Fishing_Rod

Greetings All, A very interesting topic. Since I'm a kayak and shore angler I've got no motor(s) to deal with. Still, minimizing disturbances has maximized opportunities for successful angling. Using that theme has been helpful as it is about all aspects, noise, visual appearance, and such. Also minimizing the fuss factor helps with the recreational tranquility too! As a recreational angler I'm there to simply enjoy. Yeah, so doing what I can to prevent a startled fish is helpful. One of the reasons supporting my use of Ultra light gear, presenting a lower signature profile. When in the yak, I'm keeping in mind my presentation of where my shadow is casting if I'm approaching a particular area. Since I fish mainly in shallow water areas I do what I can to simply glide in or let the breeze work me, when available, into position for a precision cast. On the shore, I'm considerate of how I approach the area I'll be casting from and towards. I'm trying not to drag or scuff my feet making alerting sounds. All simple and deliberate actions to maximize success. If you've spent time in the water you can tell how easily sound carries. So I simply do what I can to minimize it. No, I don't get crazy about it as there are some things that can't be avoided, such as having to paddle to avoid crashing into something from a wicked wind gust. In those cases where there is a wind challenge, then I'm forced to allow for additional distance to be able to get in a cast before having to deal with the wind and kayak positioning. Also in the yak I minimize the amount of gear that is not stowed or secured. There is a primary safety aspect to avoid issues with unsecured stuff, it also minimizes the sound of something clunking or such. None of this is difficult to do and it does appear to be significant in helping to catch fish. Again, let's be careful out there. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Just to add from this weekend's experience. I was at one of the TUS urban lake parks fishing along the shore. There were surface disruptions sporadically, mostly in the deeper water sections. I had just arrived a spot when there was a small minnow that jumped out the water and it happened to be within casting range. I sent a curly tailed grub on a 1/16 oz jig to that location. I did wait till it hit bottom just to see if I could draw attention before moving it. As I engaged the reel after it hit bottom, indicated by the line, the line moved as the fish picked up the grub off the bottom. Hey, fish on! A small slightly over 1 pound bass but great fun on-line. This was repeated several times throughout the day as there was surface activity that I could cast towards and I never did get a bite when I did the cast and retrieve where I didn't let it settle first. Just observations as I'm typically trying to figure out what works for that moment in time. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Concur based on review of the photo provided. The area just above the line guide wrapping appears to have damage deeper than the outer layer and into the actual blank fibers. Under loading this may present a failure point. Just keep that in mind, as a caution, if you intend to use the rod. (wear eye protection) Be well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, I use rods of 5.5 ft - 4.5 ft. They transport well in the cab of my truck and also when I'm using kayak. There is not too much sticking out when they are laying on deck or when they are vertical in the rod holders. All of the rods are either Ultra Lite or Lite action rods. Yes, you don't have as much leverage as a longer rod so you do have to be diligent with your technique in maintain line tension at all times. Fortunately the UL action provides some forgiveness. Regarding the drag setting, I tend to adjust based on how the rod loads up. Because of the variation in the rod action I use I'll make accommodations from that response. Some of the "lite" action are on the stiff response side of things so those don't get as much dialed in. Sharp fine wire hooks help. Those are my first preference. Mashing the barb contributes too. I do when I actually think about, which is most of the time. I simply clamp on it using my pocket multi-tool pliers. I started doing that when trout fishing to aid in easier release. I then realized the improved hookup. Yup, old dogs can learn. Minimizing the amount of hook tip embedded helps too. I rarely deep dive the hook into the soft plastic, It is not needed for my style of angling with UL gear. Since I'm using 4 pound mono I've only got so much to work with. Which is my approach to this. Your mileage may vary. Good Luck to you and others. Some helpful tips shared, keep them going! Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, I mainly have some sort of soft plastic rigged up. It can be something on a 1/16 oz jig or similar weighted weedless worm. I've found from experience when it is a bass or bluegills chasing minnows there is just a small window of time available while they are near the disturbance. If you delay responding they have moved on to another location. When there is a nearby disturbance that happens to be within casting range, I'll send something to that general area, typically somewhere within 3 yards, (3 meters), and swim it after a slight pause just to let it settle a little bit. I'm not discriminate as it is possible to swim pretty much anything. While not a sure thing, doing so allows you to occasionally win the lottery of chance. You can't win if you don't play. It is great fun to feel the resistance on-line! Be well and Cheers!

Good Day All, What I use typically doesn't change too much as a theme. I usually use smaller, less than 4 inch in overall size, weedless soft plastics baits. Color and shape are varied along with lightly weighted or weightless. That theme has demonstrated to be productive in the region where I go for angling adventure. Hard to argue with a body of evidence through history to support the rationale. Now the places I present the bait varies greatly. I go to different types of waters (lakes, ponds, canals). I generally try to focus about areas with some structure (usually where there is a significant change from the immediate area). Overall, I'm about 80% consistent with the type of baits used. If the conditions present a compelling reason then I'll adapt about 20% of the time and go for another option. Example: seeing fish active near the surface. Many times I throw at that even using that typical weedless soft plastic I'm usually using, hey you never know if you don't try, right? Most of the time it is just a timely response needed for a fleeting condition. However, if there is protracted surface activity I'm more compelled to switch to a more appropriate bait to maximize success. We don't often see that level of surface activity but it has happened on occasions. Again adapting when compelled to. Just $0.02 worth of experience and opinion tossed in for review. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Just sharing $0.02 of personal experience and observations. I purchased two same model, lower cost rods from a big box retailer. Knowing that these are mass produced I expected some product variances. One of the reel seats is offset, slightly off the centerline of the line guides. It is visibly confirmed but not by an appreciable amount. So I decided to continue with the purchase as the price was right. I've used both rods with various reel and line configurations and I can not identify any performance issues. When casting and retrieving there is no detectable difference in performance between the two rods. Distance and accuracy are similar between the two. I've got both configured with the same type reels and same line. I simply have different soft plastics rigged on each and I frequently change bait configurations on them. In my case the variation is minor and over time I've confirmed it is no factor for me. The only difference is the visual aspect of the slight offset. Extensive experience using both has not shown any real performance difference with putting baits where I want them. It was also not worth the effort to return, and or exchange the rod. I'm happy to simply use and enjoy the casting and catching using it. Yeah, I much rather be out at the lake than in the customer service line. While your mileage may vary, and based on the information you provided I believe you can be good either living with the product variance or seeking a warranty resolution with the reputable MFR you mentioned. Since you invested in a quality product I suspect the MFR is interested in supporting your satisfaction if you are willing to contribute some time and effort for processing that warranty claim. Either way the folks here on BassResource are looking forward to hearing of your catching success using either the rod you have or a warranty adjusted unit. Be well, and Cheers!

Golly! That is quite the sight to see. THXs for sharing that. Wow!

Greetings All, I typically work the shoreline areas either from the shore or from the yak. It is easier and less fuss when in the yak. You are able to work more angles from the yak and also successfully retrieve more of those wayward casts. Our summer time is HOT, so working the shady shallows has been more successful than working the deeper areas. The yak provides a quiet approach which I believe helps a great deal. I can empathize about the challenges of dealing with the wind and doing what you can to avoid crashing into something. It is a two handed ordeal many times when working the paddle and rod simultaneously. Of course there are those occasions of where the fish drag you along too! Much of the time I position the yak far enough away that I can make a cast with enough time to work it before having to reposition or work the paddle. On those times when I need a more determined effort and hover longer on a spot, I'll deploy my makeshift anchor. It is also my tool to determine depth. Because I'm never really in deep water I'm not dealing with a lot of anchor line. My current anchor is an old wheel hub from a hand truck. It works much like a mushroom configuration so it holds reasonably well with the soft bottoms as long as you deploy enough line to create a sufficient angle for it to grip. Yes, something that I needed to learn through experience, as it is not so much the weight of the anchor as it is the technique of how you use it. Yes, it is possible for an old dog to learn. It holds reasonably well on the harder surfaces too. My original folding grapple anchor from the hardware store got seriously caught up in the rocks to be sacrificed, sad. So I went and harvested the next best thing and have been using that for decades. The summer time weed ring about the lakes are a treasure trove of fun. Usually I'm targeting the deeper inner edge, one closest to the center of the lake. This time of year I'm working the outer edge that very shallow region between the weeds and shoreline. It is so fun to land a precision cast in that small open water space only to see a flash dash out from the weeds to hammer, ambush, the weedless soft plastic. The second half of summer time is when I transition away from my typical UL rigs and go with gear a bit stouter where I can apply some leverage. Usually it is a case of getting them pinned and then hold tension so I can sort of dig them out of the filamentous weeds. The smash and dash is exhilarating! So yes, the shallows are totally fun for me. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Currently I've got a SOG Power Pint multi-tool handy in my pocket. It also has a pocket clip if easier access is needed. The small multi-tool has great utility to me. Depending on the situation the file has a notch at the end of it which is also helpful to release a hook when there is limited access. Generally the pliers are the primary tool. Nice to simply have options. It is one of the smaller pocket multi-tools for the number of tools and utility it provides. The various hemostat types, medical grade and for angling, are helpful for fine wire or flies. They don't do well when requiring additional leverage or torque needed to clear larger wire hooks. That prompted me to go to pliers when dealing with larger baits, hooks, and fish. Eventually I selected the SOG power pint as an every day tool to have handy. Since getting it I find I use it frequently for all sorts of tasks successfully. It is rare that I need to divert and get a specialty tool when it comes to casual efforts. Obviously it is hard to beat an application specific tool. It is a handy bit of kit to keep in the pocket. I've been using it for over half a decade with good results. I'm quite surprised I've not misplaced it. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, The only thing that has really changed over the years is the amount of time available for angling adventures. Entering my 60s folks are not calling on me for so many things which allows me time to goof off at the lakes. That entails a good portion of the day light hours where I'll depart about breakfast time and get back in time for dinner. That includes at least an hour or so travel time each way. It is pretty similar for either situation where I am working the shoreline or being on the water using my yak. I keep things reasonably simple as to maximize my recreation time. Because I'm recreational angling I keep it comfortable but determined (to have fun). Unfortunately where I reside, I have at least an hour or more transit time to reach a fishing destination. It would be nice not to have that requirement to increase casting and catching. I do tend to roll up the mileage on the old pickup truck. Fortunately it is up for the challenge. Wishing each of you much angling success regardless of your time at the water. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Interesting topic. I'll toss in $0.02 about the situation here in Southern AZ. In the regional Tucson area there are several urban style parks with lakes. Each has a different charisma as they are unique in build and features. The fishing characteristics are also unique. I suspect due to the variations in the habitat that contributes to the angling characteristics. All are man made reservoirs using different construction techniques. One is close to a simple depression filled with water. The edges there are defined by the water depth and vary significantly throughout the seasons. Another is more like a oversized swimming pool with manicured vertical well defined edges. That location has better water level control maintaining a consistent depth. It also has active landscaping and crews that tend to the surrounding area along with managing debris in the water. These lakes are within 20 miles of each other so quite accessible if you are ambitious and seek adventure at each of those locations. Often when weather prevents me from being on the water I'll go to the Tucson lakes and work the shorelines. I can spend a few hours at each of the lakes before taking a break, lunch, or other errand. Because the lakes are man made they didn't have much consideration for extensive structure or features supporting fish holding. So through diligence you can find the subtle features that fish will associate to and make precision casts to submit to the angling lottery for success. Being a recreational angler I make the most fun with the time I have available. Being able to enjoy each of the different locations is part of the fun. I do find when there is more casting rather than catching I'm motivated to try a different venue. Weedless rigged soft plastics are the preferred solution along with slow moving swim baits. These make for memorable photo opportunities. Yes, mixing it up is nice if time and motivation permit. Have a great time with your angling adventures! Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Yes, all are admired with my gratitude for being "on-line". Most are simply quickly returned. Some get photographed. Depending on the location, there is the occasional harvest. There is consideration for the regional consumption advisories so harvesting is only from lower risk locations. As @WRB and others have pointed out the admiration is also an examination to improve understanding through observation. Be well and cheers!

Greetings and Happy Friday All, Yes, we are in full summer time monsoon season here. Hot and humid to create those intense storm cells. The shoreline angling adventures are in full swing too. Because the dramatic weather changes within minutes, it has been safer to be able to reach safety rapidly, rather that being out on the water. Yes, @Bazoo the crankbait has scored many time without issue other than fair wear and tear. Removing the hooks from the fish does require pliers as the soft connection does not allow you to lever like a traditional split ring does. Which is OK! When I do change things I'll use a bit heavier braid that I've got available. @king fisher Spot on with the info shared. Thank You! I am simply using what I had at the moment to "try" this out as a proof of concept. I will convert the configuration to the heavier braid that I have on my shelf and I will change from the loop connection to a single line configuration using the snelled attachment. I am going to smash the barbs as there was plenty of holding capability already and I prefer less fuss to accomplish the release. Good learning going on. Each of you and the BR community are great to provide information freely and graciously. Thank You! Regards, be well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, Usually any soft plastic (creature, or worm) that is less than 4 inches overall length. Something in that 2 - 4 inch range has great appeal in this area for use all year. I'm not too particular about the actual geometry or color. The creature baits add bulk to the profile and also the appendages add motion. When it comes to worms unless I'm working it faster than a drag, the tail is not too much of an preference issue. If I'm using a swimming presentation then it is nice to have that curly tail action. I typically rig it weedless using a variety of extra wide gap hooks that range from size 1 - 2/0 depending on the geometry of the soft plastic, with a preference on using light wire hooks for an ultra lite configuration on 4 pound mono. Weightless is a good option when conditions support it. Most of the time I'm using a 1/64 oz bullet weight for just a little weight. If conditions require I may bump up to a 1/16 oz to get a bit more fall rate or when dealing with current. This simple configuration has been successful for me using it across AZ from the low desert regions to the higher alpine for multi-species catching. Slower presentations have provided better results. I hope this expands your consideration for catching success. Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, This thread has so many personally relatable aspects. Great stuff everyone! I'll have a go an toss in $0.02 worth. I'm all into going fishing when I can. Yes, my life is busy with all sorts of family and professional responsibilities. Combine that with an area that requires some travel to get to a fishing spot and you have an opportunistic recreational angler. Sure I prefer catching rather than casting. It is the catching that is memorable and evokes youthful memories of family catching sunfish, bass, crappie, and catfish. Those memories are the foundation for today's memories. I have to state that I am all in on the fishing thing. I appreciate the entire angling adventure. Yup, I even enjoy just thinking about it too! Probably because that work thing still gets in the way of recreating. Being a recreational angler I've got simple objectives. Mainly to enjoy my self, minimize cost and complexity (that affects available time to go fishing). Keeping things reasonably simple improves the catching and enjoyment. Too much gear or too much fancy stuff just requires additional effort and fussing that I can do without. This does not mean I don't investigate different techniques or gear, I simply do it in a relaxed way never wandering too far from simplistic success. I use mainly UL gear and I have investigated BFS and bait casting reels as of late. I'm taking my time in learning a few thing. BassResource has been great as I can read and view information shared by others, very nice. I've had some good success catching a few larger than typical fish on the BFS gear. These successes have demonstrated to me that I can use it reasonable well. I may use it occasionally but it does require a dedicated effort, so I'm not sure I need to work that hard to achieve desired results. Back to the original question(s). Yes, I fully enjoy each and every aspect of my angling adventures. I love that feeling on the UL rig that tells me something is interested in playing! I love the sound of the drag clicking or screaming as line peels off the whispy UL rod. I love the sound of fully tensioned mono in the light breeze changing frequency as the tension on the line changes and vibrates. A soundtrack that represents the drama of the moment. I am totally gratified when I'm able to make that precision cast and put the bait right where I want it be. I also totally enjoy the look of the line flowing in an arc with that minimal effort high accuracy cast. I love seeing the line move or increase in tension as something at the other end is "interested". Quirky or not, I make it a point to thank each fish for the opportunity to play. Truly grateful to be able to do that too! Even when returning from the angling adventures, the drive home lets me think about what I did, how I did, and what I'm going to try to do next time. Usually it also involves what I need to fix or modify for the next adventure. It is All GOOD! Wishing each of you well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, Yes, the rod length is a personal preference thing. There are several factors for consideration. My solution is based on my style of recreational ultra lite angling from my slightly less than 10 foot yak. It is comfortable and small enough to be easily portable for transport and also small enough to get in and out of the nooks at the various lakes. I typically select fishing rods of 5.5 feet or less. These fit easily inside the double cab of my truck without the need to disassemble. There is less of an issue when I have rods on the deck of yak laying horizontally. There is minimal over hang so when getting in an out of places I'm not too worried about snagging with possible breakage. Even the rods in the vertical holders are not much of an issue as the shorter rods expose less to catch overhead branches. They fit in the truck, they fit better on the smaller yak too. The shorter rods does not limit me by too much when it comes to casts. When I'm in the yak I'm more interested in accurate casts more than I'm concerned about long distance. Although I get good distance because of the UL configurations. So yes, for me, my solution is that 5.5 foot rods that work well for me. Of course your mileage may vary. Choose what works well for your style of angling. Be well, and Cheers!

Greetings and Happy Friday All, @ol'crickety Bravo! That looked to be a very gratifying angling adventure. Well Done! I aspire to emulate your performance. Depending on the weather, we are in our monsoon pattern currently, so safety is a priority with those rapidly developing strong storm cells. Wear and tear, work hardening of the metal on spinner baits is right there with the lottery numbers. Make your best guess. Depending on the metal and construction they are only good for so many bends. There are some tell tail indicators of work hardening, again it depends on so many things. If the metal wire changes appearance, from a shinny surface to a frosted like appearance it is probably time to retire it. If you have a plain metal paper clip handy you can do your own confirmation. Usually the undisturbed metal wire will have a glossy, shiny surface appearance. Flex the metal and depending on the type of metal, the appearance will change at the area of stress. Continue those flex cycles and the metal becomes work hardened. Often showing metal structure, hence the frosted look from the micro fractures developing between the metal grains. Pretty soon you can simply point at it declaring, "well, there is your problem." Thank You so much for sharing photos and stories of your adventures. Give the tail wagger some good loving too! Be well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, I have to ask what your objectives are? You asked for some perspectives on the matter so I'll toss in $0.02 worth. If you seek to catch fish then it is probably better to base your decisions on evidence, "results". If your initial approach is not producing, even though it may be your preferred way the fish may have a different opinion. Often a slight variation of what you are doing is all that is needed as an adjustment. Example: You are punching the weeds, perhaps a slightly different amount of weight to change the fall rate. I would simply recommend the easy approach first, simply let the bait soak longer and linger in place. Often the fish need time to approach and commit. The equipment remains the same, you've just adjusted your tempo. I've had the too much coffee on the drive to the lake and find it is simply a tempo thing. Till I match the pace of the place I'm at then thing are better. On the other hand there have been times where I'm seeking to develop skills with a particular technique, bait, etc. So I will take a dedicated approach to learn and understand through building experience. In those cases I'm working to achieve the results with a commitment to use what I've got in hand. I'm not changing and I'm going to make it work, right? Yeah, there is a time and place for different approaches. Me, I'm a recreational angler so I'd better be having fun first. I might learn a thing or two along the way. This is the time of the year for big fish in the big weeds, go get'em. Be well and cheers!

Greetings All, The bigger than typical bass that I've caught have frequently been on crawdad sized imitations (grubs on jigs, and related soft plastics). These seem to do better than the other size presentations. I generally find keeping the baits in the 2-4 inch size range is helpful to keep me more in the catching rather than just casting. THXs Tom for that characterization. Go get'em!

Greetings All, This is great reading on a Friday afternoon! Thank You for the information, grins, and laughs! Awesome! Be well and Cheers!

Greetings All, Yes, the answer is, "it depends..." My primary concern is safety, no need to assume too much risk for angling passion. That being said, I have been out in a wide range of rain conditions when it was reasonably safe to do so. Also it is helpful to seek "safe harbor" reasonably quick too if the conditions change. Good to align priorities properly for well being. Here in AZ we've got a fairly wide range of rain events. Everything from light to heavy that is less than an hour in duration, or we can have the various storm systems move into the area for more significant events. This time of year we've got the triple digit temperatures with double digit humidity. Those in combination are identified with our summer time monsoon. Storm cells can blossom and form in minutes creating some very intense downpours with very damaging winds from the outflows. You can add in the lighting for additional drama and danger too. Other times of the year we have more traditional type rains found in many other areas. Much lower damage and risk. Those are the times where I'll observe the environment and make a judgement call as to continue angling or not. During our monsoon season, it is best to have safety near by. Yes, it is amazing and astonishing how fast those storms blossom. Dramatic to see too! One of the reasons we have a number of storm chasing photographers and videographers in the region this time of year. The safety aspect extends beyond just deciding to fish or not fish. Here in AZ the terrain is such that any modest rain can create travel hazards. Flash flooding can easily wash out roads or cover them in debris. Any of those conditions can make your route home impassible. Another consideration during poor weather. There was a time when there was the remnant of an eastern pacific hurricane that down graded significantly as it diminished right over AZ. That brought some much needed regular type rain. Just wide coverage area rain, that was pretty consistent with good duration. The temperatures remained comfortable and I took my kayak out and worked the weed mats. Other than being wet it was a pretty good day of fishing. I've never found evidence of rain affecting or influencing the fishing, other than maybe the inflow of dirty water mixing with the clearer lake water. Fishing in the different lakes in the region, the fish were willing to play much like they would typically. I didn't really approach the angling in a different way either. I still worked the shoreline and weed line edges whether in clearer water or not using small compact soft plastics. Note: here in Southern AZ I rarely find "clear" water. It is usually murky or slightly less murky. I mentioned the monsoon rains, that creates those frequent inputs of dirty water to the lakes. If the rain was significant it won't just be dirty water in the lakes, plenty of debris too. Many of the areas here have had recent range fires so all the ash and bits of floating material (branches, leaves, etc). The ash mixed with the water does change the lake chemistry too. I've not found where I couldn't catch fish even with all that going on. It is a challenge to get about and maneuver your line / bait on occasions. Yeah, so angling in the rain is no big deal if the conditions are reasonably safe to do so. Now whether you want to do so is another thing. Depending on your gear and setup, rain can make a mess of things. My gear and setup is rather basic and because it is simple there is very little issue with rain. Your mileage may vary. Let's be careful out there. Be well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, Great question! Through the years my answer has has changed. It adapted to environment and equipment options available. Currently, I carry a Victorinox Explorer with an SOG Power Pint. The combination of both provide me great utility for professional and personal efforts. The tool overlap is not a significant issue for me as there are differences. Example: both have scissors. The size and capabilities of each are different. I will add, I did not initially appreciate the magnifying loop as much as I do now. Age, older eyes, and events have shown me how useful it is to have. In regards to fishing, that magnifying loop along with the straight pin have solved countless knot issues. My tool combination doesn't take up too much pocket space. Also with the SOG power pint I can make better use of the bit driver set. That I keep somewhat handy when needed but generally not carried about. This combo was reasonably priced as neither is too expensive. Also easy to replace, so far after close to a decade of use, no issues with either. I've managed to make use of pretty much ever implement during that time. Yeah, including the interesting parcel hook. That has come in handy too! Wishing each of you well in all your adventures. Cheers!

Greetings All, I have interpreted finesse fishing as a combination of smaller baits, lighter gear (thinner line, sensitive rod) presented in a more relaxed way. All this provides more opportunity for strikes. It can include extended pauses where little to no angler action is provided but not exclusive to that. Over the years of angling this approach has resulted in more catching for me. The more relaxed approach is better suited for my recreational objective. As an example, my typical setup is generally considered Ultra Lite. This applies to the 4 pound mono, the light action rod, and soft plastic baits that are 3 inches or smaller in size. This is generally worked low and slow. Slow does not mean just stopped, although extended pauses are helpful. I am reluctant to move the bait too far or too fast. This maximizes interest and opportunity for a strike. It is not a preferred approach for everyone but it does produce a lot of catching. It occurred to me many years ago where I would read and hear about so many instances where someone makes a cast and something distracts them, a backlash or etc, for some time only to realize a fish is "on-line". Hey, there is something to that where you let the bait settle for a bit more. I started deliberately slowing down and downsizing the baits. I caught more using simple low cost baits. All good for me, right? That continued success using this theme is why I still use that approach to catch fish of all sizes. Yes, the drama of fish larger than line capacity is thrilling, which is one of the many reasons we go fishing. I don't only finesse fish but most of my angling is. Another example is from my youth in watching the response of fish when presented a bait. Often there is not an instant fish strike as it takes time for fish to wander over and investigate something that just fell in the water or in their area of interest. Depending on the mood or environment, having the bait not moved by the angler can result in an eventual strike. I also watched the difference between the style of movement. Bold movements didn't always result in a strike. Sometimes a too dramatic change simply resulted in loss of interest or created a startle response. Not helpful for catching fish. Smoother movements were less threatening and often resulted in those triggering responses. Lastly I enjoy angling, I also don't want to work too hard to recreate. By using lighter weight gear it is more enjoyable for me. I catch fish, I also don't struggle to hold a heavy rig for all that time. I find I have better feel with a lower mass setup. That feel helps me figure out if I'm in the weeds, rocks, mud, etc. I hope this information and that of all the others providing their inputs, has improved the understanding and in someway helped to improve the catching! Be well, and Cheers!

Greetings All, Non-typical sounds appear to be a significant factor influencing fish. Most of us have read the phrase, "scared fish don't bite", which may have an aspect of reality. I do tend to catch more and better fish when things are calm in the area. Those special days when I'm able to be on the water during the middle of week are generally more productive than the busier weekend and holidays. These observations also support using smaller bait presentations. Less disturbance entering the water. I'm still trying to find that balance of letting them know to pay attention to the bait presented while not startling them. Yup, I need more data, guess it is time to do more field research, right? Be well and Cheers!