Stickups don’t provide very much cover for a large mouth bass, but they are significant structure in the spring when the bass move into the shallows to spawn. At that time, the fish are willing to sacrifice habit and ignore cover. One reason is that bass require sunlight for spawning, at least to keep the water warm so the eggs will hatch in the normal time frame. Rather than just stay out in the open, the bass will shoulder up to a stickup. Stickups on hard bottoms such as sand or gravel are usually more productive.
A plastic worm or spinner bait is relatively hang-proof and is an excellent choice for this type of fishing. The best way to cover a stickup is by casting to the left side, right side and down the middle. If a bass is nearby, the lure will be seen.
Since stickups are in relatively shallow water, a quiet approach is necessary; any noise from a motor or noise that is transmitted through the hull will chase the fish into deeper water. However, since the fish are either spawning or guarding the nest when they are among the stickups, they are very aggressive and will come back quickly.
Can you talk a little about stickups?
