Dead sticking for sandbass

Was out yesterday on the lew to try and find some hybrids...deadstick technique. Found the fish, just no hybrids. Lots of small hits but few hookups. Think the sandier just cannot get mouth around the big bait I use for hybrids and striper. Did get a few on the fly tied above. Any suggestions on a smaller presentation than the 1oz jig on the bottom if I get in this situation again.

Fwiw, it was on as far as strikes...water temp...49f

We had the same problem Wednesday at Texoma. What bait did you have on the jig? I was on someone else's boat and was told don't bring anything I got it. If I had brought my plastics bag I could have switched to a fluke jr and maybe hooked up with something. I had lots of taps but I got skunked.

Had some 1 oz dh jigs by reaxion...knew they would be to big for the sandies, but figured I could find a few hybrids. Have bigger 1.5 oz ones, but none smaller. Anyways, would rather at least catch something small while looking for the bigger fish. Had 5 or 6 inch flukes on the tail, could feel them hitting the tail all day.

Downsize as small as you can depending on the wind.

1 oz was the smallest I had...soon to be rectified. Had a couple 1/4 oz roadrunners...should have tried those.

I was using 2oz Wed ! what it took to go down vertical

Regardless of lure or jig size , sandies will swatt at it either via tail slap or head on . Stinger hooks which are sold commercially or hand made will put fish in the box immediately. Barrows sells the style I prefer ! Lots of push ups , move pole side to side , not straight up .

A heavy 4X treble hook size 4 or 6 with heavy braid line will help

Advanced version. Have not seen nor used that variable as yet , but will, thx super !!!

Some tie off of hook bend. The hook eye tie won't slip off hook. SuperGlue on both knots of heavy braid line helps

Thx Duck, will try that next time. Merry Christmas to all.

Super Duck has the right idea for sure! A stinger will let you know exactly what's swatting at your bait.