Lipless Crankbait — Yo-Yo Over Grass

The yo-yo retrieve rips a lipless crankbait up through the top of submerged grass, triggering explosive reaction strikes. One of the most effective techniques for bass on grass flats in spring.

When to use it

The signature pre-spawn technique — peaks in late February through April (water 48–58°F) when bass stage on grass flats before moving to spawn. Equally effective in early fall when grass is still healthy and bass are feeding up for winter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Cast over a submerged grass flat — the grass should be 1–3 feet below the surface.

2. 2

   Let the lure sink until it contacts the top of the grass.

3. 3

   Rip the rod sharply upward from 8 to 12 o'clock — tearing the lure free from the grass.

4. 4

   Immediately drop the rod tip and reel up slack as the lure sinks back into the grass.

5. 5

   When the lure hangs up, rip it free again.

6. 6

   Most strikes happen the moment the lure rips free — the bass are sitting in the grass waiting.

Pro Tip

The rip triggers instinctive reaction strikes. Don't rip too gently — make it violent. That's the whole point.

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