Stick baits
Stick baits are defined by subtlety. With little to no built-in action, they rely on fall rate, posture, and restraint to trigger bites. From full-size sticks to finesse options, this profile excels when fish want something neutral and believable.Best forBass, walleye, and pressured fish.Core ideaNeutral action and controlled fall.Where it shinesShallow cover, edges, docks, and calm conditions.Confidence moveDo less — let the bait fall.
Stick-bait rule: Most bites happen while the bait is doing almost nothing.
Field guide: stick baits
Fall. Pause. Restraint.▾ Click to open
Field guide: stick baits
Fall. Pause. Restraint.
Why stick baits work
They look natural doing nothing.
- Neutral posture mimics non-threatening forage.
- Fall rate triggers instinctive strikes.
- Deadly on pressured or inactive fish.
Best rigs
Simple and effective.
- Wacky rig: slow, horizontal fall.
- Texas rig: weedless around cover.
- Neko rig: bottom contact with subtle lift.
- Drop shot: finesse and precise depth control.
Standard vs. finesse
Choosing size.
- Standard: more presence and slower fall.
- Finesse: quicker fall and smaller profile.
- Rule: downsize when bites feel tentative.
Cadence & control
Resist the urge.
- Let the bait fall on slack or semi-slack line.
- Pause longer than feels comfortable.
- Minimal rod movement catches more fish.
Color & conditions
Subtle wins.
- Clear water: natural and translucent tones.
- Stained: solid but muted colors.
- Rule: change fall rate before changing color.
Stick-bait FAQ
Common fixes.
- Short strikes? Downsize or slow down.
- No bites? Lengthen pauses.
- Missing fish? Watch your line, not your rod tip.
