Pitching Stumps for Big Springtime Bass with Dustin Connell

Dustin Connell has a well-earned reputation as an expert offshore angler but is equally adept at sniffing out big bites on shallow flats in the springtime. In this video, Connell shares expert insights into pitching around Texas-rigged soft plastics for bass around the spawn. The CrushCity Bronco Bug proves the perfect lure for sniffing out bass on submerged stumps. Discover his strategies for making the perfect cast, selecting the right gear, and understanding bass behavior during spawning season.
FEATURED PRODUCTS (retail links)
• BAIT - Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug, color - Black/Blue Flake: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/5gzAeD | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3OSTBoH
• WEIGHT - VMC Tungsten Flippin Weight, 3/8-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3PfQM2I
• HOOK - VMC RedLine Series Hybrid Wide Gap Hook, 4/0: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/q4DvXg | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3UjSUaC
• BOBBER STOP - VMC Sinker Stop: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/1rRm2d | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/45OX270
• ROD - Favorite Fishing Pro Series Casting , 7'3" Heavy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/49fB26S
• REEL - Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel, 8.1:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/q4qVY5 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/484MmBS
• LINE - Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon Line, 20-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/k0A9yN | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3Ux9iGi
*Additional product links at the bottom.
TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES FOR PITCHING STUMPS
FINDING PRIME SPOTS: Connell emphasizes the importance of identifying submerged stumps on flats-key areas where bass tend to spawn or stage. While he does use his graph to locate stumps, the naked eye can be just as effective when sniffing aroudn the shallows. The key is to move slowly and deliberately to avoid spooking fish.
THE ART OF SLOW FISHING: Connell recommends slowing down your approach when bass are spawning. His method involves accurate pitching to likely bass-holding cover and working the bait longer to increase the chances of getting bit.
REACTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
READING BASS BEHAVIOR: Observing how bass interact with the bait can provide crucial clues. Connell notes that aggressive strikes often indicate active feeding, while more subtle takes may suggest a more cautious approach is necessary.
ADAPTING TO CONDITIONS: Connell adjusts his tactics based on water clarity and temperature. He stresses the importance of adapting the retrieval speed and the bait's action to match the prevailing conditions.
SPRING FISHING SETUP
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BAIT: Connell prefers using a bigger, more aggressive plastic when pitching for spawning bass. Perhaps an imposing bait represents a more significant threat. Whatever the case, the Bronco Bug's size and unique action move water and give off flash. Also, its unique swimming action makes it effective when covering water on the cast.
GEARING UP: Connell prefers a 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy fast-action rod with an 8.3:1 gear ratio reel and 20-pound Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon. This setup offers the precision and control needed for horsing big bass clear from heavy cover.
BOAT SETUP & OTHER
• TROLLING MOTOR - Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bit.ly/49npejB
• FISH FINDER - Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/DKgxk5
• FORWARD-FACING SONAR - Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/eKQB2Z
• BOAT - Triton 21 TRX: Check out at Triton Boats bit.ly/4917TvJ
• MOTOR - Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury bit.ly/3PeIhVk
• HITCH - B&W Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount: bit.ly/3Qe52Zy
• SWEATSHIRT - Rapala Hooded Sweatshirt - Grey: Buy at Rapala bit.ly/4aaFEeJ
• HAT - CrushCity Small Patch Hat: Buy at Rapala bit.ly/4aaFPqp
• TACKLE BOX - Rapala RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/21mPZG | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3JBLn21
#rapala24 #favorite24 #shimano24 #seaguar24 #basspro24 #minnKota24 #mercury24 #b&w24
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[@JasonSullivanBigBass]

I fished the Savannah River last weekend and caught a nine lber on the bronco bug junbug color . That was so nice to have my son with me to see that big girl .

[@cross_fire_]

I have used it this year and had some luck as well. That whole crush city lineup is great.

[@Nicholas_Forrester]

DC is the man

[@chrischrist7982]

Awesome video

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

Awesome ness. There's a nearby lake with a huge stump flat. Can't wait to go back and work that flat. Thanks guys #fishing #bassfishing #wired2fish

[@cross_fire_]

DC is at the top of fishing and has been for a few years.

[@apugali]

Oh almost like a Dolive beaver lol

[@lek_curut]

Nice video bro...

[@benconolly4163]

Don’t knew how you deal with that cable across your screens

[@vegasvato55]

If i were fishing in a tournament for my livelihood, i would fish beds but for recreational fishing i am not going to take breeding fish out of their normal cycle... I usually do not fish deep water because pulling the fish up kills them...

[@heathwallace7782]

Love DC but they make all of these videos about other methods of fishing and throw a minnow 90% of the time

[@b.like2fish_831]

Minnow don’t miss lol

[@davidhenderson1738]

If you want to win on a pressured lake you have to.

[@JasonSullivanBigBass]

Whatever makes him money against the pros . He has to keep up with the game . DC is a great person and can catch them anyway. Great video DC

[@collector_effectors]

This is exactly how I fish the spawn in NC.