In “KVD’s ChatterBait System for Magnum Smallmouth Bass,” Kevin VanDam demonstrates his power fishing technique using bladed jigs on Lake St. Clair. His approach is efficient for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass in expansive flats, emphasizing the Thunder Cricket’s ability to generate strikes and catch big fish. Throughout the video, VanDam shares his expertise on fishing at varying depths and cover types, focusing on isolated grass patches. He discusses the selection criteria for bladed jigs and trailers, as well as the importance of using electronics to locate fish and understand the underwater terrain. VanDam’s technique involves a steady retrieve with occasional snaps and twitches to trigger reaction strikes, using a medium-heavy rod paired with a fast reel spooled with 20-pound fluorocarbon.

On the Big Flats of Lake St. Clair, Kevin VanDam shares his insights into power fishing techniques for catching big smallmouth bass. Unlike largemouth bass, bladed jigs are often overlooked for smallmouth, but VanDam emphasizes their effectiveness in areas with scattered fish and expansive flats. He highlights the Thunder Cricket’s size and unique vibration as factors that generate strikes and catch big fish. VanDam discusses his approach to fishing at varying depths and cover types, emphasizing the importance of using electronics like the mega live and mega 360 to locate fish and understand the underwater terrain. He also discusses color changes for different lighting conditions and shares his preferred retrieve method, using a powerful medium-heavy rod paired with a fast reel spooled with 20-pound fluorocarbon.

Kevin VanDam’s Approach to Power Fishing Bladed Jigs

Kevin VanDam is known for his expertise in power fishing with bladed jigs, especially for targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass. In this approach, he focuses on the efficiency of bladed jigs in expansive flats and the power of the Thunder Cricket lure in generating large fish strikes. He also shares his techniques for fishing at varying depths and cover types, as well as utilizing isolated grass patches.

Efficiency of Bladed Jigs for Both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

When fishing in expansive flats, bladed jigs are an efficient choice for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The ability to cover a large amount of water is crucial in locating fish in such vast areas. Kevin VanDam emphasizes the Thunder Cricket’s effectiveness in generating strikes and catching big fish, thanks to its size and unique vibration. While bladed jigs are commonly used for largemouth bass, they are often overlooked for smallmouth bass. However, VanDam believes that bladed jigs can be a successful technique for smallmouth bass on expansive flats, where the scattered fish can be targeted effectively.

Power of the Thunder Cricket in Generating Large Fish Strikes

The Thunder Cricket lure is a favorite of Kevin VanDam due to its ability to generate strikes and catch big fish. It has a sizable profile and unique vibration that the fish respond to. The tungsten Thunder Cricket has a smaller blade compared to the standard one, allowing it to run deeper in the water and make more noise, which attracts the attention of the fish. VanDam often pairs the Thunder Cricket with a Strike King blade minnow as a trailer to enhance its effectiveness.

VanDam’s Approach to Varying Depths and Cover Types

VanDam shares his approach to fishing at varying depths and cover types. He prefers targeting isolated grass patches, as bass are rarely related to just sand. Combinations of sand, weed, and gravel often hold the most fish. VanDam utilizes his fishing electronics, such as the MEGA Live and MEGA 360, to better understand his surroundings and locate fish. By analyzing the underwater terrain, including subtle sandgrass patches and clean spots, he can identify the right kind of bottom to target.

Utilization of Isolated Grass Patches

Isolated grass patches play a crucial role in VanDam’s fishing strategy. He looks for these patches when fishing in water depths ranging from 6 to 14 feet. The Thunder Cricket, with its smaller blade and enticing vibration, proves to be highly effective in attracting fish in these areas. VanDam’s use of the Strike King blade minnow as a trailer further enhances the bait’s appeal.

Tackle Choices for Bladed Jig Fishing

An essential aspect of successful bladed jig fishing is selecting the right tackle. Kevin VanDam recommends using the Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, specifically the 20-pound option. This fluorocarbon line provides strength and sensitivity, allowing for better control and feel when fishing with bladed jigs.

In terms of the bladed jig itself, VanDam considers the size and color of both the jig and the trailer. He suggests experimenting with different sizes and colors to determine which ones the fish respond to best, considering lighting conditions and the behavior of the fish. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of using a medium-heavy rod paired with a fast reel to handle the power and strength of these lures.

Fishing Techniques for Expansive Flats

Expansive flats present unique challenges when targeting fish, but bladed jigs like the Thunder Cricket can be highly effective in such areas. Kevin VanDam notes the importance of dragging or drop casting, as these techniques cover more water and can help locate scattered fish on the flats. He prefers using baits that cover a large area to increase the chances of generating strikes and catching big fish.

The Thunder Cricket’s Dominance

The Thunder Cricket lure has gained popularity among anglers, thanks to its ability to catch large fish. Kevin VanDam attests to its effectiveness in catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The smaller blade of the tungsten Thunder Cricket allows it to run deeper and create more noise, drawing the attention of the fish. Pairing it with a Strike King blade minnow as a trailer further enhances the bait’s appeal.

Need for Fishing Electronics

Fishing electronics play a crucial role in Kevin VanDam’s fishing approach. He emphasizes the importance of using electronics, such as the MEGA Live and MEGA 360, to locate fish and understand the underwater terrain. These technologies provide insights into the fish’s behavior and help identify potential fishing spots. Additionally, VanDam mentions the significance of using Lake Master maps and grids to navigate efficiently and find productive fishing areas.

Color Selection and Usage of Baits

Color selection is an important factor when choosing baits for bladed jig fishing. Kevin VanDam discusses the attractiveness of the Carolina Chrome color bait, which provides flash and sparkle to imitate baitfish. He recommends transitioning to more natural colors as daylight increases and the water becomes clearer. Additionally, he suggests shortening the bait and creating erratic presentations with occasional snaps and twitches to attract fish effectively.

Effectiveness of Bladed Jigs in Deeper Water

Deeper water poses a unique challenge when fishing for smallmouth bass. However, Kevin VanDam highlights the effectiveness of bladed jigs, such as the Thunder Cricket, in drawing big smallmouth bass. The smaller blade of the Thunder Cricket allows it to run deeper and generate more noise, attracting fish even in deeper water. This makes bladed jigs a viable option for catching smallmouth bass in deeper areas.

Fishing on Lake Sinclair

Kevin VanDam expresses his enthusiasm for fishing on Lake Sinclair. He mentions the thrill of back-to-back catches and the enjoyment of fishing in such a remarkable location. While the specifics of his fishing strategy on Lake Sinclair are not mentioned, it can be inferred that his approach includes the use of bladed jigs and other techniques discussed throughout the article.

Retrieval Techniques for Bladed Jigs

Kevin VanDam shares his preferred retrieval techniques for bladed jigs. He suggests a steady reeling technique for consistent retrieval, allowing the bait to swim naturally through the water. However, he also emphasizes the importance of mixing in rod snaps and pulls to trigger reaction strikes. This combination of techniques mimics the natural movement of prey and can entice fish to bite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kevin VanDam’s approach to power fishing bladed jigs, particularly the Thunder Cricket, for largemouth and smallmouth bass proves to be highly effective. His techniques for varying depths, cover types, and isolated grass patches, combined with the right choice of tackle and bait colors, have yielded remarkable results. By utilizing fishing electronics and understanding underwater terrain, VanDam maximizes his chances of locating fish. Whether fishing on expansive flats or in deeper water, bladed jigs remain a dominant choice for catching big fish, as exemplified by VanDam’s success.