Professional angler Jake Lawrence showcases a high-level approach to summertime ledge fishing on Kentucky Lake, filmed just days after Stage Five of the Bass Pro Tour. As bass begin to group into tight offshore schools, Lawrence highlights two time-tested techniques—Carolina Rigs and jigs—for triggering bites from pressured fish in deep water.
Featured Product
CAROLINA RIG SETUP
- PLASTIC – Yamamoto D Shad: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC – Yamamoto Yama Craw: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- WEIGHT – Ryugi Black Bean Tungsten Weight: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Gamakatsu Offset EWG Hook 4/0: Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – Dobyns Champion XP Casting Rod 7’3″ Medium Heavy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Bates Fishing Co. Hundo Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- MAINLINE – Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Line (17 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LEADER – Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Line (15 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
JIG SETUP
- JIG – Buckeye Lures Mini Mop JIg (1/2 oz. & 5/8 oz.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- PLASTIC – Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – Dobyns Champion XP Casting Rod 7’3″ Medium Heavy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Bates Fishing Co. Hundo Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- MAINLINE – Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Line (17 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LEADER – Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Line (15 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
When to Use a Carolina Rig
In schools that have seen increased fishing pressure, a finesse-focused Carolina Rig can quietly trigger bites. Lawrence favors a Yamamoto D-Shad paired with a tungsten weight to maintain effective bottom contact. This setup allows the bait to scurry naturally across hard bottom while maintaining a lifelike presentation.
Power Fishing With a Football Jig
When subtle tactics no longer generate results, a football jig becomes the next move. Lawrence rotates between trailers with varying action, such as the Yamamoto Flapping Hog and a craw-style option, to find what draws the best reaction. Hopping and dragging the jig across the school often results in a sudden shift in behavior, with multiple fish responding to the change in cadence.
Boat Setup
- BOAT – Phoenix 921 Elite: Check out at Phoenix
- OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
- FISH FINDER – Garmin GPSMAP Touch-Screen Fish Finder/Chartplotter Combo, 12-inch: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDER – HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR (FFS) – Garmin LVS34 LiveScope Plus Live Scanning Sonar Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
