What Do We Really Know About Smallmouth "Conditioning" To Bait Presentations?
Reported Declining Catch Rates In The Jackhammer and Whopper Plopper And Conditioning?
Recent conversations with some of the top anglers at various levels that target Smallmouth have really highlighted and revealed even more about declining catch rates when utilizing certain baits and reinforce the notion of what we commonly accept as “conditioning”.
Some have praised FFS-Forward Facing Sonar over the last year because it seemingly arrived in mass at the right time. Many had witnessed a decline in catches utilizing the the popular bait presentations of the last few years and FFS opened up a brand new window in terms of a return to other styles especially finesse baits.
Conditioning is the manner in which a Smallmouth or any Black Bass generally over time develops a relationship, recognition and reactionary response to specific sounds, vibrations or movements in the water column.
🐟What is “Conditioning”?
✨How will “Conditioning” impact catch rates for Smallmouth throughout the year ?
🎣What can anglers do to address “conditioning” for Smallmouth in river systems?
One of the biggest identifiers of this often comes from local and regional anglers and not really professional anglers because local anglers often times fish the same river systems monthly or even weekly and often the same stretches over time whereas the professionals are fishing for one week intervals at events and then moving on to the next event.
Understanding and recognizing this development within a fishery can have a direct impact on the catch rates being sustained. One of the things we have always stressed here is to always have a “fish different” mentality incorporated into one’s overall fishing strategy. Often times anglers especially in tournaments can all be throwing the same style baits. Maybe this is due to a previous event or fishing reports but anglers need to put time in on capturing other patterns or baits alot of times in order to differentiate themselves both with the Smallmouth but also other competitors.
There are probably no two baits on the market within the last decade that demonstrate “conditioning” more than the Jackhammer and Whopper Plopper. Both of these baits saw sales explode in the fishing industry which then resulted in countless other brands producing similar or “knock off” style baits to capture some of that market. That is just what happens today in the industry. Most of the time these baits make there way to North America via Japan whose development of quality bass catching baits is considered unrivaled in the world. But in terms of “conditioning” when it comes to the Jackhammer we must also include the rest of the“chatterbait” category and this most include the “secondary” or custom market for baits.
So lets breakdown the “Chatterbait” just so we are all on the same page in terms of this bait; how its designed and how it works as well as how it is presented to Smallmouth:
The “Chatterbait”, also known as a bladed jig, has been a versatile and effective no argument. It’s innovation from Japan then made famous in North America by ZMan Fishing combines the best elements of a jig, spinnerbait, and crankbait, making it a popular choice among anglers for its ability to attract and catch bass. The bait filled a void really in the moving bait category combining all these elements.
Design and Components
Blade: The defining feature of a Chatterbait is its hexagonal blade attached to the front of the jig head. The blade creates a distinctive vibrating action as it moves through the water. You will now see differences in blade sizes. Changing these can also alter the noise and vibration.
Jig Head: The weighted head gives the Chatterbait its sinking capability and allows it to maintain contact with the bottom or mid-water column.
Skirt: The rubber or silicone skirt adds bulk and pulsating action, mimicking the movement of baitfish or other prey.
Hook: A strong, sharp hook is embedded in the jig head, often accompanied by a trailer hook for better hook-up ratios.
Trailer: Anglers often add soft plastic trailers, such as swimbaits, craws, or flukes, to enhance the lure's action and profile size. If you are not getting bites without a trailer add on and conversely if the trailer is making your profile too big than remove it and have a go.
Performance in the Water Column
Vibration and Action:
Blade Vibration: The blade creates a rapid, side-to-side vibrating motion as the lure is retrieved. This vibration is highly attractive to bass as it mimics the erratic movements of distressed prey.
Skirt and Trailer Movement: The skirt pulsates with the lure's movement, adding lifelike action. The trailer further enhances this action by adding a realistic swimming or darting motion. The end of a soft plastic trailer will contribute also to sound whether you have a boot or a split tail the actual sound will be different.
Depth Control:
Variable Depths: The Chatterbait can be fished at various depths depending on the speed of retrieval and the weight of the jig head. It can be worked near the surface, mid-water column, or along the bottom.
Sink Rate: The weight of the total bait profile determines its sink rate. Heavier models sink faster and are suitable for deeper water, while lighter models are ideal for shallower areas.
Versatility:
Weedless Capability: The Chatterbait's design allows it to be fished through vegetation without getting snagged easily. This makes it effective in areas with heavy cover where bass are often found.
Speed Variations: It can be retrieved at various speeds to match the activity level of the bass. Slow retrieves produce a subtle vibration, while faster retrieves create a more aggressive action. We call this “cadence” much like with a Jerkbait for Smallies.
Techniques for Fishing with a Chatterbait
Steady Retrieve:
Method: Cast the Chatterbait and reel it in steadily. This method keeps the lure in a consistent part of the water column and maintains a constant vibration.
Application: Effective in open water or over submerged vegetation. Ideal for covering large areas quickly to locate active bass.
Yo-Yo Retrieve: (try this as a alternative during the afternoons or when the sun is beating down during summer moving water temps higher)
Method: Cast the lure, let it sink to the desired depth, then lift the rod tip to make the Chatterbait rise and fall in the water column.
Application: Mimics the movement of wounded prey and can trigger strikes from bass that are following the lure. Effective in deeper water and around structure.
Stop-and-Go Retrieve:
Method: Retrieve the lure with intermittent pauses. The Chatterbait will flutter and sink during the pauses, imitating a dying baitfish. (again similar to a Jerkbait)
Application: Can entice bass to strike during the pause when the lure is falling. Useful in clear water and when bass are hesitant to chase a continuously moving bait.
Burning: (if you have ever been to a kayak bass fishing event this one is seemingly the most popular method for kayak anglers)
Method: Retrieve the Chatterbait at a high speed, causing it to create intense vibration and move quickly through the water.
Application: Effective for triggering reaction strikes from aggressive bass, particularly in warmer water when bass are more active.
Seasonal and Situational Use
Spring:
Behavior: Bass are moving to shallow areas to spawn and are highly aggressive.
Technique: Use a steady or yo-yo retrieve around shallow cover, such as grass beds and submerged timber.
Summer:
Behavior: Bass move to deeper, cooler water during the heat of the day but can be found in shallow areas during early morning and late evening.
Technique: Use a stop-and-go or yo-yo retrieve in deeper water during the day and a steady or burning retrieve in shallow areas during low-light periods.
Fall:
Behavior: Bass are feeding aggressively to prepare for winter, often found chasing baitfish in shallow to mid-depth waters.
Technique: Use a steady or burning retrieve to cover water quickly and find feeding bass.
Winter:
Behavior: Bass are lethargic and hold in deeper water.
Technique: Slow down the retrieve and use a yo-yo or stop-and-go technique near deep structure to entice strikes from inactive bass.
Now that we have covered the Jackhammer or Chatterbait class lets get to the behaviors of Smallmouth and how they can get “conditioned” to the very things described above in terms of the action and noise generated. This to can similarly be applied to the Whopper Plopper.
Biological and Physiological Conditioning of Smallmouth and Black Bass to Fishing Techniques
Smallmouth and black bass (Micropterus spp.) have shown the capacity to adapt and become conditioned to fishing techniques, including the actions, noise, vibration, and sonar technologies associated with various baits. This conditioning can impact their behavior and the effectiveness of these baits over time.
Sensory Perception and Learning in Bass
Sensory Perception:
Vision: Bass have well-developed vision and can detect colors and movement. They use sight to identify and track prey, making visual cues of baits crucial.
Hearing: Bass have sensitive inner ears and a lateral line system that detects vibrations and sounds in the water. This helps them locate prey and also makes them aware of artificial lures and fishing activities.
Smell and Taste: Bass have a keen sense of smell and taste, helping them evaluate potential food items.
Learning and Memory:
Bass can learn from negative experiences, such as being caught and released. They remember certain visual, auditory, and vibrational cues associated with these experiences.
Studies have shown that fish can remember and avoid certain lures and fishing techniques for extended periods after a negative encounter.
Conditioning to Fishing Techniques
Noise and Vibration:
Artificial Lures: Most baits that create noise and vibrations, such as ploppers, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and of course chatterbaits, can initially attract bass and entice strikes. Over time, repeated exposure to these, especially if they result in being caught, can condition bass to avoid them.
Vibration Sensitivity: The lateral line system detects vibrations, allowing bass to sense the presence of lures. If these vibrations are frequently associated with capture, bass may learn to avoid them.
Visual Cues:
Lure Appearance: Bass can become conditioned to specific lure shapes, colors, and actions. If they frequently see and are caught by a particular lure type, they may become wary of it.
Natural vs. Artificial: Bass may learn to distinguish between natural prey and artificial lures, especially in heavily fished waters.
Sonar Technologies:
Fish Finders: Sonar devices emit sound waves to detect fish. Although bass may not directly sense the sonar waves, they can become aware of the increased fishing activity associated with these devices.
Electromagnetic Fields: Some sonar and electronic devices emit electromagnetic fields that fish can detect. Over time, bass might associate these fields with fishing pressure. Will have to wait for more study on this topic for sure with the increased use of the tech nowadays.
Behavioral Adaptations
Avoidance Behavior:
Bass may learn to avoid areas where they have experienced frequent angling pressure.
They might seek deeper or more structured habitats that are harder for anglers to access.
Feeding Habits:
Bass may alter their feeding times to periods with less fishing activity, such as early morning, late evening, or night.
They may become more selective and cautious when striking lures.
Habitat Selection:
Bass might prefer areas with natural cover (e.g., fallen trees, rock piles) where they feel more secure from angling pressure.
In rivers, they might move to sections with less human activity or more difficult access.
Overcoming Conditioning
Lure Variation:
Regularly change lure types, colors, and presentations to prevent bass from becoming conditioned to specific baits.
Use more natural-looking and subtle lures in heavily pressured waters.
Stealthy Approach:
Minimize noise and disturbances when approaching fishing spots. This includes using quieter electric motors and avoiding loud sounds.
Employ more subtle and finesse techniques, such as soft plastics and drop-shot rigs.
Innovative Techniques:
Use less common fishing methods or new lure designs that bass haven't encountered frequently.
Experiment with different retrieval speeds, pauses, and jerking actions to make lures less predictable.
Fishing at Optimal Times:
Target bass during less pressured times of the day or season.
Fish in remote or less accessible areas where bass are less likely to have experienced angling pressure.
Take -Away
Smallmouth are certainly capable of learning and becoming conditioned to the actions, noise, vibration, and sonar technologies associated with fishing. Their sensory perception and memory allow them to adapt and avoid baits that have led to negative experiences. Reports from anglers are confirming this fact as baits like the Jackhammer and Whopper Plopper while still catching bass are not nearly as effective as they once were and many anglers are reporting that the size of the bass caught with these presentations has declined over time as well which could point to adult bass understanding the dangers of said baits versus younger more curious Smallmouth.
Anglers can however counteract this conditioning by varying their techniques, using stealthy approaches, and targeting bass during less pressured times and locations. Understanding the adaptive behavior of bass can enhance fishing success and lead to more effective angling strategies. The use of alternative new baits within the industry offering even more innovation may also lead to greater success.
One example is the offering from 1st Gen Fishing known as the CopperHead. Quite a few anglers that fish some of the pro circuits may be more familiar with this brand than the average angler because it is now being utilized by many as an alternative to the Jackhammer for example.
The CooperHead comes in two sizes (3/8 & 1/2) features two unique copper-plated bb’s molded into the jig head of the bait adding additional sound creating what some have called is the loudest bladed jig on the market. When the blade rocks from side to side, it ends up striking the head and the copper bb’s which then emits noise at a higher frequency in the water column. This can draw Smallmouth from much further away seemingly than previous chatterbait styles. This is verified now by more FFS- Forward Facing Sonar watching Smallmouth be drawn towards baits especially when the Yo-You method or others are employed deeper in the water column. With twelve available colors anglers can dial in the appropriate color variation for their river systems.
I prefer many of these color options from Summer Gill pictured above to Blerch and of course Green Pumpkin and for me they rival my favorite colors from Evergreen for bladed jigs. These jigs offer an alternative to the widely popular Jackhammers being thrown every week out on our river systems and provide action and noise that will draw the attention of Smallmouth that may have become conditioned to others being thrown repeatedly at them.
Obviously, if like me many you have heavily invested in Zman’s Jackhammer but there are things that you can do to change up the presentation. One of these may simply be by just changing your line. This can change the depth and bouyancy rates of the vibrating jig in the water column and often is a easy change up. Try having different bladed jigs tied on with different line sizes to gauge what your Smallmouth want and also pick up some blade change ups online or even at Bass Pro Shops altering size and flash variation with the color you choose. You can also reach out to a custom bait maker and see about getting blades painted the colors you want to match your profile if you want to go that route as well.
As far as the Whopper Ploppers ,the line change also works but one of the best effective ways is to alter the bait is the hook change up. Now if your bass have been conditioned to the plopper an effective alternative is to go with a flatside style plopper like the one’s offered by Lake’s Edge Lures. The movement is different through the water but to limit roll off the burn you need to dial in the right line for your style. The profile configuration of these creates a different action that bass are just not used to.
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