03-03-2004, 09:29 PM
[left][font "Arial"][size 2]Given the opportunity, many of the largest bass in a lake or river will take up residence beneath matted vegetation. This carpet-like cover conceals fish - and plenty of them. Getting them out is the challenge.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Matted vegetation comes in many forms, including floating plants, such as water lettuce, hyacinths or dollar weed. There are also submerged varieties that top out on the surface, like hydrilla, milfoil and peppergrass. As these plants thicken at the surface, sunlight is denied to their lower portions, and subsequent thinning occurs. With it, cavernous voids develop.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Bass find these underwater caves and thrive within them. Trying to penetrate thick, matted vegetation in any form can be challenging. Flipping vertically with heavy jigs or soft-plastics is about the only means.[/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Most bass anglers are familiar with flipping as a technique, but many lack the desire or proficiency to consistently catch bass utilizing this method. Those that try, too often use a haphazard or clumsy approach. In their efforts to reach the fish, they lose track of some important considerations, like boat control and lure presentation.[/size][/font][/left]
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