The stickbait attracts stealthy, hunting predators such as bass. This lure with its minimalist design is prized for its ease of use and the effectiveness of its zig-zag animations. Let's see which animation techniques can optimize its effectiveness and what are the best conditions for its use.
A discreet but formidable lure
The stickbait is a cylindrical, elongated lure with a simplified silhouette that sometimes tapers towards the rear. Without artifice or appendages, it moves discreetly on the surface of the water.
When stationary, it is positioned either horizontally or obliquely, with its head emerging from the water. This linear appearance has earned it the nickname pencil bait or "pencil lures". Floating models remain on the surface, ideal for shallow-water animations, while the rare sinking versions can sink between 0.30 and 2.50 meters, perfect for varying swimming depths.
Animation techniques to maximize hits
To master the stickbait, two animations are essential. The first is the walking-the-dog a handling technique in which the lure zigzags on the surface with regular strokes of the scion, about two per second.
This left-to-right movement imitates the escape of a small fish, triggering reflex attacks from predators. For a more subtle approach, the long-slide is highly effective, especially on larger fish. By slowly animating and releasing the tension after each shot, the stickbait glides and pauses to stimulate large bass in search of vulnerable prey. These techniques, which are truly captivating because of their visual appeal, enable effective targeting of bass in search of surface prey.
The best conditions for stickbait fishing
The shape of the spots and the state of the sea have a major influence on the stickbait's effectiveness. Rocky plateaus 2 to 8 metres deep and wave-swept rocky points are ideal spots for this lure.
In these shallow areas, the stickbait becomes a real opportunity for ambush bass. Choose calm to moderate seas to optimize visibility and surface action. In calm seas, the stickbait picks up the slightest reflections and vibrations, an advantage when it comes to fooling bass.
