Bright sunshine, little wind and clear estuary water can make a bass-fishing session feel challenging. We often start with topwater lures, but keep a Bombarda rig ready as another approach.
Looking at options for your own setup? Browse our anti-tangle Bombarda kits and saltwater bass flies, and check each listing for float type and pack contents.
On this session, the water was so clear that we chose something almost transparent, hoping to present it naturally. The combination was a 115mm Red Gill Rascal behind a 15g sinking anti-tangle Bombarda, fished in about five feet of water.
The Bombarda and Red Gill rig
It had been a while since we had used our anti-tangle Bombardas, but it did not take long to get used to casting with a long trace again. We used roughly 7–9 feet, choosing a length we could cast comfortably.
The system lets you present a small Red Gill behind the float. A saltwater fly is another option to explore, although the lure used for this catch was the 115mm Red Gill.
A surprise on the third cast
On my third cast, the line went solid. At first I thought I had hooked a small bass. It must have been swimming towards me because it felt light, but as it came closer, the brakes went on.
The fish pulled away and the drag gave slightly. That was my first proper indication that this was not a little bass.
I initially thought about using the net, but when it started thrashing, I walked it back and beached it briefly for a few photos before returning it to the river.
After checking it with our BASS measuring tape, I was pleasantly surprised by its length and condition. You can also visit the Bass Anglers Sportsfishing Society.
Then it went back to fight another day.
Trace length and casting tips
A common question is how long the fluorocarbon trace should be. Around 7–9 feet (2.1–2.7 metres) is the starting point described here, but use a length that suits your casting and the space available.
- Keep separation: the trace keeps the lure away from the float.
- Control the turnover: stopping the line just before the float lands helps the lure turn over behind it and reduces tangles.
- Cast comfortably: take time to get used to the longer trace and keep the casting area clear.
- Experiment with the retrieve: I started with a slow retrieve and would vary the speed if it was not getting interest.
Explore the tackle used
If you want to try this approach, compare the 15g sinking Bombarda system and 115mm Red Gill Rascal. Check the selected options and what is included on each product page before ordering.
This is an account of one successful session, not a guarantee that the same rig will produce fish in every estuary or set of conditions.