KISS: A Simple System for Kayak Bass Fishing Success

Happy Monday Spacefish!

This week I’m writing about KISS. Not the band, or physical affection — but the motto: Keep It Simple, Stupid. I’m the “stupid,” because I have a bad habit of making things more complicated than they need to be.

Back in the spring, I did the Fast Food Bass Challenge. Since then, I’ve fished a lot of Central Florida lakes, and while I’ve gone back to using my bass-specific rods and reels, my bait approach hasn’t changed much.

The result? Trip after trip of steady success with just 3 rods, 3 bags of soft plastics, and 1 small tackle box. It’s simple, easy, effective — and fun.

The Five Baits

I’ve leaned on these five baits all summer, usually working through them in the same order. Some days I only need step 1, others I’ll make it all the way to step 5. Instead of changing colors, I change depth, profile, or retrieve speed — those adjustments have made the bigger difference.

1. Bitters Buzz’n Gator
2. Hollow Body Frog
3. Speedworm
4. Fluke / Jerk Bait
5. Flippin’ Worm (Stick Worm)

To keep it simple, I pack three gallon Ziplocs — one for flukes/frogs, one for speedworms, one for flipping baits — plus a small tackle box with frogs, hooks, tungsten weights, and bobber stoppers. That’s it. Everything fits in my net, and I can launch in under 5 minutes.

Rod #1: Frog First, Flip Later

Rod #1 is a 6’10” casting rod spooled with 30lb moss green braid. Early mornings, it’s tied with a hollow body frog — I’ve had good results with both white- and black-bellied frogs (Lunkerhunt or H2OX from Academy). Tournament pros prefer longer, heavier setups with 50–65lb braid, but I’ve found my lighter rig plenty effective for fun fishing.

Later in the day, this same rod switches to flipping. With a ⅜–⅝ oz tungsten weight, a 4/0 EWG, and a black/blue tip stick worm, I target emergent vegetation — reeds, pads, Kissimmee grass. Let it hit bottom, let it sit, then drag it back. This “low and slow” presentation is especially effective when fish are sluggish from heat or cold. (More on flipping here).

Rod #2: Buzz’n Gator & Speedworm

Rod #2 starts the day with a Bitters Buzz’n Gator rigged weightless on a 3/0 EWG. My favorite color is Watermelon Red Pearl with a light belly, though Mardi Gras is a close second. This bait churns up the surface and gets crushed — I catch more fish on it than the frog, though the frog often produces bigger ones.

When the topwater bite slows, this rod converts to the Speedworm (step 3). I slide up the bobber stopper, add a 3/16–¼ oz tungsten weight, and tie back on the hook with a Palomar knot.

My go-to colors: Junebug with a blue tail, Junebug Red/Xmas with a blue tail, or straight Junebug. Watermelon Red works too, though darker colors tend to do best across Florida lakes.

The Speedworm is the king of Florida bass fishing — fish it fast or slow, shallow or deep. Once texposed, it’s snag-proof and versatile. If you only bring one bait, make it a pegged Texas-rigged (aka the Florida Rig) Speedworm.

Rod #3: The Fluke Machine

Rod #3 is my 7’ Ugly Stik Inshore Select with a 4000 reel, 10lb braid, and 15–20lb fluoro leader. This spinning setup is perfect for skipping weightless, weedless flukes under docks or bombing them over hydrilla and eel grass.

Retrieves are simple: twitch-twitch-pause. Flukes may look plain, but they flat-out catch fish. I favor natural colors like Watermelon Red, Watermelon Seed, and Houdini.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, where and how you throw matters more than the exact bait. But after hours on the water this summer, I can vouch that this 3-rod, 5-bait system keeps things simple, effective, and kayak-friendly.

If you’re looking to streamline your own setup, stop by Kayaks By Bo in Cocoa — hands down the best local spot for kayaks, gear, and accessories to keep you on the water.

It’s still sweltering out there, so don’t forget to load the cooler with ice water and hydration drinks. Stay safe, stay cool, and most importantly — rip some lips this week!