Big Bass Trifecta – Z-Man TRD TicklerZ

In this 2 December 2024 float tube excursion to a MDC pond in West Central Missouri, a Z-Man TRD TicklerZ in California Craw color worked really well. Despite cold water conditions and a ring of ice around the pond, active bass were found relating to the outside edge of lily pads and water weeds.
Rigging a TRD TicklerZ Texas style on a 1/0 worm hook with a 1/16 oz bullet weight created a slim profile which allowed the lure to slide through grass, pad stems, and over brush without getting hung up. A goodly number of bass were caught. A rare and memorable occurrence was catching three over 18 inches. The largest fish was a dandy between 19-20 inches.
The arrival of a good cloud cover and winds 10+ mph in the afternoon seemed to trigger the bigger bass to become active.
Rudie Tootie, Papillon angling consultant, thought a Ned Rig would work well and the small, 2.75 inch TRD Ticklers filled the bill quite well.
Enjoy the show!