Slabbing: The Angler's Guide

Imagine a fishing technique that combines the thrill of the chase and the excitement of turning any angler into a fierce predator hunter. Welcome to the exhilarating world of slabbing!

This unique and dynamic fishing technique involves heavy bait in the form of a slab, mimicking the erratic movement of a wounded baitfish to attract predatory target fish. 

It is based on ​​vertical jigging, which focuses on positioning the bait and tweaking it in the water column. It creates a pretty attractive show, and while primarily used in freshwater with modifications, it can also be adapted to saltwater environments.

If you want to know more about slabbing, how and where to do it, and with which tool and bait your performance will bring delicious results to your dinner table, then keep reading.

Understanding Slabbing

The slabbing process involves using a heavy slab-shaped bait to attract fish by mimicking the erratic movements, dropping that bait vertically into the water, and then moving up and down. Most fish species will react to frenetic movements driven by predation instincts and approaches to investigate potential prey. 

Slabbing primarily catches fish such as Bass and Walleye and saltwater predators such as Redfish and Bluefish. This technique is best characterized by its strategic simplicity, making it accessible to all anglers.

The skill required to precisely control the lure's depth is a challenge worth taking on. It is also essential that the jig is light enough because vertical jigging will ensure it can reach and provoke fish at different depths and underwater structures.

Why Use Slabbing

Slabbing is quite effective and easily adaptable to complex water environments, from deep lakes and fast rivers to coastal waters. The heavy lure sinks quickly, allowing you to explore different levels and depths, giving you precise control over your fishing strategy.

Slabbing is not only efficient but also an exciting technique. The constant vertical jigging keeps you active and on your toes, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience as you wait for the fish to strike. This thrill of active fishing improves your skills and understanding of fish behavior and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

For recreational anglers, slabbing offers a unique and exciting way to spend time on the water. Although primarily favored in freshwater environments, slabbing can shine in saltwater, where its effectiveness with a wise approach can be even greater. It is intended to target larger fish, starting with predatory species such as Bass and Bluefish and even offshore game such as Tuna and Swordfish.

This focus on larger, more challenging fish can instill a sense of ambition and motivation in anglers. The initial investment in heavier gear may be slightly more expensive, but the maintenance costs are minimal compared to other techniques.

Why Fish Gather on Slabbing

The catch is in a good presentation. If fish suspect the authenticity of the bait, they may run away or ignore it. Whereas slabbing bait presentation is focused on imitating the appearance of wounded baits or struggling fish, they are attracted to the ease of catching such prey, as they are driven by instinct. 

So, the challenge is sound presentation, steady hand and control, precise movements, and your ability to adapt strategy to the fish's behavior and environment and to use your best gear.

Fish Species Commonly Caught by Slabbing

Slabbing allows you to target large fish and trophy specimens. Here are the types it is commonly used for.

• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: These are always popular wild fish, favored because of their aggressive strikes, and can also be targeted in lakes, rivers, and seas.

• Walleye: Slabbing prides itself on being particularly effective for targeting jigs, especially in deeper lakes and reservoirs. Flashing cheats can cause quite aggressive attacks.

• Crappies: Slabbing is a common technique to target Crappie, a fish known to move near structures and submerged brush piles.

• Striped Bass: Slabbing will do wonders for catching Striped Bass, Sea Bass, and Ocean Bass, especially when feeding near the surface or drifting in deeper water columns.

• Bluefish: Famous for its aggressive feeding behavior, anglers often target it in coastal waters and environments.

• Redfish: Slabbing is Extremely effective for catching Redfish, especially around oyster beds, marsh edges, and deeper channels.

• Yellow Perch: You will primarily find this fish in deeper lakes and reservoirs where Perch often schools.

• Trout: Although not caught as often by slabbing, Trout species, such as Brown and California Trout, can also be caught by slabbing in particular habitats.

These are just some fish species you can catch using this method's effectiveness and versatility in fresh and saltwater.

Essential Gear for Slabbing

In addition to skill, to get the most out of the slabbing technique, you need the right gear, the one that will respond well to your fishing style and the fish you want to catch.

Rods

For slabbing fishing, you won't need any overly specialized rods. First of all, they must be stable and solid.

• Medium to Medium Weight Spinning Rods: Simple, solid, provide soldier-level sensitivity, and are best used for casting lighter lures.

• Baitcasting Rods: Used when you need strong support and excellent control. They have a stronger spine, which allows for precise control and better handling of larger fish.

• Telescopic Rods: Suitable for anglers who prefer portability and storage space. They are easy to scalp and shrink down to a compact size, making them easy to carry if you travel a lot.

• Graphite or Composite Rods: These rods are made of graphite or composite materials, which makes them very light but without compensating for strength and durability.

You choose the right rod based on these details, depending on where and how you like to fish and whether you want a log or compactness.

Reels

You can't be sure that your slabbing performance will include smooth casting and effective jigging if you don't have the right reel. For slabbing, pay attention to the following types of reels.

• Spinning Reels: With slabbing enthusiasts, this is probably the most popular option due to its combination of versatility and ease of use. It has an open design where the reel rotates during the cast and retrieve, good maneuverability, and can be used by anglers of all skill levels.

• Baitcasting Reels: A rotating spool located perpendicular to the rod allows for greater power and control, ultimately resulting in superior casting distance and accuracy.

• Central Reels: These reels have a central wedge and are often also called floating reels. They are mainly used by anglers who practice drifting in rivers and streams.

Choose your reels wisely and take care of all the details. Larger ones can accommodate thicker lines and give more line capacity, which is important if you focus on larger fish species. That way, you will pull them out more easily without breaking and tangling the line.

Lines

It's quite hard to make the wrong move and choose the wrong one since everything available on the market will give you the strength to optimize your power and sensitivity. Monofilament or wired one, it's up to you and your fishing knowledge.

• Monofilament Line: One of the most popular and most common choices. It is often used in slabbing because of its versatility and affordability. It stretches a bit, which can be useful when setting the hook and fighting fish, as it helps absorb shock.

• Fluorocarbon Line: Almost invisible, great for hunting shy fish. It stretches less, provides better sensitivity, and is more abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for fishing around structures and rocky areas.

• Braided Line: A favorite for its exceptional strength and sensitivity, virtually no stretch, and allowing anglers to feel even the tiniest bites and act quickly and set hooks quickly. It is much thinner than monofilament and fluorocarbon, allowing longer casts.

• Copolymer Line: This type is a hybrid that combines the best features of monofilament and fluorocarbon. Low visibility, sufficient strength, adjustable stretch, and resistance to abrasion make it one of the best lines on the market.

• Wire Line: Occasionally used in this technique, primarily when specifically targeting toothy species such as Bluefish and Mackerel. It is less common than other types of lines but a very safe option if you are fishing in certain scenarios where extra strength is needed.

Whether you prefer low visibility, sensitivity, strength, abrasion resistance, or all of the above, choosing the right line can significantly improve slabbing without tangling or breaking the line.

Rigs

The choice of rigs for stabbing is really good, and you almost cannot make a wrong decision. Be sure that the rig you choose can really fix the bait where you want it. Here are the types to look out for.

• Basic Slabbing Rig: This simple but effective rig involves tying a swivel to the end of the main line to prevent the line from twisting. It is ideal for targeting fish that hang or feed near the bottom.

• Dropper Loop Rig: This rig consists of a plate lure, swivel line, main line, dropper loop, and extra hooks. It allows simultaneous presentation of several baits at different depths, which will prove excellent when targeting fish feeding at different levels in the water column.

• Three-way Swivel Rig: This rig consists of a three-way swivel and is specially designed for deeper water or areas with strong currents. It ensures the bait is firmly secured and tied, allowing it to move freely. It is an excellent rig for maintaining control over the depth and movement of the lure.

• Carolina Rig: This rig consists of a plate jig, bullet weight, bead, swivel line, main line, and leader line. It is effective for targeting fish feeding on or near the bottom and is one of the classic rig setups that works wonders for all bottom-targeting techniques.

• Slip Bobber Rig: This rig consists of a slip jig, slip jig, bobber stop, bead, swivel, and main line. It is perfect for hanging a slab jig at specific depths and is especially useful for targeting fish hanging over structures or in open water.

Choosing the proper rig will make the entire process of slabbing fishing easier and successfully improve your bait presentation. If you are unsure, there is always someone who can give you advice.

Hooks

You will also need appropriate hooks for this technique, and the choice is quite generous; here are the ones you can rely on.

• Jig Hooks: These hooks are specially designed for use with jig heads. With a short handle and a wide opening, they will provide a larger bait and are also ideal for attaching to weak lures, especially when vertical jigging for species such as Bass, Walleye, and Crappie.

• Treble Hooks: Treble hooks have three points that extend from a single shank, offering more points of contact and increasing performance, especially when targeting aggressive fish species.

• Octopus Hooks: These hooks have a short shank and a wide opening. Although they are called octopus hooks, they can be used for a variety of fish and fishing techniques. They are suitable for use with live or cut bait.

• Circle Hooks: These hooks have a curved shape and are good if you plan to practice the catch-and-release technique, as they reduce the likelihood of major injury to the fish.

• Wide Gap Hooks: This type has a larger gap between the shank and the tip of the hook, providing a better opportunity to hook fish with large mouths, allowing for an easier and tighter hook.

• Double Hooks: Characteristic in that two points extend from a single shank, providing additional hooking potential compared to single hooks. They are excellent for aggressive fish.

• Single Hooks: These are the basic and most commonly used hooks. They have a single tip and handle and come in a variety of sizes and styles, which can come in handy for slabbing as well.

Of course, this is only sometimes the case, but choosing the right hook for slabbing is your ticket to a successful catch, so always remember what fish you are catching and their behavior.

Essential Baits and Lures For Slabbing

Like most fishing techniques, slabbing completes the entire setup by choosing quality lures, that is, those that match the idea of ​​this type of fishing. Below, get acquainted with the best saltwater and freshwater lures.

Freshwater 

Slabbing is primarily used in freshwater. There are more than enough live and artificial baits, so you can try, improvise, and always seek those who suit your slabbing style and manner in the best possible way.

Live Baits

Slabbing allows you to rely on and use the usual live lures; they are inexpensive and readily available in every bait store.

• Minnows: Minnows are the classic choice for freshwater fishing. With good performance, they will not resist species such as Crappies, Bass, and Walleye.

• Nightcrawlers: These are versatile live baits that catch various freshwater species, including Bass, Catfish, and Trout. Their squirming in the water makes them irresistible to fish.

• Leech: A favorite bait of many anglers. This technique is particularly effective for targeting Walleye and Sea Bass, as their natural swimming attracts these predators.

Remember to keep them in an optimal state, whether you are using them live or cut, so that they can produce the best possible presentation. 

Artificial Baits

The bait choice is sometimes that magical factor that works wonders when skill or gear fails. And when it comes to artificial ones, you can find a lot to support you.

• Slab Spoons: Slab spoons imitate injured fish and are often used in bait and vertical jigging techniques in rivers and lakes. They come in different sizes and colors, and they can easily be adapted to performance.

• Soft Plastic Bites: A large variety of this type of bait that can be rigged in various ways to imitate small bait fish or invertebrates. Will do the job for Bass and Crappie.

• Blade Baits: This type creates vibrations and flashes in the water, thus attracting predatory fish from a distance, such as Bass and Walleye, in freshwater environments.

With a good presentation, artificial baits can produce better results than live ones, so it's a good idea to have as many of them as possible in your tackle box.

Saltwater

This technique is uncommon in the marine environment, but if you use it, you should rely on the following live and artificial bait.

Live Baits

Classic live baits, mostly used for hunting various sea fish, will also work in this technique.

• Shrimp: They are ideal for salt water. They attract many species, including fish, Trout, and Flounder, as the movement and smell highly motivate these marine species.

• Mullet: They are excellent bait for hunting species such as Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish. They are lively and make great shows in the water.

• Crabs: Crabs are a powerful and tasty live bait for targeting species such as Redfish, Black Drum, and Sheepshead.

Live bait for saltwater must be from the usual target fish menu; that's the best way to inspire an impulsive predatory reaction.

Artificial Baits

Different types and subspecies of artificial baits will provide you with a quality presentation.

• Metal Bait: It will provide shine and play on the water. It is excellent for imitating small baits in saltwater and will attract species such as Snapper, Grouper, and Kingfish.

• Soft Plastic Baits: These are intended to mimic small fish and are effective for catching various species, including Cod, Trout, and Snook.

• Bucktail Jigs: Durable and versatile, ideal for saltwater. It will target species such as Flounder, Striped Bass, and Bluefish.

The advantage of artificial bait is that it is durable and can be used repeatedly. However, it is up to you to be careful not to pollute the environment with it.

Where to Go Slabbing

Whether you like the peace of freshwater lakes or the vastness of the ocean, we promise you will find the ideal spot to enjoy slabbing the way you find it most relaxing or exciting. 

Reservoirs and Lakes

Large reservoirs and natural lakes are favorite places for this technique. They are deep enough and mostly extremely productive in Crappies, Bass, Walleye, and Catfish. 

Besides, they are quite easily approachable by smaller boats. Especially if they are small-sized, which is an excellent location for beginners due to their smaller size and higher fish density. It is true that lakes can have very steady surfaces but are pretty surprising and unstable underwater environments, so always take care and don't underestimate any water. 

Rivers

Rivers are dynamic, with different underwater structures, depths, and currents, meaning they opt for many other fishing scenarios. Most productive areas are those with slower currents where fish may be resting or feeding.

If you live in an urban area, rivers are the easiest way to explore slabbing, such as shores, bridges, or piers. It's also great that rivers are accessible to almost everyone, and you don't have to go far to explore them.

Coastal Bays and Coves

The bays and coves along the coast are great places for slabbing. They are deep enough and offer a variety of approaches and enough space to explore techniques. You can try it from the coast, boat, bridges or piers, coral reefs, and drop-offs. So, if you are lucky enough to have those places close to you, you can use slabbing to catch Redfish or Snook, Sea Trout, or Tarpon.

Specific Slabb Fishing Strategies

One of the best things about slab fishing is the variety of strategies available, which suit different fishing conditions, target species, and the angler's preferred style.

Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging targets deep water structures, such as drop-offs, ledges, and submerged brush piles, using a fish finder. The goal is to drop the lure straight down to the desired depth, right above where the fish are. It's best to use short, sharp jerks of the rod tip to get the lure to flap and mimic, which will mimic an injured fish. 

Then, let it fall back on the half-tight string, as shocks often occur when falling. Stay alert and keep an eye on the bait to keep up with the fish as they move. Vary the speed and rhythm of your jigging to see what elicits the most bites.

Horizontal Casting and Retrieving

A horizontal cast and retrieve effectively target schools of fish near structures such as rock piles, pinnacles, and submerged vegetation. 

Simply cast out the lure and let it sink to the desired depth, then jerk it steadily, adding occasional pauses and jerks to mimic a baitfish in distress. It is important to adjust the speed to the fish's temperament.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is ideal for covering areas with different depths and structures, such as channels, flats, and underwater reefs. Drop your lure to the desired depth and let the boat move it through the water column. 

It is essential to follow your drift and adjust your position in productive areas. Mostly, you can just go with the water flow, but it's okay to turn an engine occasionally to change rhythm, especially if there are no catches.

Final Thoughts

The beauty, and for some perhaps the trouble, of slabbing is precisely that it shows the excitement but also the intricacies of fishing. You can juggle between different approaches. Whether you're vertical jigging over deep structure, casting and retrieving near bait schools, drifting over productive areas, or targeting suspended fish, the choice is more than generous. 

We sincerely hope that this guide has given you valuable insight into the world of this unusual technique and that it has helped you decide whether it suits your fishing aspirations. Feel free to ask us anything you're interested in, brag, and share pictures and tips. We are always ready to answer, offer help, or just join the discussion!