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AUTHOR |
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Gitzits:
The BASS Classic and Long Island's Favorite
Bait |
Charles
Stuart |
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Gitzits or tubebaits, as they are more commonly known,
are without doubt the strangest looking lure ever invented.
My bass club on Long Island introduced me to gitzits.
Founding members of the club, Joe Modashel and his wife
Alicia, have over the years mastered the technique of
fishing these baits. Joe would even admit that Alicia
out-fishes him with this type of lure. Joe, if it's any
consolation, my Linda does exactly the same thing to me!
Well, getting back to the Gitzit, let's review the various
techniques this bait can be used: |
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- Flipping- the
method used by Denny Brauer in 1998 to win the Bassmaster
Classic.
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Using
a spinning rod loaded with 15 lbs. test, I tie a 2/0 Gamakatsu
wide gap hook directly to the line and use large 3- ½
inch baits with a small lead weight called a Gitzit Glider
inside the lure. The lead adds to the overall weight and
will assist in bait presentation. I prefer 1/8 ounce but,
if conditions are tough, reduce the weight to 1/16 ounce.
For those of you unfamiliar with this type of fishing,
place the lure in your hand and close your eyes. Hop the
bait up and down in your hand and "feel" the
weight of the lure. I guarantee when pitching or flipping
the lure into the water, remembering the feel of the total
lure weight, you'll be able to detect bites more easily.
Presentation under docks or into weed edges should be
made with the same delicate entry as used for a jig and
pork. Try avoiding surface commotion and allow the bait
to fall naturally, giving extra line from the spool if
needed. Watch the line carefully as oftentimes the bait
will be taken on the fall. If the bait reaches bottom,
twitch it back slowly, feeling the weight of the lure
with your rod. If the lure feels heavy or seems to be
stuck, set the hook! I would rather stick a submerged
pad or piece of structure than lose a fish.
Hot colors on Long Island include black, black and blue,
black with red flake, pumpkinseed with black flake, green
pumpkin, green with a cinnamon tail and watermelon with
black flake. |
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Similar
rules apply as for flipping yet quiet entry into the water
from long casts with gitzits is difficult to achieve.
The best technique is raising the rod tip just as the
lure enters the water. This slows the bait in the air,
lessening the impact on landing.
Casting longer distances also requires additional attention
to the line. Feeling a strike is aided by running the
line over a finger in front of the reel. This maneuver
enables detection of even subtle movements during retrieval.
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- Carolina Rigging-
don't frown at the thought!
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| Carolina
rigging a Gitzit can often pick up the larger fish holding
deep who are wise to worms and lizards. I have fooled
many 3+ lbs. fish into taking a Gitzit fished this way,
so please don't overlook it when the fishing gets tough.
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- Texas style- with the weight on the nose of the
lure.
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In
heavy weed, allow the weight to run freely on the lin
to eliminate frequent snagging. If the weeds have open
areas, peg the weight with a toothpick making sure the
excess is snipped off. I will not use a weight over ¼
oz. as it effects lure action.
Tight Lines!
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