Shaggy Dawgs will catch the bass

The top-water walking lure such as the Shaggy Dawg made by Bill Lewis Lures is one of the most effective lures used to catch large-mouth, spotted and small-mouth bass.

The Shaggy dawg is a cigar shaped top water lure that emulates a “shad” (which is one of the prominent food sources of a bass family).

The Shaggy Dawg is mostly effective from the post-spawn stage until late fall (which is early May until late November) when bass are mostly suspended in deep water.

To use the Shaggy Dawg correctly, you must acquire the proper equipment first.

I use and recommend a 6-foot, 6-inch medium action bait cast rod with slow gear ratio bait cast reel spooled with 12 to 15 pound test line.

Now, when you have acquired the proper equipment, then it is time to practice “walking the dog” technique which is the key to catching the bass on the Shaggy Dawg.

To walk the Shaggy Dawg, first you must cast the lure out and hold your rod up at a 7 o'clock position.

Secondly, start popping the rod tip and turning your reel handle at the same time. This will make the Shaggy Dawg make a side to side darting movement. This movement drives fish to impulsively strike the lure.

It will take time to perfect this technique, but it will be well worth the practice.

Ideal Shaggy dawg fishing is when lakes are below normal, water color is clear and skies are overcast to slightly overcast.

Try this lure and technique and you'll catch a lot of bass.

Good Fishing

Chris Foster

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