Tag Archives: Rebel Lures

Neosho Bass: The Ozark’s Undiscovered Gem (And How to Catch Them!)

The Ozarks are full of crystal-clear rivers, cool, flowing water and a hotbed for kayak fishing for bass. But did you know these waters have its own species of bass? This is a unique, often overlooked fish in the streams and creeks of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Often mistaken for its more common cousin, the Smallmouth Bass, the Neosho is a distinct subspecies that deserves a spotlight. If you’re paddling and casting in the Ozarks, know the difference so you can spot one of these special bass while river or creek fishing.

What Exactly IS a Neosho Bass?

The Neosho Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox) is a subspecies of Smallmouth Bass, found only in the Spring, Neosho, and Elk River basins of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. They’re perfectly adapted to the clear, gravel-bottomed streams of this region, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Over time they are breeding with Smallmouth and it is getting harder to find a pure Neosho. That’s why proper identification is crucial when determining if you’ve successfully found one.

Neosho Bass Ozarks www.kayakfishingfocus.com
The Neosho Bass has some unique features from the Smallmouth. Source: kayakfishingfocus.com

Neosho vs. Smallmouth: Key Identification Tips for Kayak Anglers

While they share similarities, several key characteristics set this species apart. Here’s what to look for:

  • Body shape: They tend to be more slender and streamlined compared to the stockier smallmouth bass. 
  • Jaw structure: A noticeable feature is the underbite on a Neosho bass, where the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw. 
  • Coloration: They generally have a lighter color with less prominent dark vertical bars (“tiger stripes”) compared to the more distinctly patterned smallmouth bass. 
  • Cheek Scales: The cheek scales are often smaller and more numerous than the Smallmouth.
  • Geographic Location: If you’re fishing the Spring, Neosho, or Elk River basins, and you catch a “smallmouth” with the characteristics described above, it could a Neosho.

Discount on Booyah Baits, YUM Baits, Rebel Lures, War Eagle Lures, Bobby Garland

Kayak Fishing Tactics for Neosho Bass

Neosho Bass Ozarks www.kayakfishingfocus.com
This Neosho Bass didn’t cooperate and flopped back into the Kings River! Source: kayakfishingfocus.com

Neosho Bass, like Smallmouth, thrive in clear, flowing water with rocky bottoms in Ozark creeks and streams. Here are some kayak bass fishing tactics to catch bass while creek fishing:

  • Lure Selection:
    • Crawfish imitations: Perfect for creeks, a small craw imitator like the Rebel LiveFlex Rebel Creek Craw will catch ’em. (Save 15% with code: KINCY15)
    • Small crankbaits and swimbaits around cover
    • Letting a micro-soft plastic like the Rebel LiveFlex lures bounce along in the current
  • Fly Fishing:
    • Streamers and nymphs: Ideal for clear Ozark streams.
  • Kayak Positioning:
    • Target rocky areas, submerged timber, and current seams.
    • You can find these bass almost anywhere in the right clear Ozark stream.

Protecting Neosho Bass: A Kayak Angler’s Responsibility

Because the population is at risk of declining due to loss of habitat and breeding with Smallmouth, if you catch a Neosho Bass snap a photo, enjoy its beauty, and then get it safely back into the water. Keeping the creek ecosystems natural is another reason not to transport fish from one stream to another – keep them where they belong.

By understanding this species, kayak anglers can play a vital role in conserving these special fish native only in the Ozarks. So, next time you’re fishing those clear streams, take a closer look at your catch. You might just have found a hidden gem while kayak fishing!

Keywords: Kayak Fishing, Ozark Fishing, Smallmouth Bass, Bass Identification, Ozark Rivers, Neosho River, Elk River, Spring River, Fishing Tactics, Conservation, Micropterus dolomieu velox.

A Perfect Match for BFS Bass Fishing: Rebel LiveFlex Lures

Bass fishing is a sport that’s constantly evolving, with anglers always searching for new techniques and gear to gain an edge. One trend that has gained significant traction is BFS bass fishing. This finesse approach, originally designed for trout fishing in Japan, has proven incredibly effective for targeting bass, especially in pressured waters or when fish are finicky. And when it comes to BFS bass fishing, the Rebel LiveFlex lures are a standout choice.

Rebel Liveflex BFS bass fishing tips kayakfishingfocus.com

What is BFS Fishing?

BFS (Bait Finesse Fishing) involves using lightweight lures and a lightweight rod and reel setup. This technique excels in clear water or when bass are exhibiting selective feeding behavior. The key components of a BFS setup include:

  • BFS Rod: A lightweight, typically shorter rod with a soft tip for casting light lures and absorbing shocks from hard-fighting fish.
  • BFS Reel: A baitcasting reel with a shallow spool and finely tuned braking system designed for casting lightweight lures.
  • Lightweight Line: Fluorocarbon or braided line in lighter pound tests to enhance casting distance and sensitivity. P-Line’s Spin-X braid is perfect for this application, with a lightweight leader.
  • Light or Small Lures: Small lures like micro jigs, small crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics.


Why Rebel LiveFlex Lures Excel in BFS Fishing

Rebel LiveFlex lures are perfectly suited for BFS tactics due to several key features:

  • Lightweight Design: These lures are small and lightweight, enabling longer casts and accurate presentations with light line, perfect for BFS setups.
  • Realistic Action: The LiveFlex series mimics the natural movements of prey (insects, crawfish, baitfish), enticing wary bass.
  • Versatility: The LiveFlex series offers a variety of lure types, including craws, insects, and baitfish imitations. This versatility allows anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and presentations.
  • Durability: Made from durable soft plastic, LiveFlex lures withstand repeated casts and hooksets, even in cover.
Rebel Liveflex BFS bass fishing tips kayakfishingfocus.com

How to Fish Rebel LiveFlex Lures with a BFS Setup

Here are a few tips for effectively fishing Rebel LiveFlex lures with a BFS setup:

  • Match the Hatch: Choose the LiveFlex Craw for crawfish, and the LiveFlex Insect for insect hatches.
  • Experiment with Retrieves: Try slow retrieves, twitches, and pauses to imitate prey.
  • Fish Around Cover: BFS excels in fishing around rocks, vegetation, and docks.
  • Pay Attention to Line Movement: Watch for twitches, ticks, or sudden movements on your light line to detect bites.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to up your bass game, especially when finesse is key, give Rebel LiveFlex lures a shot with your BFS setup. They’re light, swim super realistically, and come in a ton of styles, so you can always find the right bait for the situation. Plus, they’re built tough to use over and over again. So, grab your BFS gear, tie on a LiveFlex, and get ready to catch some bass in a fun new way!