Get to Know the Wake Bait
Wakebaits are a unique category of baits. They are not a crankbait, they are not a topwater lure, but they do share characteristics with both. "Wakebait" is a fairly new term but anglers have been doing this technique for many years. Since the days of the Original Floating Rapala and the Bomber Long A, anglers have had success fishing lures by reeling them right underneath the surface, thus the source of the name. Today we will discuss the different types of wakebaits available and the different applications they have on the water.
What is a wakebait?
A wakebait by definition is any hard lure that can be retrieved while keeping it 6in or closer to the surface of the water. By doing this retrieve, it creates a wake on the surface of the water and entices fish to come up and strike it. Lures for this technique come in different shapes and sizes for different applications but they all have these two properties in common.
What makes a wakebait different than other topwaters?
Like we discussed earlier, wakebaits technically do not sit on the surface constantly like a walking, popping, or prop style topwater. They will resemble the shape of some topwater lures, but all wakebaits have a small crankbait style lip that allows them to run under the surface. The result is a bait that shines when fish are not willing to commit to lures that are right on the surface and they are a much more subtle approach to fish that see a lot of topwater pressure.
When and where to fish it?
Wakebaits are versatile in where you can fish them since they are not likely to get snagged unless you are fishing them close to cover sticking out of the water. Submerged vegetation is a great place to throw wake baits where they can get down just a little closer to the tops of the grass while still having enough vibration and draw to call those fish out of that cover. They're also great to throw any place you would throw a normal topwater bait. Since wakebaits do not cause as much disturbance as other topwaters, it can be a more finesse approach that can get you bites from fish who may not be willing to commit to the surface.
Different kinds of wakebait lures
There are primarily three categorys of wakebaits. First off, you have crankbait shaped wakebaits such as the Manns Baby Minus 1 or the Strike King HC KVD Wakebait. These wake baits resemble shad very well and have a fast side to side hunting action as they are retrieved.
Another category that you will find are longer, slender wakebaits such as the Megabass Prop Darter or the PH Custom Lures Wake Up. These body shapes cause a much more subtle action and create less of a wake during the retrieve. This style excels in situations where there is no wind or the fish are heavily pressured.
The last type of wakebaits are rat style baits such as the Bull Shad Swimbaits Bull Rat. These are fairly niche and are primarily used to target large bass around specific targets such as docks or laydowns. They do not have many applications but can be a good option for targeting the biggest fish in an area.
Techniques to use with a wakebait
Most anglers fish wakebaits with a constant retrieve or a steady retrieve with a few pause throughout. With a constant retrieve, it is important to vary your speed until you find the speed that the fish prefer. Sometimes they will want the bait coming by them fast where they have to react and other times they may want it slowly rocking back and forth as it comes by.
When using a retrieve with pauses, it is a great opportunity to stop that lure around any cover that bass could be waiting to ambush prey around. By using one of these two retrieve methods, you are sure to get bit throwing a wakebait.
Related: Popping, Walking, Prop, and Wake Bait Techniques Explained
