The Deadly Grub: A leadhead grub is an often-overlooked bass lure. It's especially deadly on smallmouth and spotted bass. Rig the grub with hook exposed, cast it to points or flats and let it sink to the bottom. Then hold the rod tip at 10 o'clock and reel slowly, stopping every few yards to let it fall, then swimming the grub just off the bottom. When a bass inhales it, set the hook.
Water Temperature And Bass Activity: Bass are cold-blooded creatures, so their activity level is directly related to the temperature of their surroundings. If the water is below 60 degrees, fish slow-moving lures like jigs and plastic worms close to the bottom. In warmer water, faster-moving lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished off the bottom will usually work better.
Replace your jigging spoon's steel hook with a softer bronze hook, and use heavy line. If you hang up the spoon in a deep treetop, move directly over the obstruction, jiggle the rod tip and the lure will usually pop free. If it doesn't, tighten the reel drag and pull until you straighten the hook.