by John Boudreau

John Boudreau, EZ Angler Tournament Crew

Anyone who hasn’t added the “Spider Grub” technique to their repertoire is missing out on a great approach to landing big fish, especially when the going gets tough.

This approach requires the combination of a jig head, and a 4” or 5” soft plastic skirted twin tail grub. The Spider Grub is fished similar to a jig, capable of being swam, dragged, suspended and even drop-shotted. But unlike a jig this presentation gives a less bulky profile that can put fish in the boat when nothing else is working.

I’m going to focus on my two jig heads of choice, as well as where and when I’ll use them. Both offerings are lead-free and made by Boag Hog Baits. A majority of the time, my “go to” jig is the Stand-Up Jig Head, made in 1/4oz., 3/8oz. and 1/2oz. weights. I throw it anywhere in 1’-20’ of water, in or around any structure, wood, or grass. For the 1/4oz., and 3/8oz. heads, my rod preference is a Denali Noirwood 7’ Medium Action Spinning Rod with 10lb fluorocarbon line.

The 1/2oz head I’ll throw on a Denali Rosewood 7’ MH Worm & Jig casting rod with 12lb-15lb fluorocarbon.

The other choice offering is the Spin Lock Football Head, made in 3/8oz., 1/2oz., 3/4oz. weights. I will go with this option in 15’+ of water, deeper rock piles, and rock structure. My rod choice is still the same Denali Rosewood.

The retrieve I choose to go with most of the time with either jig head, is a slow drag on the bottom, sweeping my rod slowly to the side on a tight line. This technique is great, because I can feel every piece of wood, rock, or grass bed. The spider grub is a great search tool but if you feel hung up don’t yank the rod too hard because you’ll either bury the head or the hook into that structure. When that happens, I shake the rod tip to rock the bait back and forth.

This, followed by a little consistent pressure is usually enough to pop that bait off, which will sometime induce a bite. Working it the right way takes some practice. So next time you are looking to finish out that limit with some smallmouth bass, or looking to find that kicker largemouth for your livewell, don’t overlook this technique!

About John Boudreau
John is a New Englander living in the Boston area, which due to the large amount of water surrounding and throughout the state, is extremely conducive to his fishing lifestyle. “I can enjoy some freshwater bass action from one of the many lakes, ponds, or rivers if I choose, or switch it up and head to the coast for some saltwater action.” Fishing for John is not only a hobby, “but an obsession that began at an early age. Introduced to the activity by his father, uncle and grandfather, John was an avid angler up until early his 20’s at which time he decided to dedicate himself to creating music. But all it took was picking up the pole again and landing a nice 4 lb. for John to be right back where he left off. In 2009, John began bass tournament fishing averaging 12 plus tournaments a year, with 20+ top five finishes that included five wins. John currently serves as vice-president/tournament director for the Avid Anglers (avidbassin.com). John’s sponsors include: Denali Rods, River2sea, Boag Hog Baits and EZ Angler