It made sense right away when you re-mentioned fishing up a grade. That part didn't click the first time I read threw. Thanks

When would you raise the rod during the retrieve? 

14 minutes ago, jhc1 said:

When would you raise the rod during the retrieve? 

See Bolded text Below ~

A-Jay

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Sure - it's a fairly simple concept to grasp and the difference in depth recognized will be directly related to rod length. 

A lowered rod on the retrieve encourages the bait to travel lower in the water column than a high point rod position. 

So when bringing a lure up a drop, grade or steep bank, using a lowered rod position at the start and through the middle of the retrieve and then as the bait approaches the boat (or bank) raising the rod to keep the bait close to but off the bottom so as not to foul, may get you a few more strikes. 

Not magic, just another tool.

A-Jay

Keeping a high rod tip during most any point in the retrieve and with most any lure or bait will encourage it to run higher in the water column.  Can be used in shallow water situations or even to avoid a potential snag.

A-Jay

i always hold the rod at an angle instead of pointing it at the lure. hold it to the side and if it starts loading up set the hook. 

A rod that transmits vibration really well why not being overloaded by the weight you are using with a main line that has little to no stretch is so helpful. 

From my experience bass that are big enough to be worth reeling in take a bait and don't mess around . If you have your bottom contact or reaction bait weighted then point your rod to your main line and reel. You will feel the extra weight. That weight could be a rock or a log, but a bait sliding over structure won't weight your line. 

You will get some bites over time too that you will know is a bite and you'll never forget it, but those only happen about a third of the time. Line watching is really easy, but also needs to be in your arsenal. 

 

When you all say line watching, what part of the line are you actually observing? The line where it first contacts the water, or where it goes under water? Does it make a difference? 

6 hours ago, jhc1 said:

When you all say line watching, what part of the line are you actually observing? The line where it first contacts the water, or where it goes under water? Does it make a difference? 

I watch it as close as I can to the water. Depends on what's in the background. 

I had this problem when I first went from pond fishing to the lake after I bought my boat. I was setting hooks on rocks left and right because I was not use to that type of structure and the feel it gave off. Finally learned the subtle and distinguished difference and now know without hesitation when its a rock or an actual fish. Now that doesnt mean I catch the fish everytime I get a thump but you will learn over time. 

Sounds like practice is the answer!

5 hours ago, jhc1 said:

 Sounds like practice is the answer!

Yea man can't beat practice. Lots of great posts in this thread. I fish a lot of nasty chunk river rock and it can be very frustrating and rewarding. 

Check out this thread. 

@Catt his second post in the thread has really helped me in my rocky river jigs fishing. Thanks Catt!