I’ve become very curious about this lately. When I’m fishing bottom contact baits I like to keep the line running over my index finger to help detect strikes.
 

I can imagine this being difficult for some people because of different reel sizes/shapes and of course hand sizes. 

 

So, do you use your index finger to feel the line? Why or why not? Do you think it makes a noticeable difference in bite detection?

I’ve always put the line in the first joint, it’s much more sensitive that a finger pad 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

16 minutes ago, Mike L said:

I’ve always put the line in the first joint, it’s much more sensitive that a finger pad 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Yeah that’s exactly how I do it. Do you think it really helps feel fish better? Does it negatively impact your hooksets at all? 

I dont.

It feels so odd, and i dont have as much control over the rod.

I will use tungsten weights and occasionally braid for line, that gives me all i need for feeling bites.

Personally i think it matters as much as wearing certain color shoes will help me catch bigger bass, but if it gives you more confidence thats all that matters. And keep doing it.

 

But for the hookset part, i definitely think it does impact it.

The second or 2 it takes to move your finger back to the rod and rip the rod to set the hook is enough time for a bass to spit a bait out.

I don't.  It's not comfortable for me and I get a better grip holding onto the rod.  

No I don’t.  I keep my rod tip high and watch the line.

No I don’t feel the need to with todays equipment combined with watching the line. 

Yep over the tip of my index finger and under the tip of my thumb holding the rod  with the remaining 3 fingers in front of the reel.

Finger tip feels the line movements better then any rod can.

No reason to move my rod grip to hook set because I use the reel to set hooks and a firm rod sweep to finish the hook set it’s faster moves more line plus puts more force to the hook.

Tom

I run the line over my finger. It certainly doesn't hurt detecting strikes and the way I palm a reel it's almost natural to do so.

Do you use your index finger to feel the line when fishing bottom contact baits?

I tried it for a while, on & off.

Never could get the hang of it.

Felt a little unnatural for me.

I'm a reel palmer and my thumb is the only thing on top of the reel. 

I still get a few though. 

 

btw that's a 300 size round reel so it's a little big.

A-Jay

2 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Yeah that’s exactly how I do it. Do you think it really helps feel fish better? Does it negatively impact your hooksets at all? 

The joint is the most sensitive part so yes it definitely helps to feel any line movement or vibration 

 

As @WRB Mentioned when reel setting the grip doesn’t move using a reel sweep to hit her. 
 

When I set in a move vertical angle say when flipping or pitching I just move my finger off the line which takes less than a fraction of second while setting. 
 I just wrap the finger underneath to finishing palming it. 

My thumb is always on the spool throughout the process 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Sure do 

@A-Jay

I don’t use round reels but I can see what you’re saying. 

I use low profile reels exclusively which makes it easier and faster. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

20 minutes ago, Mike L said:

@A-Jay

I don’t use round reels but I can see what you’re saying. 

I use low profile reels exclusively which makes it easier and faster. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

I use both Round and low profile reels. (usually smaller)

and I hold them pretty much the same was as pictured. 

A-Jay

1 minute ago, A-Jay said:

I use both Round and low profile reels. (usually smaller)

nd I hold them pretty much the same was as pictured. 

A-Jay

I hold pretty much the same way except going by your picture, my wrist would be shifted a little lower to bring my index finger up under the line 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

28 minutes ago, Mike L said:

The joint is the most sensitive part so yes it definitely helps to feel any line movement or vibration 

 

As @WRB Mentioned when reel setting the grip doesn’t move using a reel sweep to hit her. 
 

When I set in a move vertical angle say when flipping or pitching I just move my finger off the line which takes less than a fraction of second while setting. 
 I just wrap the finger underneath to finishing palming it. 

My thumb is always on the spool throughout the process 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Agree when the line is vertical or out 45 degrees the set is upwards in lieu of a side sweep. Thumb us on the spool!

Tom

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

 Thunderbolt us on the spool!

Tom

Yepper!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

I do with a baitcaster

We talking about bait casters!

Tom

Yes. Hello everyone, I'm a line feeler and my name is GreenPig.

yup

no, never.

Yessir.  

 

scott

3 hours ago, Mike L said:

I’ve always put the line in the first joint, it’s much more sensitive that a finger pad 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Same here. 

5 hours ago, Mike L said:

I hold pretty much the same way except going by your picture, my wrist would be shifted a little lower to bring my index finger up under the line 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

Sounds pretty much how I hold a reel as well. With my little baby mitts I'd need both hands to even hold A-Jays round reel! 😆