Fall 2021
pause will trigger bites that would not have occurred on a non-eventful start to finish retrieve.
To make things simpler it’s all about focusing heavily on the high percentage strike zones and implementing series of tasteful techniques that occur during this time.
DETERMINING THE STRIKE ZONE
The first thing, long before we can put emphasis on high percentage portions of each cast is determining the strike zone. This will vary with changing conditions, seasonal patterns, and techniques. But once a little information is gathered, we can begin to narrow it down to the optimal seconds to get bites.
Here are a couple things to focus on when trying to time the next bite.
STRUCTURE
Obvious structures, such as standing timber, docks, pilings, rock piles and weed lines are prime targets to apply this technique
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to. But also, not so obvious targets come into play as well - mudlines, shade lines and current breaks to name a few.
On the retrieve I will “glue it” when approaching and leaving these targeted structures. Giving the fish a split second longer to react or breaking up a steady pace with a calculated change in action.
DEPTH
Many times, the likely moment to get a bit has very little to do with the surroundings; but has a lot to do with a specific depth.
Fishing all depths is the first step to find the most productive. However, I will not cast into five-feet and fish to 60’ on one cast.
I find it best to break it down incrementally. For example: 5’ to 20’, 20’ to 40’ and 40’ to 60’, so on and so forth. Once a prime depth is determined, I can then “glue it” to that depth and increase your catches for the day. Note: sometimes depths change during the day, so continuing to prospect is a good idea.
LURES
Now that we have determined structure type and depth, and plan on “gluing our baits to the strike zone”, here are a few lures and presentations where this thought process really comes into play.
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