Entry 69-5
Debra Hengst
Debra’s Tactics For Different Types Of Bait (Cont.)
Editor's Note: Debra Hengst of San Antonio, Texas, a member of Strike King’s Pro Staff, guides part-time at Amistad, Falcon and Choke Canyon lakes in south Texas.
Question: What are some tactics you use for crankbaits?
Hengst: I throw Strike King crankbaits constantly in shallow water. I won a tournament in 1993 using a crankbait. I like the 4, 5 and 6 series of Strike King’s Pro-Model crankbaits and the Diamond Shad lipless crankbait because it rattles. The Diamond Shad is a bait that anyone can fish with successfully. I’ve caught lots of bass on it. I’ll use a chrome with a blue back color when I’m fishing in clear water.
I’ll use 20-pound-test Stren line on all of my crankbaits. I have a lot of confidence in crankbaits, and I believe that confidence runs down the line. I’m never scared to throw a crankbait, even in the heaviest of cover. I don’t worry about losing it; all I worry about is the fish. I’ll stick with a crawdad color - orange to a dark red, to match the bass’s natural food.
Question: What are some tactics you use when fishing a jerkbait?
Hengst: I love to throw the Zulu. I rig it weightless, but use a heavy hook. My favorite color for a Zulu is watermelon red with a chartreuse tail. I consistently catch bass with this color Zulu.
Question: Is there a particular tactic you consistently use with all types of bait?
Hengst: Well, I consistently fish smaller baits because a big bass will bite a small bait, but a smaller bass won’t bite a big bait. So, if I keep the bait small, then any-sized fish can hit it.
