishing for bass… until I learned how to fish wacky-style in areas that don't have a lot of cover. All you have to do is take your hook and run it through the center of the plastic stick bait so that the ends hang free on both sides. Rigging a stickbait this way may seem a bit strange at first, but bass love the fluttering motion that's created when the two ends drift down through the water column. If you try this fishing tactic, you won't be sorry you did.

3. Using gummy worms to catch bass and catfish. We all know that worms are fantastic live freshwater fishing baits to use for catching bass and catfish, but have you ever thought about using those multi-colored worms made from gelatin and sugar as bait? Well, you just might want to try because gummy worms actually work! The trick is to use an old package of gummy worms because the firmer the gummy worms are, the easier it will be to rig them and keep them on a hook. You can rig them the same way you would a soft plastic worm or rig them like a nightcrawler underneath a bobber with a small weight.

Just don’t forget to check the state fishing regulations and make sure you have a current fishing license before trying one of these bizarre fishing tactics. If you've had some luck catching a freshwater fish using a strange technique or bait that you didn't expect to work, tell us about it by commenting on the TakeMeFishing Facebook page.

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Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.