Quote:
Originally Posted by FlipaYak
It sounds like you are saying to pick a lure or style of fishing and master it. Is that correct?
That's kind of what I'm trying to do right now. TM for bluegill and anything that'll bite and these finesses techniques for bass.
I've really struggled in the past fishing any lake over 10 acres. Old Hickory has been my nemesis. I did better last year on Pickwick, and I plan to improve my skill set and confidence again this year.
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I was just saying to not get overly technical on the method until you have the fish patterned well. The midwest finesse technique calls for some no feel or no bottom contact methods. Just cast out and let the lure swim back on the retrieve. But they say, keep with 6 inches or a foot from the bottom. If you don't know the spot great, this is almost impossible. Plus you may "swim" your bait right over a boulder, small dropoff, stump or other things and never know why the fish was holding there. For finesse fishing, I like to use a jig that is just heavy enough to feel the bottom. When you start, slightly heavier jigs are easier to control and feel, but they will snag a little more often. 3/8 oz has been a standard forever and it works great. For small baits and shallow water, 1/4 oz is fine. 1/8 oz will glide and slow fall better, but will take some practice to get the feel for what is happening.
A stiff 6 foot spinning rod with a light tip and the braid with fluorocarbon leader is a very sensitive setup that is also amazingly strong and abrasion resistant. You can pull big fish from nasty spots with this rig. And many times the lighter the leader (6 lb test) will get more bites as it doesn't drag on the light lure as much. But it will lead to a few heartbreaking break offs on big fish.
You have to get them to bite before you can land them so it is a trade off. A 10 lb leader is a good compromise.
Just have confidence that this rig works - I guarantee it does - and learn it well and you will catch bass. Plus it works all across the country for largemouth, smallmouth, and spots.
Best of luck,
Jim
PS - It definitely works on Old Hickory.