Wired2fish teamed up with Josh Bertrand for a lesson on when and how to fish big paddle tail swimbaits for bass. His tool of choice was the 6inch Berkley Cull Shad (https://www.wired2fish.com/hardbaits..., an ideal tool for pulling bass from the trees in the clear water. Bertrand discusses how these biggerthanaverage harnessstyle paddle tail swimbaits should fit into your regular arsenal.

TACKLE USED (retail links)
• SWIMBAIT Berkley PowerBait CullShad (6inch), color Lime Ice: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/oq6O9m | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3UVvnOV | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/46R5frR
• ROD Abu Garcia Veritas PLX Casting Rods, 7'6'' Medium Heavy Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/vNMG5N | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3WKdROX
• REEL Abu Garcia Revo STX LP Casting Reel, 6.7:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/rQMjev | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3UElzaN
• LINE Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, 17pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/3e9P7B | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3K65vti | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/40TbpG8
• NAIL WEIGHT Bass Pro Shops Tungsten Nail Weights: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/AWZLko
• SWIMBAIT BOX Plano EDGE 3700 Swimbait Box: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/EKBQED | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3ybPKOT | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4dCQJYK

WHY USE BIGGER SWIMBAITS LIKE THE BERKLEY CULL SHAD?
Choosing the right bait is crucial, and the Berkley Cull Shad stands out for several reasons. First, it's a bigger than average size bait so it tends to generate bigger bites, yet can be fished on a regularsized rod and reel. Bertrand stresses that these baits work best in moderate to clear water, where bass can see the bait, which draws them from the cover. The key is to use strategic casting angles to target ambush predators effectively. Areas with shade, corners, and bushes are prime spots to target bass.

ADJUSTING WEIGHTS AND RETRIEVE SPEEDS
Bertrand uses a moderate retrieve speed most often with this lure style. Swimbaits like this are all about drawing power, and steady speeds work best at pulling bass from the cover. Bertrand adjusts the weight of his swimbaits by inserting or removing nail weights based on his preferred retrieve speed. He adds weights to achieve a greater running depth or when fishing the bait faster. Conversely, he removes all ways when trying to achieve the slowest possible retrieve speed, with a single 1/16 ounce nail weight being his most preferred.

ROD SETUP FOR 6INCH SWIMBAITS
Bertrand's setup includes a 7'6" mediumheavy action rod and a reel with a 6.7:1 gear ratio. He pairs this with a 17pound fluorocarbon line for optimal performance. The Berkley Cull Shad is versatile enough to catch both large and numerous fish, so a setup like this is ideal for handling a goodsized bait without wearing you out.

SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Swimbaits like the Berkley Cull Shad aren't limited to a single season. Bertrand keeps this bait ready on his deck from February through May, taking advantage of various fishing opportunities throughout the year. Whether fishing along a bluff, a flat, a pocket, or a point, this versatile swimbait is a reliable choice.

BOAT SETUP
• BOAT Nitro Z21 XL PRO: Check out at Nitro https://bit.ly/3QSnM20
• MOTOR Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury https://bit.ly/3PeIhVk
• TROLLING MOTOR Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Bass Pro Shops http://bassproshops.vzck.net/Aoq3X7 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://wired2.fish/3vGdiXo

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