Deflection

Deflection happens when a bait strikes a piece of cover, like a rock, stump, or dock post, and kicks off at an unpredictable angle. That sudden change in direction often triggers a bass to strike out of reflex, even when the fish was not actively feeding. The bait looks like it is fleeing or reacting to something, and a nearby bass reacts before it has time to think it over. Anglers use deflection on purpose by casting hard baits into or against cover instead of around it. Squarebill crankbaits are a classic choice because their flat, wide bill lets them bounce off rocks and wood without digging in and snagging. Jigs and jigs can also deflect off limbs or brush on the fall, changing speed and direction in a way that draws strikes from fish holding tight to cover. The key is contact. If your bait is not occasionally ticking rocks, wood, or riprap, you are probably fishing too far from where the bass are actually holding.