Minnow profile baits have proven indispensable on the decks of both amateur and professional anglers nationwide. Wired2fish's Kobie Koenig offers a detailed breakdown of his preferred techniques and equipment choices that cater to certain weather conditions and the unique behaviors of fish.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
LONG ROD SETUP
• ROD - Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Spinning Rod, 7'6" Medium: Buy at Trika Rods https://bit.ly/3El0z0U
• REEL - Shimano Twin Power FE Spinning Reel: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3Rj0EJp
• PLASTIC - Z-Man Scented JerkShadZ: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/3Q2Uq00 | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/4bJHt3z | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3rDeMUg
• JIGHEAD - Northland Tackle Smeltinator Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/21ZJd0 | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3KxG6cg | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PkZ20X | Buy at Northland Fishing Tackle https://bit.ly/3IACLZ6
• LINE (braided line) - PowerPro Super8Slick V2 Braided Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/nLJX9V | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3KxGc3C | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4c7p14N
• LINE (fluorocarbon leader) - Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3Xg0iHv | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/48FbRuO
SHORT ROD SETUP
• ROD - Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Spinning Rod, 7' Medium: Buy at Trika Rods https://bit.ly/3El0z0U
• REEL - Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/1rJV7D | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/461bpVV | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3X9hwWG
• PLASTIC - Rapala CrushCity Freeloader: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/AW5V7J | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3VpMJDP | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3P0iVtf
• JIGHEAD - VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jighead: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/5gkyrN | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/4bLvX81 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3YGsYYC
• LINE (braided line) - PowerPro Super8Slick V2 Braided Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/nLJX9V | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3KxGc3C | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4c7p14N
• LINE (fluorocarbon leader) - Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3Xg0iHv | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/48FbRuO
*Additional gear links at the bottom
THE ESSENCE OF MINNOW BAITS
Koenig starts by introducing the basics of the jig and minnow setup. He explains how advancements in technology, like forward-facing sonar, have transformed how anglers utilize this setup to target fish exceeding 100 feet away from the boat. Whether you're reeling straight or incorporating subtle rod tip movements, Koenig provides insight into tailoring your approach based on the fish's behavior observed through sonar.
PAIRING THE RIGHT JIG AND MINNOW
Koenig dives into the specifics of choosing the right jig head and plastic minnow, highlighting popular options that have dominated recent competitions, including a notable victory at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. Kobie also discusses the importance of the jig head design in achieving the desired bait action, such as rolling or side flashing, which can be crucial for enticing finicky fish.
ROD AND REEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Further refining his technique, Koenig recommends a stiffer rod to effectively transmit movement to the bait at long distances. He also details why a longer rod like the ultra sensitive Trika 6X line of rods might be your best choice for maintaining control and maximizing the effectiveness of your setup. He also covers reel and line preferences, advocating for a larger reel with 8-15 pound braid paired with a 10 pound fluorocarbon leader to balance visibility and strength.
OTHER PRODUCTS
• PLASTIC - Strike King Z Too: Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/4aKgfZz | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3XaE75f
• PLASTIC - Berkley PowerBait Power Switch: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/vN3dbd | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3XhsyJs | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3EQCS0D
• PLASTIC - Duo Realis Finder Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PPdRth
• PLASTIC - Deps Sakamata Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4e7XvpI
• JIGHEAD - Owner Range Roller Jig: Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3X8by8A | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4bNKsYR
• HOODIE - AFTCO Reaper Windproof Pullover: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/49063fH | Check out Fishing Clothing at AFTCO https://bit.ly/3tzgEy6
• TACKLE BOX - Rapala RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/21mPZG | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3JBLn21
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