®
Winter 2023
I
n all aspects of fishing, we are constantly focusing on the angles in which we can maximize
our efficiency. I guess that’s why they call it angling.
Most commonly we position ourselves for a cast and retrieve approach in which the lure tracks in a straight line back to the boat. Many situations this is the most effective approach and will
result in success as long as we’ve chosen a tempting angle.
However, sometimes we need to get creative to get into those hard-to-reach spots, create an
ambush point or a direction change during the retrieve giving the bass a different look they don’t see
too often. By calculating the movement/drift of the boat and understanding where the cast will start
and finish, we can do just that.
It is a seamless attack and can produce strikes that would not come on a standard straight
retrieve approach. This perfectly timed strategy is referred to as “boat mending”.
WHAT IS BOAT MENDING
First and foremost, what is boat mending? Well, mending means to correct, repair or adjust the way your line is set on the water. It is most commonly used
in fly fishing. In fly fishing the mend is done with the rod.
In boat mending, we are adjusting the line and the angle of
our retrieve by repositioning the boat during our retrieve. Most
importantly you will have to develop a good understanding of
your boat speed/drift and retrieve speed first.
Once, you have a good understanding of these
to variables, simply make a cast past the target
and continue your desired path with the boat.
You will notice that your retrieve angle is
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