12-08-2012, 06:50 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Finesse fishing probably means something different to many different anglers. To me it means scaling down my tackle to allow delicate presentations while being able to detect even the lightest bites.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In a nutshell, that means fishing with a light rod, small reel (with ultra-smooth gears and drag), light line and small jigs...seldom more than 1/8 oz. For true finesse fishing you will seldom be making long casts. The idea is to have a minimum of line out to be affected by wind, water currents, etc. And your rod needs to be sensitive enough to transmit the vaguest tick up the line.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the toughest elements of finesse fishing is forcing yourself to FOCUS. On every cast you need to be TOTALLY IN TUNE with where the lure is, what it is doing...or not doing...and whatever it contacts on its way back in. Some bites register only as a slight twitch on the line. Some you feel as a light tap. Many bites you never even know about. Fish can suck in the jig and spit it back out again without ever knowing about it. Hooksets are free. Whenever there is a change in the force, use your wrist to set the hook. Otherwise you will often bring in a de-baited jig without ever feeling a thing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Like any aspect of angling, finesse fishing is something that usually requires practice...the right way. And for most of us, it is a lifetime pursuit...that we have to keep reminding ourselves to get back to basics and stay attuned to what is going on...and fishing with confidence...as if every second of every cast has the potential for producing something on the end of your line. Because it does.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Having the right gear is a good start. But developing the skills (art) is a major part of it. Like many worthwhile things in life...getting there is most of the fun.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In a nutshell, that means fishing with a light rod, small reel (with ultra-smooth gears and drag), light line and small jigs...seldom more than 1/8 oz. For true finesse fishing you will seldom be making long casts. The idea is to have a minimum of line out to be affected by wind, water currents, etc. And your rod needs to be sensitive enough to transmit the vaguest tick up the line.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the toughest elements of finesse fishing is forcing yourself to FOCUS. On every cast you need to be TOTALLY IN TUNE with where the lure is, what it is doing...or not doing...and whatever it contacts on its way back in. Some bites register only as a slight twitch on the line. Some you feel as a light tap. Many bites you never even know about. Fish can suck in the jig and spit it back out again without ever knowing about it. Hooksets are free. Whenever there is a change in the force, use your wrist to set the hook. Otherwise you will often bring in a de-baited jig without ever feeling a thing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Like any aspect of angling, finesse fishing is something that usually requires practice...the right way. And for most of us, it is a lifetime pursuit...that we have to keep reminding ourselves to get back to basics and stay attuned to what is going on...and fishing with confidence...as if every second of every cast has the potential for producing something on the end of your line. Because it does.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Having the right gear is a good start. But developing the skills (art) is a major part of it. Like many worthwhile things in life...getting there is most of the fun.[/#0000ff]
[signature]