Catching bass when they’re actively feeding is one thing—getting them to bite when they’re suspended and stubborn is another challenge entirely. If you’ve ever stared at your sonar screen, watching bass float in the middle of the water column, refusing everything you throw at them, you know the frustration. But don’t worry—there are ways to turn those lock-jawed fish into biters.
Jerkbaits for Suspending Bass – The King Of Reaction Strikes
A suspending jerkbait is one of the best tools for triggering reaction bites from bass that aren’t in a chasing mood. Why? Because it mimics a struggling baitfish—something a predator can’t resist.
It darts, pauses, and hovers just long enough to force an instinctual strike.
One of the best options on the market is the 6th Sense Provoke Jerkbait ($11.99).
Designed for FFS sonar fishing, this bait suspends perfectly, allowing you to pause it right in front of a bass’s face. Even if you’re fishing without sonar, this jerkbait’s erratic action and lifelike finishes make it a must-have in cold water.
• Cast past your target and let it sink slightly.
• Use a “twitch-twitch-pause” cadence, adjusting your pauses based on water temperature. Colder water? Longer pauses.
• Keep an eye on your line. Many strikes happen when the bait is sitting still.
Pair it with Seaguar PE X8 Lure Edition Micro Braid ($32.99) for ultra-long casts and better sensitivity. If you’re fishing deep water, add a fluorocarbon leader for stealth.
The Neko Rig – When They Won’t Chase
Sometimes, no amount of twitching or jerking will convince a suspended bass to strike. That’s when you need to slow down. The Neko rig is a deadly finesse option that keeps your bait hovering and moving just enough to get bit.
By rigging a Roboworm 7” Straight Tail ($6.99) with a Nako Tungsten Nail Weight (10pc) ($5.99), you create a natural, nose-down fall that perfectly mimics a dying baitfish. This setup is subtle but incredibly effective, especially when the bass are glued to a certain depth.
How to Fish It:
• Cast near suspended fish and let the worm fall naturally.
• Give it small twitches to make it quiver and hover.
• Watch your line! Many bites happen on the fall before you ever feel a tug.
If the bass won’t move, this is the rig that makes them bite. It’s a customer favorite at Lake Purdy, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Another proven technique is swimbaits, and our regulars throw a ton of them.
Finesse Swimbaits – The Ultimate Baitfish Imitator
If bass are keying in on shad but ignoring everything else, finesse swimbaits are the way to go. They match the hatch, stay in the strike zone, and offer a natural swimming action that even the most pressured bass can’t ignore.
Pair a Yamamoto Scope Shad ($6.99), Crush City Freeloader ($6.99), or a Keitech Swing Impact Fat 3.3” ($6.49) with a Nako Tungsten Ball Jig ($7.99) or a 6th Sense Finesse Swimbait Head ($4.99). This setup stays perfectly balanced in the water, making it look just like the real thing.
How to Fish It:
• Slow roll the bait through the water column, keeping it just above the bass.
• Use FFS sonar to target individual fish, or count down your lure to suspended schools.
• Add slight twitches to create an erratic, injured-baitfish effect.
Even without sonar, this presentation puts fish in the boat. Many of the seasoned anglers at Lake Purdy throw Swimbaits all year long, and some done even have fancy graphs and electronics. All they use is their knowledge of bass behavior and the confidence in their baits.
The Right Gear Makes a Difference
Having the right rod and reel setup is key to landing tough winter bass. The low profile reel and sensitive rod paired in the Abu Garcia Vendetta Combo ($125.99) is a perfect well rounded setup that has proven itself on the water time and time again.
This setup offers the perfect balance of sensitivity, strength, and casting distance—everything you need to battle finicky suspended bass.
Pair this combo with some PE-X8 Finesse Braid from Seaguar and you're ready to battle the biggest bass with the confidence you need to land those giants.
Catching suspended bass at Lake Purdy doesn’t have to be frustrating. By using a mix of suspending jerkbaits, finesse swimbaits, or Neko rigs, you’ll be able to put more fish in the boat—even on the toughest days.
At Lake Purdy Bait Shop we give the anglers the lowest tackle prices around so everyone can get the best gear to maximize their chances of landing big fish.
Stop by Lake Purdy Bait Shop today to stock up on these proven baits and get expert advice on the techniques that are catching fish.
Tight Lines!
@lakepurdyfishing
@longleaffishingco
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