How to Catch Bass in Lily Pads and Heavy Surface Moss: Expert Tips from Mark Lassagne
Introduction: Tackle Summer’s Heat with Proven Techniques
As the summer heat drives big bass into deeper waters or heavy, shaded cover, knowing how to fish in these challenging conditions is crucial. This month, we’ve asked American fishing industry expert and tournament pro Mark Lassagne to share his insights on how to effectively fish lily pads and moss beds. Whether you’re a bank angler, boat angler, or tuber, Lassagne’s advice will help you maximize your success.
The Importance of Thick Vegetation
In areas like “the California Delta,” thick vegetation such as Hyacinth and Hydrilla can be both a blessing and a challenge. According to Lassagne, “If you’re not getting into the thick vegetation, you won’t catch fish.” Bass are naturally drawn to heavy cover for protection from extreme temperatures and to access an abundant food supply. However, not all matted vegetation is productive, making it essential to understand which areas are worth targeting.
Equipment: Gear Up for Success in Heavy Cover
Fishing in heavy cover requires specialized equipment. Lassagne recommends using an Okuma TCS Matt Daddy 7’11” extra heavy rod paired with an Okuma X 7.3:1 reel, spooled with 65 lb braid. “Make sure the drag is locked down,” advises Lassagne, as a slipping drag can result in lost fish. He also emphasizes the importance of using a 6th Sense PEX-X stopper, River2sea 1 or 1.5 ounce Trash Bomb tungsten weight, and a Gamakatsu Heavy Wire hook tied with a Snell knot—all carefully selected for the rigors of fishing in dense cover.
Bait Selection: Choose the Right Lures for the Job
Lassagne’s go-to bait for fishing in lily pads and moss beds is the Yamamoto Flappin Hog, followed by the Reaction Innovations 420 Beaver and Missile D Bomb, His preferred color is Green Pumpkin with red flake, although he notes that color selection can vary depending on the water conditions. “It’s pretty dark under a weed mat, so I’m not overly picky on color—close is okay,” he explains. Lassagne typically rigs one rod with a punch skirt and another without, noting that he has had better results without a skirt in recent months.
Presentation: Master the Art of Bait Delivery
Properly presenting your bait is key to success. Lassagne advises against tossing the bait high into the air; instead, he prefers a low, swing-type cast aimed at small openings in the lily pads or weed mat. “If the bait doesn’t penetrate on landing, shake it a little and move it until it drops through,” he suggests. Most bites occur on the initial fall, so it’s crucial to keep your reel in free spool and let the line peel off at a controlled speed. Once the bait hits bottom, Lassagne recommends shaking it, pulling it halfway up, shaking it again, and finally retrieving it just under the mat for a final shake.
Detecting Bites: Stay Alert and Ready
Bites can vary greatly, from a subtle “tic” to a noticeable pull. Lassagne emphasizes the importance of using a sensitive rod to detect these differences. “No matter how they bite, make sure you get a good hook set,” he advises. His technique involves reeling up and pulling the bass out of the cover, often flipping them directly into the boat.
Location: Find the Best Spots in Matted Vegetation
Not all matted vegetation is created equal. Lassagne focuses on areas that naturally hold bass, such as points, pockets, drops, and ledges. He avoids vast areas of vegetation unless he identifies a special spot within them. For example, he mentions a bank with 300 yards of hyacinth but a depth drop in the center that consistently holds fish. Lassagne has found that the most successful areas are typically in 5 to 10 feet of water.
Conclusion: Develop Patterns and Adapt
Lassagne’s success comes from continuously exploring new areas and adapting to current conditions. He advises anglers to look for patterns, such as bass holding on points or drop-offs, and to refine their techniques accordingly. By staying flexible and focused, you can increase your chances of landing big bass in heavy cover.
About Mark Lassagne
Mark Lassagne is a highly accomplished professional bass angler based in Dixon, California, with a rich background in both competitive fishing and the fishing industry. A former U.S. Marine, Lassagne has made significant contributions to the bass fishing community, not only through his tournament successes but also as CEO of the BAM Trail and Bass Angler Magazine (BAM).
With over 50 top 10 finishes in major tournaments across the West Coast, including wins at the California Bassmaster Federation State Championship and the Black Bass World Championship with Team USA, Lassagne is a well-respected figure in the sport. He competes in top-tier events like the MLF Toyota Series and other prestigious Western pro/am tournaments.
In addition to his competitive achievements, Lassagne is a prolific writer and media personality. His expertise is frequently featured on television shows, podcasts, and in leading fishing publications, where he shares his knowledge on topics ranging from advanced fishing techniques to gear selection. Through his work with BAM and various media outlets, Lassagne continues to influence and educate anglers of all levels, making a lasting impact on the bass fishing world.
For more information, you can visit Mark Lassagne’s official website or follow him on his social media platforms (Mark Lassagne | Professional Bass Angler) (Mark Lassagne | Professional Bass Angler) (Mark Lassagne | Professional Bass Angler).
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