In today’s blog, I’m going to talk to you about a technique that I think is going to explode over the next couple of years: mid strolling, or mid-depth strolling. If you’re out there chasing suspended fish and struggling to get them to bite, mid strolling is the technique you need to know. This is a finesse technique designed to trigger those tough, suspended fish into striking, something you can’t always do with traditional baits or methods. I’m excited to dive into the details and give you the inside scoop on what’s been working for me. So, let’s break it down: the baits, the retrieve, and the gear.
Choosing the Right Baits for Mid Strolling
The key to mid strolling is matching the forage in the water. When fish are suspended, they’re usually feeding on baitfish like shad, herring, smelt, or shiners. So, the bait you choose needs to mimic that baitfish profile. For me, there are a few standout choices when it comes to this technique. My go-to is the Berkley MaxScent Flatnose Minnow.
It’s got that perfect minnow profile, a flat bottom for stability, and an anatomically correct forked tail. The flat nose and tapering body make it ideal for getting that “roll and shake” motion through the water that drives suspended fish crazy. I like to pair it with a 3/16- or 1/4-ounce jighead with a 90-degree line tie. That 90-degree line tie helps the bait maintain a horizontal position as it swims, keeping it true in the water and preventing it from spinning or diving too much.
Now, if the forage in your area is a bit bigger, like a herring or larger shad, then you’ll want to bump up the size of your bait. I’ll go with a 5-6 inch fluke style bait in those situations. A great choice here is the Berkley PowerBait Jerk Shad. This is another bait that has the perfect baitfish profile and works like a charm when mid strolling. Pair it with a screw-lock jighead for extra security, and again, go for that 90-degree line tie to keep the bait horizontal as it swims. If you’ve got larger baitfish in your area, this is the way to go!
The Secret Weapon: The PowerBait Switch
But here’s the kicker: there’s a new player in town, and it’s a game-changer for mid strolling—the Berkley PowerBait Power Switch. This bait was built to do it all, and when it comes to mid strolling, it has an action that you can’t beat.
The secret lies in its design. The jighead is set back, and it’s got that flat, broad head. What makes this bait so special is that it has its own built-in rolling action. You don’t need to impart much movement with the rod; just reel it slowly, and the bait does all the work. It’s like the bait is wandering through the water, mimicking a distressed, easy meal for those suspended fish.
The Power Switch is available in a range of sizes and weights, and I recommend choosing a weight that matches the depth of the fish you’re targeting. Light weights (like 1/8 or 3/16 ounce) are great for shallow fish, while heavier weights (up to 3/8 ounce) are perfect for those deeper schools.
How to Fish the Mid Strolling Technique
Alright, let’s talk about the retrieve. This is where the magic happens. For the traditional minnow-style baits, like the Flatnose Minnow or the Jerk Shad, you’re going to want to use your rod to create that rolling, shaking action. Here’s the trick: make a long cast past the fish you’re targeting, and then count it down to the right depth.
Once you’re at the right level, start a slow, steady retrieve, and at the same time, gently shake your rod tip. The key is to keep that bait horizontal and to introduce slack in the line as you retrieve. Every time you shake the rod, the bait rolls left, right, and even kicks its head—this is what gets the fish to bite. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time—it takes a little practice, but once you get that rhythm down, it’s on.
For the PowerBait Power Switch, the retrieve is a little different. With this bait, the action is already built in, so you can get away with just reeling it in slowly. Once you cast it past the fish, count it down to the right depth, then just reel it in at a consistent, slow pace. You’ll see the bait wander from side to side on its own, creating that irresistible baitfish action. And, just like with the other baits, if the bait starts to rise too much, just kill the reel for a second to let it fall back down. That pause can often trigger a strike, but more often than not, the action of the bait itself is what brings the fish in.
Gear Breakdown for Mid Strolling Success
Now, let’s talk about the gear you need to make this technique shine. For me, it’s all about using a longer, medium-action spinning rod in the 7’4” to 7’6” range. This rod gives you the sensitivity you need to feel those subtle bites while also giving you enough length to make those long casts. Pair it with a 3,000 or 4,000-size spinning reel like the Abu Garcia Rocket because it has a fast gear ratio, which lets me burn in my bait quickly if I need to make another cast. For line, I recommend going with 8-12 lb braid. I like to use Berkley X5 in bright colors like yellow or green, so I can see the line clearly. Then, tie on a 4-6 foot fluorocarbon leader in the 6-10 lb range. The fluorocarbon helps maintain that nice, fluid roll from the bait and makes it less visible to the fish.
Give Mid Strolling a Try!
If you’re fishing clear water and using forward-facing sonar to find those suspended fish, I promise you, mid strolling is something you need to add to your arsenal. With the right baits, the proper retrieve, and the right gear, you’ll be able to trigger those tough fish into striking when nothing else seems to work.
And don’t forget to give the Berkley PowerBait Power Switch a try. It’s a unique bait with a built-in action that’s tailor-made for this technique. Thanks for tuning in to today’s “In the Shop” session!
If you found this helpful, hit that subscribe button, and don’t forget to share this with your fishing buddies. Let’s get out there and put this technique to work—mid strolling is the future, and it’s time to start catching those suspended fish like never before!
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