Classic Baits: Moss Boss

Wade's World Fishing: Soft plastic topwater frogs are the rage now in bass fishing, but these lures are only the latest in a progression of baits meant to skim over thick vegetation. Before soft plastic frogs came hollow-body rats, and before rats came spoons, including the Heddon Moss Boss. This vintage lure will swim over/through the thickest slop without hanging. It also has a well-deserved reputation for attracting strikes from giant bass. It is one of the best lures ever invented for fishing thick cover. It is especially good for working over moss and lily pads.

The hard plastic Moss Boss is spoon-shaped: pointed on the leading edge and round at the back. It is concave on the topside, and a single hook extends out the back. A living rubber skirt is added for extra attraction. It comes in two sizes (1/4 and 3/8 oz.).

The best source for on-line purchase is www.lurenet.com.

Following are additional tips for fishing a Moss Boss to boat big bass.

Use medium-heavy baitcasting tackle with heavy line: 20- to 25-pound test monofilament or, better, braided line.
After casting, point the rod tip at the lure and reel steadily, jiggling the rod tip for extra bait action if desired.
A trailer hook can be used for increased hook-setting power, but a trailer hook also causes the Moss Boss to be more prone to snagging in heavy cover.
Adding a small split shot ahead of snap at the lure’s head will cause it to ride lower in reeds and brush where a sub-surface presentation is possible.
When a bass strikes, keep reeling until you feel the weight of the fish, then set the hook.
Keep a second rod rigged with a soft plastic stick bait ready for follow-up casts when a fish misses the Moss Boss. When a bass blows up but fails to connect with the Moss Boss, immediately cast the soft plastic bait to where the strike occurred, and let it settle. Then twitch it, and watch the line closely for a twitch or sideways movement, indicating the bass has it.