Ike's Secret Topwater Trick for Herring-Eating Bass
“CRUNCH! In his face!” Join Mike Iaconelli on Lake Murray as he breaks down the ultimate strategy for targeting “herring-eaters.” When these bass are staging on flatter, red clay and gravel points to gorge on spawning blueback herring, you need a bait that moves “in-line” and mimics that subtle, straight-line slither.
In this video, Ike shows you how to master the “Topwater Duo”:
The Berkley Krej: Ike’s go-to “subsurface wake bait.” He explains how that revolutionary reversed bill allows you to fish it as a topwater and a subsurface shimmy in the same cast. Watch how he uses a “pop and slow” retrieve to trigger massive strikes from fish that are “T-boning” the bait.
The Berkley J-Walker: When you need a more streamline, subtle walk-the-dog action. Ike reveals his secret “straight reel” technique—sometimes the key isn’t the twitch, but just reeling it straight to look like a baitfish trying to escape.
Learn why matching the bait size (like the 85 size Krej for creek herring) and using the right “Ike Series” rod with a short butt section is critical for that perfect wrist movement and cadence. These fish are “eating their faces off”—don’t miss these tactical tips to help you catch your own “slabs of meat!”
Ike’s Gear Breakdown:
Lures: Berkley Krej (85 size) – https://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/krej?_pos=1&_sid=e73b332c0&_ss=r
Berkley J-Walker (Blueback Herring colors) https://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/j-walker-100?_pos=1&_psq=j&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Rods: 7’6″ Medium-Heavy (Krej) https://www.abugarcia.com/collections/spinning-rods/products/ike-signature-finesse-spinning-rod-1595485?variant=42802631803019
& 6’8″ Ike Series with short butt (J-Walker) https://www.abugarcia.com/products/ike-signature-delay-casting-rod-1595484?variant=42802630197387
Line: 30lb Berkley X9 Braid – https://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/x9-braid-filler-spool?_pos=1&_psq=x9&_ss=e&_v=1.0
17lb Berkley Sensation Mono leader – https://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/trilene-sensation?_pos=1&_psq=sen&_ss=e&_v=1.0
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Our most popular Berkley videos:
Mike Iaconelli’s Spring Crankbait Clinic – https://youtu.be/3wPkTmdR0Jo
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Flux Gill trigger more bites – https://youtu.be/by1rJPtr14w?si=0zEySSZ7-AGznON_
Rip Fish Lipless Crankbait – https://youtu.be/by1rJPtr14w?si=0zEySSZ7-AGznON_
Berkley Labs exists to help anglers catch more fish through science-driven fishing innovation, trusted bait, fishing line, and tackle built for real performance on the water. Since 1937, Berkley Fishing has built its reputation on research, product innovation, and a deep commitment to the future of fishing. Your Fish. Our Science.
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