Three Lures to Help You Catch More Fish in June

Wacky Rig

Yamamoto Senko- Wacky Rigged

Texas Rig

Texas Rig

1. Soft Stick Baits Soft stick baits catch fish year round and can be rigged in multiple ways. Baits like the Yamamoto Senko or Gambler Ace are the most popular brands, but just about every company makes a version that works. In June the fish in Maine are either on their beds laying eggs or finishing and cruising shallow shorelines and grass beds. All you need to do is cast the stick bait in likely areas, near grass, wood or boulders and let it sink slowly. Each cast work the bait by slowly lifting the rod from 10 to 12 o’clock positions and then let it fall back down to bottom. Rigging it “wacky” style is my favorite way, but if you’re around a lot of cover try Texas rigging (picture). Wacky rigging can be done with special o-rings, but if you’re an occasional fisherman and want a cheap alternative buy some black hair elastics at Walmart and double them up on the center of the bait. More often than not weights aren’t need this time of the year and the heavy salt content will sink these baits nicely. Small circle hooks work well for wacky rigging and a 3/0 Gamakatsu offset worm hook for the Texas rig.

Shakey Head

Gambler Giggy Head with Gambler Sweebo Worm

2. Shakey Head Worm A Shakey head is simply a small stand up jig head with a plastic bait rigged Texas style. (See picture) I prefer straight tail worms like the Gambler Sweebo Worm. Fish these baits on light line and hop them around the same areas you would fish the stick worms. They work wonderfully for enticing finicky bed fish. Docks are another great post spawn piece of cover to keep in mind. After spawning, tired fish will suspend under docks and love an easy meal dropped close by. The key to the Shakey Head is crawling it along bottom and lightly shaking the rod tip to make the worm dance during pauses in your drag. Use jig heads in the 3/16 to 1/4 ounce range. They can easily be found at Walmart or Dick’s Sporting Goods. Be sure to choose one with a good barb or spring to hold the head of the worm on tightly.

Swim Jig

Gambler Southern Swim Jig with Gambler Little EZ trailer3.

3. Swim Jigs Swim Jigs require a bit more of a tackle investment than the other two baits, but can provide awesome action and some of the biggest bites of the year. Again, remember that fish are shallow right now and looking for any easy meal after spawning. That often means they’re feeding on bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish, so I try to pick green pumpkin colors for the jig and swimbait trailer during June. You’ll be most successful with swim jigs by using 7 to 7’6″ heavy action baitcasting rods and 17-20lb fluorocarbon or even braided line. Simply cast and reel the jig around grass flats, fallen trees, or lily pads. Just after spawn you can have success targeting isolated patches of lily pads where fish stage on their way out to deeper summer haunts. The bass will absolutely slam swim jigs, but when you feel that bite hesitate just a moment before rearing back and setting the hook. This gives the fish just enough time to get the jig completely into their mouth and you’ll land more fish. Try these three baits and I’m sure you’ll catch more fish this June!

Jonathan Carter

About Jonathan Carter

I have been Bass fishing in Maine my entire life. I compete in numerous tournaments across the state as well as national competitions. In 2013 I blessed when I qualified for bass fishing's premier event, the Bassmaster Classic. My ultimate goal is to make bass fishing my full time career.