Every angler has a certain style of fishing that they can always
catch bass on. I have a buddy that fishes topwater baits almost year
round and always seems to catch bass. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff
Kriet (www.jeffkrite.com) is renowned for his talent when deep water
structure fishing. Kriet from Ardmore, Oklahoma, has won over $626,000
and qualified 5 times for the Bassmaster Championship; in fact, many
of his top finishes and big sacks of bass have been caught on a big
10-inch worm fishing deep structure.
Professional
bass anglers that excel in certain techniques always seem to be working
with lure companies to produce lures that complement their style
of fishing. That's how Kriet and Big Bite Baits (www.bigbitebaits.com)
ended up together. The demand for big worms right now among anglers
is soaring. "There were certain details that I wanted in a big
worm, so together Big Bite Baits and I were able to come up with the
10-inch Kriet Tail Worm," said Kriet. Not only did Big Bite Baits
come out with 10-inch and 6-inch version of the Kriet Tail Worm, they
also have the Kriet Kreature in 4-inch and 6-inch.
10-inch Biobait Kriet Tail Worm in Tilapia by Big Bite Baits |
The
10-inch Kriet Tail Worm was designed for fishing deep water structure
like ledges but will also catch bass flipping into wood or around
aquatic vegetation. "Its great for stroking ledges like at Kentucky
Lake, the large body of the worm displaces a lot of water, but it's
the big, thick, tail which is the key," pointed out Kriet. To
fish the worm in deep structure, Kriet likes to either practically
dead stick it, crawling it very slowly, or move the worm gradually
until it hits cover then slowly work the worm through every branch
or piece of cover. Kriet also pointed out a major mistake that anglers
have a tendency to make when fishing deep structure; "They keep
their line to tight from the bait to the rod, its important for anglers
to have a little slack in the line; it makes feeling the bite easier
and for better hook sets."
Big Bite Baits 4-inch Kriet Kreature in Junebug. |
Another
Signature Series Kriet bait made by Big Bite Baits is the Kriet Kreature.
The long body of this bait has ribs back to 2 appendages out the
side and 2 out the back. A versatile bait, it can be flipped, Carolina
rigged, or an angler can cast or swim it around wood or aquatic vegetation.
Kriet also pointed out the Kriet Big Tail Worm and Kreature Baits
were available in Biobait formula. Biobait, he explained, is a patented
formula that releases scent at a higher rate than traditional plastic
baits; the ingredients are naturally derived, biodegradable, and
will not shirk or dry out when exposed to air.
Knowing what lures
and key areas of the lake to catch fish, Kriet broke down Grand Lake
reservoir in northeast Oklahoma, where he finished second place in
a past Bassmaster Elite Tournament. Spring: Early-cold water temperatures
anglers should fish jerkbaits, wiggle warts, football head jigs around
transition banks, during the spawn cast Kriet Kreatures in spawning
beds. Summer: Try fishing out in front of willows, rocky points,
and deep structure with big worms and Carolina rigs. Fall: Bass are
moving back into creeks so fish fast moving baits like spinnerbaits
or shallow crankbaits around wood, and points with chunk rock with
gravel mixed in. Winter: Focus on points and look for shad. Football
head jigs and jerkbaits around boat docks will produce fish. The key
lures for catching bass are jerkbaits, football head jigs, and 10-inch
worms. "The main thing is bait; you have to be around the shad
to catch them on Grand Lake," added Kriet.
While having baits named after him, Kriet was quick to point out
that his inventive juices had not stopped flowing; in fact, his expertise
also includes finesse fishing a shaky head worm. I predict that soon
anglers will be catching bass with a Kriet designed finesse worm.
Brad
Wiegmann is a full time fishing guide on Beaver lake and Lake SWEPCO
in Northwest Arkansas. Brad guides for Largemouth,
Spotted, Smallmouth, Stripers and White Bass. He is also a free-lance
writer who's weekly column "Speaking of Fishing" appears
weekly in several local newspapers. You may also see him doing
seminars, working outdoor shows or featured in outdoor magazines such
as BASSMASTER Magazine, Outdoor life and Arkansas Sportsman. He
also fishes the FLW Tour, Stren and local open tournaments. He
is currently on the Pro staff, promotional staff and guide programs
of numerous tackle manufactures, lure companies, and fishing related
companies. You can contact him at (479)756-5279, at bwiegmann@cox.net or
visit his website at www.bradwiegmann.com for
more information.
