By: Andrew Martin

The traditional curly tail grub has been around for decades. In its various forms and sizes, the grub has probably accounted for more numbers and species of fish than any other bait. It is undeniably versatile. Fish it in all four seasons, any water temperature, fresh water or salt water and for everything from trout to walleye, flounder to calico bass, crappie, smallmouth, largemouth, muskies and even giant versions for barracuda and dorado. Not only is it a multi-species juggernaut, it can be utilized in a ton of different ways.

PowerTeam Grub

Though they can be used for tons of different fish, here are three ways that a grub can be effective catching bass:

1. The “Original” Swimbait – Before the invention of the massive hunks of plastic we know as “swimbaits”, grubs were used in similar situations. Cast them out on a jighead and reel them back, swimming them through the water, causing the erratic action of the tail to entice the most lethargic of fish. Give it a “stop and go” retrieve, let it flutter down and kick it back into gear. For bass out west, 1/8-1/4 ounce darter heads are extremely popular. The narrow, bullet shaped head allow the grub to be streamlined through the water. PowerTeam Lures 4.5 inch grub is excellent for this technique. Their unique tail design and ribbed notches, allow the grub to almost vibrate, displacing a whole bunch of water. There are dozens of different styles of jigheads that can be paired up with a grub. Experiment and find what works best for you.

2. Hitch up the Trailer – Hands down, one of the best trailers on the market is the grub. Depending on the time of year and specific situation, a single tail or twin tail grub can be extremely effective. The fluttering curl tail has an amazing action while a jig is dropping down. Use a twin tail when you want your jig to fall a little slower and a single tail when you don’t need as much action, for a subtle approach. Try big 4-6 inch grubs to bulk up a jig. If the bite is tough, use a micro jig with a little crappie grub. Grubs are also excellent when used as a trailer on spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and on A-Rigs when paired with a jighead.

3. Drop it Like it’s Hot – With the popularity of the drop-shot technique moving from the west coast across the country, hundreds of baits have come out specifically for this finesse presentation. The 3-4 inch straight worms that many would have never touched in the past, have become a mainstay in everyone’s tackle box. The grub, however, was one of the first plastics to be used on a drop shot. Western anglers would nose hook it on a 10-20 inch leader and let it down right into schools of bass. Many times a bass will grab it on the fall. The action of the grub as it’s dropped down is a quick and easy meal and almost impossible for a bass to resist.

There are dozens of other ways to rig up a grub, these are just a few that have worked well for me. Get creative. There are almost no wrong ways to work this fantastic bait. Pick some up and give them a try!

Pro Staff: Dobyns Rods, PowerTeam Lures, Solar Bat Sunglasses, Gethooked Baits, Whiskey River Bait Co., Tackle Grab

Contributing Writer: Rahfish.com, Bass Utopia