Super Six Plastics to Simplify Your Mexico Bass Trip
Just about every traveler to Lake El Salto or Lake Picachos -- whether it's their long-awaited first trip or their twentieth -- is concerned about bringing the right tackle. There's no Tackle Warehouse down there, no way to restock onsite, and while Anglers Inn has a limited pro shop, what you bring is what you're stuck with. That's actually a blessing in disguise because it forces you to focus on location and presentation rather than subtle bait tweaks that often don't matter (but which do consume time).
You may have your favorites, and even some double-secret-probation killers that you're hesitant to disclose, but I truly believe that the "Keep it Simple, Stupid" methodology is best -- build around proven winners and then go from there. If you have an ample supply of the following six plastics, I guarantee you that you'll be able to catch some bass (including big ones) just about every day of the year. I'll even throw in a preferred size and color for each.
Wacky rig it. Texas rig it. Other colors and brands may occasionally outproduce the OG, but it won't happen often. This can be a lifesaver during a tough bite.
Sometimes I forget about the “lee-zard” but it’s like a security blanket you can return to again and again – pitched to bushes, c-rigged on structure, or hopped down a point.
I don’t know if it’s the color, the stink, the action or some combination of the above, but this one lure has probably produced more Mexican 10-pounders than any other.
Flicked around shallow cover or into wads of schooling fish, it dashes and darts and they’ll eat it when they’re hesitant to come up for a topwater.
You can flip a craw into bushes and trees, put it on the back of various kinds of jigs, or swim it on a Chatterbait or swim jig. It covers lots of bases.
Another utility player that catches giants – whether you’re swimming it on a belly-weighted hook shallow, using it as a trailer, or bouncing it across deep structure on a heavy head.
You’ve Got Question – I’ve Got Answers
Robbins, you’re just an average angler – why should we believe you?
That’s exactly why you should believe me. A really good angler like KVD can catch bass out of a parking lot mud puddle with a stub of a cigarette butt. For people like me who aren’t as talented or experienced as him, the best bet is to dumb it down and go with lures that have long track records.
Are these the only colors that will work?
Definitely not! For example, with the Power Worm, I’ve caught them on blue fleck, green pumpkin, junebug, plum and watermelon as well. I just feel like black and blue works as well as those colors in Mexico in most situations, and better in many situations. It’s easier to pack a bunch than to try to cover every base when it’s mostly a guessing game anyway. Don’t have a heart attack if your favorite retailer is out of watermelon red lizards — watermelon seed will likely work just as well.
Are these the only brands that will work?
Again, definitely not! If you prefer a different 10-inch worm, or a different flapping craw, by all means bring your confidence bait. All of the ones I recommended are readily available and have worked for me in the past.
Will all of these work on every trip?
Repeat after me: “Definitely not.” I’ve had people get mad when I recommended that they bring a bunch of Power Worms or Senkos and they ended up catching all of their Mexican bass on hard baits. They’d spent a bunch of money on lures that they might not have an opportunity to use at home. Sorry, it’s effectively an insurance policy. There are no guarantees in fishing – except I do guarantee that anything you leave at home on the next trip will be the best bait at that given time.
Are there cheaper options?
Some lures, like certain Power Worms and 5-inch Senkos, are available in bulk packs at a savings. You might also be able to get copycats that look almost identical at a lower price per-bait. Personally, I prefer to support the companies that I know and respect, and I’m generally wary of off brands, but there are some that are virtually the same. Use your best judgment.
What are some of your personal "honorable mention" candidates?
And, of course, don’t forget to bring your chartreuse garlic dipping dye!
