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Oddball Baits (Video Included)

Tennessee's Wild Side - Reel Tips: This expert's selection of "go-to" baits includes a Johnson Silver Minnow, a weedless spoon that when sashayed across the surface closely resembles a baitfish. Adding a trailer, in this case a Slug-Go soft jerkbait, can add to the strike appeal of the spoon rig.

The endless parade of trendy baits retrieved past the noses of wary bass makes them jaded to artificial baits. Such is the case on popular reservoirs, where the fish ignore lures unless something subtle or eye-catching to them gives a second glance at a lure. Such is the case with seldom used lures, those oddities that you rarely use anymore or that have fallen out of production.

Other obscure lures to consider include a topwater frog, normally used only around lily pads and other heavy cover. In reality, frogs are prone to lurk anywhere in open water as well, making a fake frog an excellent choice on pressured lakes.

In the spinnerbait category, adding a big No. 7 or No. 8 willowleaf shaped blade over a smaller bait can be a productive alternative. The larger blade displaces more water than a standard blade, not to mention reflecting more light and attracting fish. Another consideration is to actually match size of blade to the prevalent baitfish found in the lake.